Our Benefit is a community-building event as much as a fundraiser. We welcome family, friends, and guests of Oak Arbor School to attend and enjoy the evening!
The RSVP window has closed.
If you need to pay for your ticket ($52/person) or would like to make a donation, please use this link.
Our theme this year: New Orleans Mardi Gras!
Attire is semi-formal, but have fun accessorizing with the theme!
Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. Beads, masks, jazz music accessories, etc are encouraged!
Catered by thibault moore.
Use the RSVP card (or online form) to select a vegetarian entree if desired, and to let us know of any food allergies.
Entrees and sides will be served family style, at your table.
SALAD
MARDI GRAS SALAD - Romaine with gourmet mixed greens topped with mandarin oranges, shredded carrots, sliced strawberries, shredded red cabbage, and fried onion strings, served with a sweet dijon vinaigrette.
ENTRÉE
CREOLE ROASTED CHICKEN (GF) - Chicken seasoned with a blend of creole seasoning and roasted topped with a light creole cream sauce
SOUTHERN LOUISIANA STYLE MEATBALLS - House-made meatballs seasoned with a blend of herbs and classic Louisiana pieces, baked and served in a mild piquant sauce.
ENTRÉE SIDES (all GF)
VEGETARIAN JAMBLAYA - Long grain rice cooked in a Cajun seasoned broth with stewed tomatoes, tri-colored peppers, and sauteed onions.
MAQUE CHOUX - Corn, diced carrots, peppers, and onions sauteed in a rich butter sauce with Creole seasoning.
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN ENTRÉE (GF)
CORNMEAL ENCRUSTED EGGPLANT (GF) - Marinated red and green peppers, sliced red onion, asparagus spears, julienned carrots layered between cornmen encrusted eggplant and topped with a zesty tomato basil sauce.
DESSERT
BANANAS FOSTER - bananas sauteed with brown sugar, butter, and rum. Served over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For our entertainment this year, we'll enjoy live jazz music from the South Street Dixie Band.
We play happy music! Traditional jazz and dixie band based in North Metro Detroit.
When you arrive, please visit the check-in table to receive your bidder number, program, and table assignment. (We encourage you to register your credit card at check-in which allows you to skip the check-out line at the end of the event.) Your bidder number allows you to bid on items or buy tickets all evening.
At the end of the evening, you can pay with cash or a check. If you have registered a credit card, your card will automatically be charged after the event and a receipt will be mailed to you
Please look over our selection of quality art, craft & technology donations that will be spread throughout our auctions!
The Silent Auction will be open for bidding once the event begins. Place your bid by writing your bidder number on the bid sheet for the item you would like to win. Bids must be placed in increments of at least $5. The auction will close by table after dinner, announcements will be made to give guests the chance to place their final bid! Pick up your prize(s) when you check out at the end of the evening. Prizes include events, art, jewelry, pottery, and more!
For the Ticket Raffle, purchase your tickets using your bidder number and place each ticket in the container of the prize you would like to win. The raffle drawing will take place after dinner. Tickets are 5 for $20, 10 for $35, and 20 for $60. Prizes include games, toys, pottery, jewelry, gift cards, and more!
The Special Raffle is for our big prizes of the evening!
Purchase your ticket(s) from a deck of cards, the drawing is at the end of the evening. The ticket prices will range from $20-$50/ticket, depending on the value of the prize.
2025 Special Raffle Prizes (ticket prices & other information provided at the event)
- Yeti - Tundra Cooler. Donated by Dale & Nancy Genzlinger
- Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones. Donated by Friends of Oak Arbor
- Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. Donated by Friends of Oak Arbor
- Taste of Rochester - Collection of Downtown Rochester Gift Certificates
- Nespresso Vertuo Pop + Coffee & Espresso Maker by Breville
Here are a few of our prizes of the evening! (See the Special Raffle section as well)
- American Black Walnut Jewelry Box, hand-crafted by Aaron de Chazal
- Home Improvement Work - 6 hours - by licensed carpenter Todd Elder
- 4 tickets to a Lion’s game - The winner has the choice of any evening home games - Tickets are located on the home side of the field, section 103, row 19 - Seats 19 -22
- Lakefront Cottage in Kalkhaska MI: 3-night stay in October 2025 , sleeps 10
- 3 tickets to “Gold Rush” Young people’s family concerts with the DSO, March 15th at 11 AM, and pre-paid parking
Plus much more!
5:30 PM Appetizers and beverages served. Raffle and silent auction bidding opens.
7:15 PM Dinner served (catered by thibault & moore).
8:00 PM Ticket Raffle drawing.
8:15 PM Silent auction bidding closes at approximately 10-minute intervals.
8:45 PM Dessert and coffee.
9:00 PM ENTERTAINMENT! From The South Street Dixie Band
10:00 PM Special Raffle drawings.
10:15 PM Collect silent auction prizes and check out.
This year, we are happy to support Kids Empowered on the Move.
This program has a reputable history, and helps mostly Women & Children who are experiencing homelessness.
Our school has been supporting this charity all year by collecting quarters from students and staff on Casual Fridays.
All bar tips at this year's benefit will also be donated to Kids Empowered!