Virtual Carnivale Gala Guide

I. Getting Started: Sign up & Register 

II. Bid, Browse & Win

• • a. Bidding Basics
  • b. Online Auction
  • c. Live Auction Preview
  • d. Wine Wall

III. Countdown to Carnivale

• • a. Sponsor Experiences
  • b. Hero & Enthusiast
  • c. Grace for All Supporters
  • d. Carnivale Zoom Backgrounds
  • e. Create a Carnivale Cocktail

IV. Join the Party!

• • a. Access the Main Event
  • b. Schedule of Events
  • c. Live Auction
  • d. Support Fund the Future
  • e. Afterparty

V. FAQs & Resources

VI. Event Day Support: Email and Phone Number

---

---

I. Getting Started: Sign up & Register 

Have you been receiving texts and emails from Givesmart (no-reply@givesmart.com)? If yes, then you are registered.  

You can sign in to virtual Carnivale at Carnivale2021.Givesmart.com.  Browse online auction items, preview live items, buy wine wall tickets and consider bookmarking this site so you can fully participate in everything Carnivale has to offer this year. 

If you are not registered, go to Carnivale2021.Givesmart.com and follow these three steps: 

1. Click “Register to Participate”
2. Enter the required information
3. Click “Create my GiveSmart Account”

Once you are signed in, the excitement begins! 

Browse all items by clicking on the “items” tab. Enter your payment method so you can bid, win and donate. 

Adding a credit card to your profile before the event begins ensures that you can participate in the Wine Wall, auctions and Fund the Future. 

II. Bid, Browse & Win

a. Bidding Basics

• • 1. Access Carnivale 2021.
    • The Carnivale GiveSmart page is your hub/mainpage for the event. You can access it by following the link that givesmart shared with you by text and email with your registration.
  • 2. Browse the online auction items.
    • From the Carnivale GiveSmart page, click “View Items”, to browse and select items. You may also use the dropdown menu to view item categories.
  • 3. To enter your bid: You can use the pre-populated minimum bid or enter a higher amount. Click bid.
    • Auto bid – Select AUTO BID and enter the highest amount you are willing to bid. The system will place minimum bids for you as needed until your designated high bid has been reached (you will receive a text message if you are outbid.)  

b. Online Auction

• • The online auction opens on Monday, February 8 at 10 am PST and closes on Wednesday, February 17 at 12 pm. Share the auction link Carnivale2021.givesmart.com with friends.  
  • Questions? Before February 16, email development@gracecathedral.org for a quick and helpful reply. On February 16, contact us at Carnivale@gracecathedral.org or call or text 415-498-0249. Staff support will be available from 10 am to 9 pm. 

c. Live Auction

• • The Live Auction opens for online bidding on Tuesday, February 16 at 10 am. Visit Carnivale2021.givesmart.com to view and bid. Bidding will pause at 6 pm and resume during the live auction segment of the Carnivale broadcast. A chat feature will be enabled during the broadcast. Chat will be used for BIDDING during the Live auction. If you prefer to bid offline, you can email your bid/s to Michelle Harrison at michelleh@gracecathedral.org.
  • Our auctioneer will communicate / “call” the bids, winning bids will be announced and live items will be awarded to the highest bidder. 

III. Countdown to Carnivale

a. Sponsor Experiences

Sponsor experiences include a private Zoom Room, McCalls Dinner Box Deliveries, and of course, access to the Main Event!

• • Here’s a planning checklist for the morning of Carnivale: 
    • ▸ Confirm guests and remind them of the awesome night that awaits!
    • ▸ Let them know what time to expect their Carnivale-in-a-Box dinner (between 11 – 4 pm) 
    • ▸ Layout the group’s plan for the evening, from cocktails through dinner and dessert. 
    • ▸ Depending on your plan, suggest a good time to re-heat the dinner entrée using the instructions on the menu card, that will be included in the dinner box. You may let your guests know that the event program will also be in the box.
    • ▸ Encourage guests to visit the Carnivale Givesmart page to test their connection and preview the auction.
    • ▸ Share that each guest already has a ticket for the wine wall raffle, but they can increase their chances of winning by purchasing more at carnivale2021.givesmart.com.
    • ▸ Remind them about the online auction and that it will close at 12 pm on Wednesday, February 17 (the day after the gala)
    • ▸ Let them know that the live auction will begin with silent bidding at 10 am on Tuesday, February 16 and silent will close at 6 pm on Tuesday, February 16 until the live kicks off to finish the race to a win!
    • ▸ Encourage guests to dress up and take a pre-party pic to share on social using #GraceCarnivale or email photos to communications@gracecathedral.org . The Cathedral is planning a photo montage for later in the evening.
    • ▸ Plan to re-send the Zoom link to gather at 5:30 pm (guests will have already received a link from us, but helpful to offer a second time!)

