The Night of the Dragon is upon us!
Get Your NOTD Tickets by March 6 and Check Out Our Amazing Collection of items HERE! Online bidding begins March 4!
MLWGS Night of the Dragon FAQ
Have you heard the buzz about the 22nd Annual Night of the Dragon–Denims & Dragons– but still aren’t exactly sure what it’s all about? Here’s some info to get you excited!
What is the Night of the Dragon?
The Night of the Dragon (NOTD), sponsored annually by the Governor’s School Foundation, is the largest annual fundraiser for the MLWGS Foundation, Boosters, and PTSA. This year we will be celebrating the 22nd Anniversary of this incredible event, and we are trying something a bit different. Instead of the usual auction and gala, we will be hosting the 2024 event, Denim & Dragons, at Hardywood Richmond in Scott’s Addition. We will still have our amazing silent and live auctions, student entertainment, great food and drink–all in a more casual atmosphere.
What Does the NOTD Support?
All proceeds for the Night of the Dragon support the students and faculty at MLWGS! Last year’s event raised more than $90,000 for our school! This year our goal is $100,000! Proceeds from the NOTD are shared by the MLWGS Foundation with the Athletic, Music, Visual Arts, and Drama Boosters and the PTSA.
When and where is NOTD this year?
This year’s Night of the Dragon–Denim & Dragons– will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in the Barrel Room at Hardywood Richmond in Scott’s Addition. This is a great venue for kicking back with our Dragon family to support our amazing MLWGS students and teachers.
How Can I Get Tickets?
Tickets will go on sale in late January. We will only have 300 tickets to sell so be sure to get yours early. The link to purchase will be shared in Dr. Lowerre’s Sunday Update email, through class FB pages, via Class Parent emails, directly by the Foundation, and in other ways. Stay tuned!
How Can I Support NOTD?
You can help in several ways. To volunteer or be a sponsor, email Ginger O’Neil at [email protected]. If you want to donate an auction item, email Ginger or use this online form. Items needed by Feb. 9.
What happens during NOTD?
Everyone has loads of fun and we raise important funds to support our amazing school. The evening looks something like this:
7:00 pm Doors Open
Student Entertainment, Dinner Buffet (this year will feature delicious BBQ favorites with something for all dietary needs), Bars Open, Mingling, Silent Auction Items on Display
8:15pm Silent Auction Ends (mobile bidding closes)
8:30pm Welcome from Dr. Lowerre, Student Entertainment
8:45pm Live Auction Begins with Head and Tails*
9:45ish Mobile Check Out and and Item Pick Begin
Will I have fun even if I don’t know very many people at Maggie Walker yet?
ABSOLUTELY! And this more casual format will make it easier than ever to “work the room” and make new connections or just chat with a few folks you already know, if you prefer. Either way, Night of the Dragon is a great way to feel more plugged into our amazing Dragon family, for sure.
What is the dress code?
What does Denim & Dragons bring to mind for you? A favorite pair of jeans? A great denim jacket or skirt? Wear whatever helps you feel ready to have some fun and bid on lots of great auction items, of course.
Is There Parking Nearby?
Yes, Hardywood Richmond has a small lot, street parking on two sides and nearby. Uber and Lyft are also great options.
What is Heads & Tails?
It’s a fun, interactive coin toss game. Each person who has paid to play ($10 in advance or at the event) receives a set of beads to wear. During the Live Auction, everyone with beads stands and places their hands on their head or their tail. The auctioneer then flips a coin. Anyone who guessed the coin toss correctly, as evidenced by where their hands are placed, keeps their beads. And this continues until only one person is still beaded and the Grand Prize is awarded.
Does NOTD use mobile bidding?
Yes, mobile bidding has been a great addition to the event. Our easy-to-use mobile bidding allows you to input your credit card into a secure system when you buy your tickets or at the event. No more check-out lines at the end of the evening. No more running from silent auction bid sheet to bid sheet. You can set your initial bid and a maximum bid on as many silent auction items as you like and the system will automatically adjust your bid in increments until your max is reached or you win! Or you can manually enter new bids each time you get a text that you’ve been outbid. And if you have friends and family out of the area, they can join the fun by bidding too! You’ll be getting more easy-to-follow bidding info after ticket sales close.
Questions, email Foundation Executive Director Ginger O’Neil, [email protected] or Auction Co-Chair Veronica Chornodolsky veronincau@hotmail.
