2022 GALA FAQs

When is Main Stay’s Gala? Main Stay’s Come Together | Celebrating 35 of Inspiring Unbridled Joy gala will be held on Thursday, June 23rd from 6:00pm – 9:30pm

When will I receive my ticket? You will not receive a physical ticket to this event. When you registered through the event website (whether you purchased a sponsorship or individual tickets, you received an email purchase confirmation with a link to your registration account. We encourage you to fill out all personal information, as well as submit your credit card information for the auction prior to the event for a faster check-in and check-out. The event itself will be a ticketless event with all registrants’ names on a list for entrance. It is important that you include names and emails of all your guests prior to the event. If you need help accessing your account, please contact our Marketing & Development Coordinator Randi Murawski at [email protected] or 815-653-9374

Where is Main Stay’s Gala? Main Stay’s Gala will take place at the farm, which is located at 6919 Keystone Rd in Richmond, IL 60071. The event will be held in our beautiful new barn which will be sparkling clean and twinkling with lights.

Is the event weather dependent? No. The event will be held indoors and will take place if it rains or shines! Although we are hoping for nice weather so guests can fully enjoy our beautiful 40 acres, the weather will not impact the event.

Where do I park? *If you require accessible parking please use the parking lot at the main entrance*. General parking will be located near the North Barn. The parking lot located near our main entrance will be reserved for those who need accessible parking and for any potential spillover parking. There will be parking attendants readily available to help direct you.

What can I expect at the event? 3 Chefs Catering will be preparing a magnificent array of heavy hors d'oeuvres including their famous chicken salad stuffed tortilla cups, a slider station, crab cakes, stuffed potatoes, chicken satay, caprese skewers, mini tea sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms, and mini BMT (bacon, mozzarella and tomato) focaccia. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. The food is designed to give you the opportunity to graze, mingle and stroll the farm and enjoy the activities we have planned for the evening. Flexible seating options are available (no reserved seating). There will also be a cash bar with beer, wine and hard seltzer selections, in addition to complimentary soft drinks and water. Cassandra Vohs-Demann and Ken Johnson, along with their band, will be performing the music of Carole King and James Taylor. Bid on a unique and fun selection of silent auction items and experiences. You’ll be able to take a chance at “Spin the Bottle” to win a bottle (or two) of select wine and have your photo taken in an early 1900’s buggy. Of course, the night will feature our signature Reverse Auction/Paddle Raise where you will get the opportunity to hear stories from our clients about how much your support of Main Stay means to them! Following the paddle raise, you can choose from a delectable assortment of desserts including pastries, cannolis, cream puffs, brownies, tarts and more. We’ll also be offering tours of the farm with a chance to say hello to our very special horses and animals. And, we will be capping off the night by drawing the winner of the Triple Crown raffle trip to Hawaii!

What do I wear to Main Stay’s Gala? Main Stay’s Gala is a casual summer event. Dress in your favorite summer attire or feel free to show up in blue jeans and your best casual t-shirt. Please note that the event will take place at our Farm. Although there will be seating available to rest or if you would like to sit for a bit while you eat, there will not be seating for everyone to be seated at the same time. Please be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

Can’t I just submit my credit card when I arrive rather than putting it into the safe, secure system ahead of time? While you can provide your credit card at the event upon arrival at check-in, by putting in your credit card prior to the event, you help support a quicker and more efficient check-in and check-out process for yourself and our other guests.

Where can I view the silent auction items? The silent auction is available for preview here. The silent auction is open for bidding to everyone, even if you cannot attend the event! We encourage guests to please share the link with anyone who may be interested in supporting Main Stay.

What is the Triple Crown Raffle and how can I participate? This year’s event will include a very exciting Triple Crown Raffle opportunity where one lucky winner will win an amazing 7-night stay during the 2023 high season at the beautiful Waikiki Shores in Honolulu, Hawaii, a $3,000 airfare voucher, $1,000 spending card, Parking for one car, AND ground transportation to and from the airport! Tickets will be available for purchase online until Wednesday June, 22nd and will then become available to purchase at the event only. For more information about the Triple Crown Raffle, including raffle rules, please visit www.mainstayfarm.org/triplecrownraffle

I know someone who is not able to attend, but would like to make an absentee bid or donation at the event, how can this be coordinated? Fantastic! Please contact our Marketing & Development Coordinator Randi Murawski at [email protected] or 815-653-9374

If I am the winning bidder, when do I receive my auction item? The silent auction will be available for all to take part in (whether attending the event or not), and items will be given to winners at the auction check-out table upon exit from the event. For those not attending the event, silent auction items will be available for pick up at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm (6919 Keystone Rd., Richmond, IL 60071) Monday -Friday between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm. If you are unavailable to pick up your item, please contact our Marketing & Development Coordinator Randi Murawski at [email protected] or 815-653-9374 for alternative pick-up or delivery options. Please note that for delivery options, additional charges may be incurred at the expense of winner.

I have food allergies/restrictions, how do I make sure they are accommodated? Our menu includes meat, fish, gluten free and vegetarian options.

Are there any COVID-19 measures I should be aware of? Main Stay follows the state of Illinois and CDC COVID-19 guidelines. Please check with Main Stay directly at 815-653-9374 for current protocols in place.

I am interested in getting an additional ticket to this year’s event, is that possible? Online sales have closed. Please call the office directly at 815-653-9374 to ask if additional tickets are still available to purchase the night of the event.

I have a question that was not answered on this page, who can I contact? For any questions not answered, please contact our Marketing & Development Coordinator Randi Murawski at [email protected] or 815-653-9374