The Gala is only a few weeks away and it’s time to unleash the fun and have a ball! Please dress in cocktail attire so the pup arazzi can get great photos! You will be feline fine if you set up your payment account before arriving at the pawty! You need an account to pawticipate in the auctions, raffle and Fund the Future. If you are bringing friends to the Gala, please forward all communications to them or send their emails to us.

Registration/Check-In Questions:

(Q) Where should I go when I arrive?
(A) All guests should go to the Check-In table.
Guests who have completed registration, including setting up their account in ClickBid and have a credit card saved in the system, can proceed. Guests who have not completed their account setup with ClickBid or need to provide additional information, such as a phone number, address, and/or a credit card, should visit the Guest Services table.

(Q) How do I know if I have completed my account set-up with ClickBid?
(A) Please visit the Guest Services table, and they can look up your account status.

(Q) Why do I need to set up an account with ClickBid?
(A) Heartland Animal Shelter uses ClickBid to run tonight’s silent auction, live auction, raffle, and fund-a-cause. To view any of these items or participate in these activities, each guest must have a ClickBid account set up.

(Q) Why do I need to store my credit card information?
(A) ClickBid uses a safe and secure payment processing system to store credit card information for payment of any items won or purchased at the event. This allows guests to view their invoice, use self-checkout, and leave the event at their convenience. ClickBid will release your credit card information upon the conclusion of the event. If you prefer to pay for items purchased or won with a different credit card or check, you may do so at Guest Check Out, which will begin at 9:45 p.m.

(Q) Can I view the auction items if I do not have a ClickBid account?
(A) Yes, you can view printed display cards of all the auction items available for bidding in the Abbey located between the lobby and dining room. Bidding on those items is only available through an account with ClickBid. If you decide to forgo setting up your account upon arrival at the event and need assistance later, please visit the Guest Services in the lobby.

(Q) Can my spouse/partner and I use the same bid number?
(A) Yes, please go to the Guest Services table and a volunteer can update your accounts with a single bid number.

General Questions:

(Q) What is the Wi-Fi?
Please connect to Wheeling Park District; no password is needed.

(Q) Can I park my car overnight at Chevy Chase?
(A) Yes, guests may leave their cars parked overnight in the parking lot.

(Q) Is there a coat check?
(A) Yes, a complimentary coach check is available in the back, right side of the lobby.

(Q) Where are the bathrooms?
(A) The bathrooms are located to the left of the entrance, down the hallway.

Food & Beverage Questions:

(Q) How long is the cocktail hour?
(A) Cocktail hour is from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

(Q) What drinks are included with my ticket?
(A) Complimentary wine, beer, soda, tea, coffee, and water are available at the bar for the duration of the event. Cocktails are available for purchase.

(Q) What time does dinner start?
(A) Guests will be asked to take their seats at 7:00 p.m. Tables will be called for stationed dinner service around 7:10 p.m.

(Q) Where should I sit?
(A) Table hosts and sponsors have reserved tables identified on a table sign by the host’s last name or company name. There is open seating for all individual ticket holders.

Event Timeline Questions:

(Q) What time does the program begin?
(A) The program will begin at 7:30 p.m.

(Q) What time does the concert start?
(A) The concert will start around 8:45 p.m.

(Q) What time will the silent auction close?
(A) The silent auction will close at 9:15 p.m.

(Q) What time will the raffle winner be announced?
(A) The raffle winner will be announced at 9:00 p.m.

(Q) Are there door prizes?
(A) No

(Q) What time does check-out begin?
(A) Guest check-out will begin at 9:45 p.m.

(Q) What time does the event end?
(A) The event ends at 10:00 p.m.

Auction & Raffle Questions

(Q) How do I bid on auction items?
(A) There is no traditional bidding at the event. To view or bid in the auction, purchase raffle tickets or support Heartland’s Fund-the-Future, you must have an account set up with ClickBid. If you need assistance setting up your ClickBid account, please visit the Guest Services table in the lobby.

(Q) I’m having trouble bidding on items using my ClickBid account. What should I do?
(A) Please visit one of our volunteers at the Guest Services table. They will help you troubleshoot the issue.

(Q) What does “buy it now” mean?
(A) Any item listed as “buy it now” means there is a specified quantity available for purchase at a set price, no bidding necessary. You are guaranteed the item.

(Q) What time does the silent auction close?
(A) The silent auction closes at 9:15 p.m.

(Q) What time can I check out?
(A) Guest Check Out will start at 9:45 p.m. If you have registered with a ClickBid account and also have payment information stored, you may use self-checkout after the silent auction closes, or at any time to process payment for purchase of raffle tickets or support for the Fund-The-Future. If you prefer to pay with an alternative payment method, please visit Guest Check Out starting at 9:45 p.m.

(Q) Can I pick up my auction items after the event?
(A) Heartland’s preference, if possible, is that you pick up your items on the night of the event. If you are unable to take your items with you on the night of the event, you may pick them up from Heartland Animal Shelter on Monday, October 20, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you are unable to pick up your items during this time, email [email protected] to schedule a pick-up time. Items may also be shipped at the winner’s expense.

(Q) What happens if I change my mind and no longer want the auction item I won?
(A) All sales are final. We can give the auction item to the second-highest bidder, and you may make a donation to Heartland for the difference between your bid and the next-highest bid.

(Q) How do I bid in the live auction?
(A) The live auction will be part of our live program. A minimum bid will be announced by our presenters, and raises will be called out. Please raise your hand for the level you wish to bid. Once the winning bid is called, the item is closed. A volunteer will come to your table to get your information to update your ClickBid account with your live auction purchase.

(Q) How much are raffle tickets?
(A) Raffle tickets are $25 for 1 ticket or $50 for 3 tickets.

(Q) What is the raffle prize?
(A) The raffle prize is a one-night complimentary stay at The Gwen Hotel, a stunning 5-star hotel known for its sophisticated charm and prime location, and a $150 gift card to RL Restaurant, a Chicago institution just a five-minute stroll from The Gwen.

(Q) Where do I buy my raffle ticket?
(A) You may purchase your raffle tickets through your account with ClickBid. Heartland is going green and using an electronic name scrambler to draw the winner. No physical tickets are being sold.

(Q) Where is the raffle ticket I purchased with my event ticket?
(A) Heartland is going green and using an electronic name scrambler to draw the winner. No physical tickets are being sold. All raffle tickets pre-sold with event tickets have been entered into the electronic name scrambler being used for the raffle drawing. If you would like to purchase additional raffle tickets, you may do so using your ClickBid account.

(Q) When will the raffle winner be announced?
(A) The raffle winner will be announced at 9:00 p.m.

(Q) Do I need to be present to win the raffle?
(A) No, the raffle winner does not need to be present to win. You may pick up your raffle prize from Heartland Animal Shelter between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025. If you are unable to pick up your items during this time, please email [email protected] to schedule a pick-up time. The raffle prize may also be shipped at the winner’s expense.