18th Annual PALS Imagine... Gala for Autism
To bid in the Silent Auction, make a pledge, and save time during event check-in, enter your phone number or email above and click "GO"!
100% of all auction proceeds will directly benefit our programs
*Registration requires credit card information, you will only be charged if you make a purchase or win an auction item.
EVENT DETAILS
Frequently Asked Questions
GALA TICKETS
Q: Will I get a physical ticket?
A: No, the PALS Gala is a ticketless event. Upon your arrival, please proceed to the Registration table so we can confirm the information we have on file for you, as well as give you your very important bid paddle.
Q: Will the registration line be long?
A: The more guests that register in advance, the faster the line will move. If you haven't already done so, we encourage everyone in your party to pre-register using the feature at the top of this page. Entering your credit card is necessary in order to receive your bid paddle, and this is the part that usually causes delays in the registration line-up. We have added extra support at the registration table to ensure an easy check-in process for everyone.
Q: I'm unable to attend in person but I'd still like to support PALS Autism School and PASS Adult Services. What can I do?
A: You can still participate in the virtual silent auction (instructions below) or you can make a cash donation right now on the Gala website (fully tax receipted). Thank you for your support!
GETTING THERE
Q: How do I get to the Westin Bayshore?
A: The Westin Bayshore is located at 1601 Bayshore Drive in Vancouver. It can be reached easiest by car or public transit.
Q: Is there parking?
A: Yes, there is ample parking in the parking lot across the street from the hotel. Gala guests can receive a discounted rate of $24. At the pay meter, scroll through and select ‘More Choices’ then select ‘Special Event’. Enter your license plate number . Enter the code: 880230 and proceed with payment. Wait for the receipt to print. Parking is valid until 2am the following day. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Q: Is there valet parking?
A: Yes, there is valet service available for a fee.
VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION
Q: Do I need to buy a $400 ticket to bid on items in the Virtual Silent Auction?
A: No ticket purchase is required to participate in the Virtual Silent Auction! Start your bidding now right from your phone or computer! On the home page underneath where it says "Welcome", enter your email or phone number, and press "Go". New items are being added almost daily, so check back often!
Q: What time does bidding end?
A: The auction will close at 9:30pm on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. Winners will be notified via text message/email.
Q: How do I collect my winning item(s)?
A: If you're attending the PALS Gala in person, a volunteer will give you your items at the Cash-Out table when you're ready to leave. If you need assistance, the volunteer can also help carry your items to your car! If you're a virtual winner, or if you're unable to bring your items home on the night of, a volunteer will be in touch the following week to arrange delivery or pick-up.
EVENING PROGRAMME
Q: Can I read the Evening Programme Booklet in advance?
A: Yes, please click here to learn more about the evening time line, Live Auction details, Heads and Tails Raffle and Wine Wall details, our Honouree, Sponsor Ads, and much more!
Q: Is it okay to arrive fashionably late?
A: We encourage everyone to be there right when doors open at 6:00pm for our Cocktail Reception. You'll want to give yourself plenty of time to get through the check-in process, enjoy your complimentary cocktail, get your photo taken, and view the many silent auction items. Our beautiful MC, Sophie Lui of Global BC, will take to the stage at 7:00pm to promptly begin our full program of special guest speakers and inspiring PALS and PASS videos, during which dinner will be served.
HEADS AND TAILS RAFFLE
Q: What is the raffle prize?
A: Thanks to the support of the Air Canada Foundation, the prize is round-trip airfare for two, anywhere Air Canada flies.
Q: How can I purchase raffle tickets?
A: Tickets can only be purchased in-person at the PALS Gala. Volunteers will be selling tickets during the cocktail reception and throughout dinner until we sell out! Tickets are 1 for $40 or 3 for $100. You can pay with your 'Bid Paddle' or with cash. If you need to use an alternate payment method, we will have a Square payment terminal available for limited use.
Q: When will Heads and Tails be played?
A: At 9:45pm - you must be present in order to play. Instructions will be explained prior to starting.
TAX RECEIPTS
Q: What will I get a tax receipt for?
A: $200 of each gala ticket purchased will be tax receipted. Donations to Fund-A-Therapy are also fully tax receipted. Donors of auction items will receive a tax receipt if you provided a purchase receipt, or invoice showing proof of fair market value, at the time you made the donation (note, items over $1,000 must have an appraisal from a qualified independent appraiser). Your tax receipt will be emailed to you in the weeks following the event.
Q: What will I NOT get a tax receipt for?
A: Winners of Silent and Live Auction items will not receive a tax receipt. Gift Certificates or any kind of service donated by a business will not receive a tax receipt. Wine Wall and Raffle purchases will not receive a tax receipt.
Q: Is it too late to submit a receipt or invoice for an item I already donated to the auction?
A: No, please email a picture of the receipt or invoice to gala@palsautismschool.ca as soon as possible.
18th Annual PALS Imagine... Gala for Autism
saturday, April 5, 2025
Westin Bayshore Hotel
1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
DRESS CODE
Groovy Glam
FEATURING:
EVENING EMCEE AUCTIONEER
Sophie Lui Fred Lee
PROGRAMME
6:00pm | Cocktail Reception | Silent Auction
6:45pm | Dinner
8:00pm | Live Auction
9:00pm | Fund-A-Therapy
9:30pm | Silent Auction Closes
10:00pm | Raffle Draw | Dancing
2025 Imagine... Gala for Autism Honoree
The Morris and Helen Belkin Foundation
ABOUT PALS & PASS:
MAKE A DONATION
Please consider making a cash donation in Fund-a-Therapy - you will receive a full-tax receipt.
The need for specialized programming in a safe, inclusive community is greater than ever - both PALS Autism Society (PALS) and PALS Adult Services Society (PASS) have ever-growing waitlists for enrollment.
The Imagine… Gala for Autism is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we need your help to make it a success.
Your support means even more children and adults with autism and neuro-developmental disabilities can attend our programs and receive life-changing services. More families will experience the joy of their loved-one participating, learning, and thriving, regardless of age!
We also accept cash donations via cheques made payable to: PALS Autism Society and mail to: 101 Third Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 2P9
SPONSORS
PRESENTING
PLATINUM
SAPPHIRE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
PHOTO STATION and GIVEAWAYS
EVENING PROGRAMME
MEDIA
