Important: Gala parking and other important info

Please forward these instructions to all of your attendees that will join us for the Annual Gala.
Arriving at Sonoma State University, use the main entrance off East Cotati Avenue (Sequoia Way) and follow the signs that will direct you to Gala Parking in Lot D. At the stop sign on Sequoia Way, turn left and head west. Follow this road through the right curve and you will see a sign for Gala parking at Lot D. At the entrance to Lot D, an attendant will hand you a parking permit. (view printable map [PDF])
The Gala will be on the third floor of the Student Center (to the east of Lot D). Upon entering the Student Center, there are stairs to the immediate right – if you walk past the stairs to the right, there are also elevators.
Change to dinner time
The Gala's reception will still begin at 5:30pm, but the dinner and program will begin earlier than advertised at 6:45pm.
Live auction preview
This Live Auction Preview is your peek behind the curtain at the nine enticements on the auction block at the Annual Gala.
Even if you didn't get tickets to this sold-out event, here's your chance to participate-by-proxy with someone who's attending.
Most of these packages are for multiple people, so gather a group of friends, colleagues or business partners, determine what strikes your fancy, and prepare to make your bid on:
#1 Speakeasy on Wheels
Jigger, shaker, strainer and ice, what makes this bar cart very nice:
Juices, tonic, soda and whiskey…here comes the rum. This cart is frisky.
Shake, stir, blend and pour, give up your keys before taking more.
The Young Professionals Network is jazzed to auction off a stunning rose gold Metropolitan Bar Cart. What could be better than having a speakeasy on wheels in your own home? Throw in some giggle water – this package also includes a delightful array of high-end spirits to make the perfect cocktail. Add in a tour and tasting for four to Spirit Works Distillery at The Barlow in Sebastopol to get the low-down on gin, vodka and whiskey, and you’ll be well on your way to moonlighting as bartender at your own private juice joint.
#2 A Family Fun Summer Staycation
Everyone knows that Visit Santa Rosa is dedicated to sharing our destination and inspiring visitors. But with this auction lot, they’ll help you discover all there is to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and explore in Sonoma County.
They’ve put together a package that’s a great excuse to play a little hooky from the day job and enjoy some local quality time with the kids this summer:
- A safari adventure for four at Safari West
- A family-sized $100 gift certificate at Bibi’s Burger Bar
- Overnight stay at the family-friendly Flamingo Resort and Spa that includes access to the health club and a buffet breakfast
- A gift basket, just for mom and dad, from Visit Santa Rosa
- Zip line adventure for four with Sonoma Canopy Tours
- Charles Schulz Museum package (valued at $116): six passes, plush Snoopy, How To Draw Peanuts Characters book, Peanuts mug and playing cards
(Items good Monday – Thursday during the summer when the kids are out of school.)
#3 Wine & Dine Sonoma County Style
Pure Luxury Transportation will pick up you and three guests for a luxurious day in our own backyard. The day begins at the beautifully scenic Balletto Vineyards with a tasting for four and two bottles of Sauvignon Blanc. Your next destination is Ledson Winery in Kenwood where you’ll be treated to a private tasting experience to thrill your senses. Your final destination is a fine dining experience at John Ash where you will have a $100 gift certificate to use toward their seasonally inspired menu items and signature cocktails. (Includes Pure Luxury Transportation for four people – up to seven hours. Total Value: 1278.00.)
#4 Save the Date & Cowboy Up
Even if you’ve got a little dirt on your boots, you and three guests will be sittin’ pretty in a chauffeured ride from Pure Luxury Transportation as you’ll head out to Northern California’s premier country music festival, Country Summer, courtesy of Amaturo Sonoma Media Group. Spend a splendiferous Sunday, June 17th, singing and dancing to High Valley, Joe Nichols and Toby Keith. Country Summer is the perfect way to kick off Sonoma County summertime! (Total Value: 1050.00.)
#5 One Week for 4 in Mexico
Stay for one week at Mazatlán’s Best Beach. Known as The Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlán is a place full of magic, light and harmony that makes it a jewel of a thousand colors. A beautiful one bedroom suite at the Royal Villas Resort comfortably sleeps four, and is located right in the "Golden Zone," in walking distance to main restaurants, bars and shopping. The Royal Villas Resort Mazatlán was specially designed for couples and families who are looking for a memorable vacation.
#6 Gourmet & Grapes Served Leadership-Style
Leading by example, this auction lot is a fabulous dinner for 10, prepared and served by the esteemed members of the Leadership Santa Rosa Steering Committee. The dinner will be hosted at the high bidder’s home on a mutually agreed upon date. You and your invited guests will be treated to a six-course meal of delectable Sonoma County goods. The menu will include delicious appetizers, salads, chowder, pasta and a scintillating dessert – all locally sourced. Local Sonoma County wines will also be served and an LSR Signature Cocktail will be unveiled to start the festivities!
#7 The Bee’s Knees of Family Fun & Entertainment
The Chamber’s Workforce & Economic Development program recommends maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and here’s an awesome package to get you on the right track. Our family fun and entertainment package starts out with a $500 gift certificate to Epicenter. Epicenter promises a whole new level of fun and excitement with a unique mix of attractions built for adults and kids: Anytime Fitness, Sports City, Rockin’ Jump, 7Ten Upscale Bowling & Lounge, Victory House Sports Bar & Restaurant, Game on Arcade with Laser Tag, XD Dark Ride and the Kids Mega Play Structure.
And that’s only the beginning of what’s in this live auction lot. We reached out for the best family entertainment Sonoma County has to offer:
- Scenic flight over Sonoma County by Pacific Coast Air Museum
- Six month family membership to the YMCA & “Splash” birthday party certificate
- Four passes to the Sonoma County Fair for a day at “Wine Country Racing” (includes four reserved upper grandstand seats, fair admissions & two parking passes)
- One-year membership to Sonoma County Regional Parks
- Sonoma Canopy Tours zip lining in Occidental
- Snoopy’s Ice Arena passes, plush Snoopy and Museum Merlot
- Flamingo Hotel & Resort Pool Day Package – includes guest room, lounge chairs, towels and a $25 food and beverage credit
- Two $50 Gift Cards to Mary’s Pizza Shack
- Morton’s Warm Springs Resort family day pass
#8 Yountville Wine & Limo Package
Enjoy a day in Yountville at two spectacular locations. Pure Luxury Transportation will pick up you and three guests to begin your day in style. Your day will begin at Handwritten Wines where you’ll be treated to a private tour and tasting with a wine and food pairing. Continue on to Jessup Cellars where you’ll indulge in wine and cheese pairings and a private tour of the winery. (Includes Pure Luxury Transportation for four people – up to five hours. Total Value: $1100.00.)
#9 Board of Directors Wine Collection
This is an amazing hand-picked selection from the personal collections of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s Board of Directors. Thirty-two bottles of wine graciously donated to you in this classy Danby wine cooler. The cooler holds 38 bottles, and includes interior display light to show off your collection. You’ll enjoy this wine even more knowing where it came from.