• • Pre-event Cocktail Party 
    • ▸ Log-into your Zoom Room on your laptop/computer at 5:15 pm to be ready for your guests 
    • ▸ Cast to your television if you want to have a more immersive experience with your guests 
    • ▸ Merriment and/or dinner 
    • ▸ Review how the auction is going to work, share or browse the online and live items 
    • ▸ You will receive a visit by clergy and/or staff during your party 
    • ▸ Remind your guests about the wine wall tickets! 
    • ▸ Take a snap of your group, and if they are comfortable share it out on social using the hashtag #GraceCarnivale and/or send to communications@gracecathedral.org 
    • ▸ Close your zoom festivities by 6:20 pm and guide people to the Main Event at carnivale2021.givesmart.com 

Next: See Join the Party for a guide to watching the event!

b. Hero & Enthusiast

Hero and Enthusiast experiences include a McCalls Dinner Box Delivery and access to the Main Event.

•  
  • Carnivale Event Day Checklist
    • ▸ Your Carnivale-in-a-Box dinner will arrive between 11 am – 4 pm.  
    • ▸ Consider dressing up, snap a pre-party pic and share with us on  social #GraceCarnivale or email photos to communications@gracecathedral.org . The Cathedral is planning a photo montage for later in the evening.
    • ▸ Visit the Carnivale Givesmart page to test your connection and preview the auction.
    • ▸ Review online, live auction items 
    • ▸ Purchase Wine Wall Tickets 
    • ▸ Countdown begins at Carnivale2021.givesmart.com 
      • ▸ Beginning at 6:15 pm, you can join the event and enjoy the pre-party. A bartender will be showing you how to make the Carnivale signature cocktail, answer questions and get the party started! Send a message in the chat and tell us where you’re watching tonight – you may even get a shoutout from behind the bar! 

Next: See Join the Party!

c. Grace for All Supporters Ticket Experience

This experience includes access to the Main Event.

• • Carnivale Event Day Checklist
    • ▸ Consider dressing up, snap a pre-party pic and share with us on  social #GraceCarnivale or email photos to communications@gracecathedral.org.  The Cathedral is planning a photo montage for later in the evening.
    • ▸ Visit the Carnivale Givesmart page to test your connection and preview the auction.
    • ▸ Review online, live auction items 
    • ▸ Purchase Wine Wall Tickets 
    • ▸ Countdown begins at Carnivale2021.givesmart.com 
      • ▸ Beginning at 6:15 pm, you can join the event and enjoy the pre-party. A bartender will be showing you how to make the Carnivale signature cocktail, answer questions, and get the party started! Send a message in the chat and tell us where you’re watching tonight – you may even get a shoutout from behind the bar! 

Next: See Join the Party!

d. Carnivale Zoom Backgrounds

Consider adding a fun, vibrant Zoom background to your screen during your sponsor party or before you snap your pre-party screenshot. Share on social using #GraceCarnivale or email to communications@gracecathedral.org.

• To download: click on the desired image, then right click on the image to save it and use it on Zoom.

e. Create a Carnivale Cocktail

Try your hand at crafting a simple, delicious Bourbon Smash, this year’s signature cocktail for Carnivale. Or refresh with a cool glass of Sparkling Topo Chico. Either way, you’ll be ready for Mardi Gras with Grace Cathedral!

IV. Join the Party!

a. Access the Main Event

• • We are excited for you to feel the magic of Carnivale from the comfort of your own home! To join the party on February 16, follow these easy steps: 
    • 1. Go to Carnivale Givesmart Page: Carnivale2021.Givesmart.com 
    • 2. Sign in (refer to Section I, Getting Started, Sign Up and Register, above)
    • 3. On the home screen, click the “JOIN THE PARTY” link which will open up a new browser tab
    • 4. From this screen, you can watch, bid and chat with the other guests all in one place!
  • While you can watch from your phone, we recommend connecting a device with a larger screen to enjoy the full experience. You can still browse, bid and chat from your phone. 
  • See an example below of the layout for chatting with guests, bidding, and watching!

b. Schedule of Events

• • 11 am – 4 pm: Carnivale-in-a-Box delivery by McCalls Catering
  • (Sponsors, Hero and Enthusiast Levels)
  • 5:30 – 6 pm: Sponsor Experiences
  • 6:15 – 6:30 pm: Red Carpet Countdown
  • 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Carnivale Main Event – Includes the Grace for All Art Unveiling, Live Auction, Fund the Future, Wine Wall and More!
  • 7:30 pm: The Late Night Revelry with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence 

Can’t wait? Read on for more details about event night! 

Beginning at 6:30 pm, the shining Heidi Ho and the incomparable Liam Mayclem will kick off the night by unveiling the Grace for All art installation. In partnership with Root Division, this community-sourced project features sentiments, prayers and messages from our community.  

Throughout the event, you’ll watch inspiring impact videos, hear from the Choir of Men and Boys, and watch Zaccho perform aerial stunts from inside the cathedral.  

You will have the opportunity to win our spectacular Wine Wall so be sure to purchase raffle tickets! And, we’ll remind you to place your online auction bids before it closes at 12 pm on Wednesday, February 17.  

An exciting live auction is planned so be ready to “chat” your bids. Keep your phone nearby to “raise your paddle” for Fund the Future directly through Givesmart and support the mission of Grace Cathedral. You will be receiving text updates per level with the link to raise your paddle for Fund the Future – make sure that you are logged into your phone to participate. 

The party continues after Liam and Heidi bid adieu. Stay on for our amazing afterparty with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. 

c. Live Auction

The Live Auction opens for online bidding on Tuesday, February 16 at 10 am. Visit Carnivale2021.givesmart.com to view and bid. Bidding will pause at 6 pm and resume during the live auction segment of the Carnivale broadcast. A chat feature will be enabled during the broadcast. Chat will be used for BIDDING during the Live auction. If you prefer to bid offline, you can email your bid/s to Michelle Harrison at michelleh@gracecathedral.org.

Our auctioneer will communicate / “call” the bids, winning bids will be announced and live items will be awarded to the highest bidder.  

d. Support Fund the Future

e. Afterparty- The Late Night Revelry

Stay on for our amazing afterparty with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! Listen to the playlist on Spotify!

• Sponsors, you may rejoin your table guests during the Afterparty. Your pre-party Zoom link will be active until 9:00 pm, so you can message your guests and invite them to continue the celebration! 

V. FAQs & Resources

What is on the menu? 

Sponsors, Heroes and Enthusiast experiences include a McCalls dinner box.

The main entrée is a grilled filet mignon aux morilles (gf) with a creamy morel mushroom sauce; the vegetarian entrée (if requested) is grilled polenta cakes with wild mushrooms and a tomato artichoke sauce. 

Depending on your participation level, you may also be receiving a bottle of wine from Lynmar Estate, cocktail kit and table décor! 

What is the meal delivery process?  

• McCalls will deliver your Carnivale-in-a-Box meal between 11 am and 4 pm on February 16. The deliverer will ring your doorbell and if there is no answer, will call you at the cell number you provided. The person delivery recipient must be 21 years or older to accept the box. If you are not home, they can leave the box at the doorstep. If you think you will not be home between 11 am and 4 pm and would not like it left at your doorstep, please contact us.  

What is the pre-event communication? 

You will be receiving text and email updates from us via Givesmart. Make sure you are signed onto Givesmart before the event on your phone so you can participate in the night’s festivities! 

What time will the auction open? 

The online auction opens at Monday, February 8 at 10 am and will close on Wednesday, February 17 at 12 pm. 

How does the Live Auction work? 

You can start bidding on the Live Auction items beginning Tuesday, February 16 at 10 am, and will end for online bidding when the program begins. Co-hosts Liam Mayclem and Heidi Ho will resume live bidding for each item during the event, so don’t miss your chance to win unique and private experiences. Use the chat feature during the broadcast to place your bid as Liam calls it out.  

How does Fund the Future work this year, since I can’t raise my paddle? 

Follow the link that is texted to you, and if you are inspired to donate to the mission of Grace Cathedral, click “Donate.” You might even get a live shout-out from Liam and Heidi!  

Will my credit card be charged? 

1. As you raise your paddle for Fund the Future, purchase Wine Wall tickets and make your final bids, your items are added to your checkout cart. If your giving total by Wednesday, February 17 at 12 pm is less than $2,000, your card on file will be charged.  

2. If your giving total for the night is $2,000 or greater, you will not be automatically charged the next day. You will receive a notification on Wednesday, February 17 at 12 pm with a checkout link. You may opt to use your card on file to process payment OR you can update your payment details with a different credit card. Our staff will reach out to you during the week to confirm or arrange alternate payment methods (e.g. Donor Advised Fund, check, split payment). 

What is Givesmart? 

Givesmart is our secure ticket, auction, and event site for Carnivale. The Carnivale givesmart page; Carnivale2021.givesmart.com is the hub for participating in carnivale. Givesmart does not use, sell or distribute any personal information. All credit card information is encrypted. 

Can I be a part of the show? 

YES! Post a photo of what you’re wearing and tag #GraceCarnivale or email communications@gracecathedral.org. We will be featuring these photos during the event! 

Can I watch it on my TV? 

2. YES! You can connect an HDMI cable from your laptop to your TV or cast it to your TV using Apple AirPlay or Chromecast. 

How to cast content to your TV 

Apple TV Support | Chromecast Support

If you will not be watching from your tv, we recommend viewing from a tablet or laptop and bidding from your phone or another device.

Will there be tech support on the night of Carnivale? 

YES! Email us at Carnivale@gracecathedral.org  or text 415-498-0249 for all and any event day needs. Staff support will be available from 10 am to 9 pm to troubleshoot and answer questions. 

VI. Event Day Support: Email and Phone Number 

Contact us with your questions:

• Email us at Carnivale@gracecathedral.org
• TEXT or Call 415-498-0249