SAVE THE DATE

The McKinley Elementary
’90s Throwback Gala

(As if you’d miss this.)

Get ready to rewind time and party like it’s 1999! The McKinley Elementary community is thrilled to invite you to our adults-only ’90s-themed fundraiser gala. It’ll be a night of nostalgia, fun, and fundraising for a great cause featuring both a live and silent auction.

Whether you were rocking overalls, platform shoes, or frosted tips back in the day, this is your chance to relive the magic — no Tamagotchi required.

So grab your flannel, practice your best Carlton dance, and book a sitter because this night is going to be da bomb.

Adults only • Tickets, donations, and online bidding via GalaBid

What to Expect

An adults-only night out with friends — filled with nostalgia, music, great food, and a fun way to support McKinley.

Totally throwback tunes

Featuring San Diego’s best ’90s cover band: PAGING THE 90’S

Food & drinks

Delicious bites and drinks for a fun adults-only night out.

Auctions

Live and silent auction items to support our amazing school.

Auction

Bid online through GalaBid and join us in-person for live auction moments during the event.

Online bidding (GalaBid)

Tickets, donations, and select auction items will be available on GalaBid.

Open GalaBid

Silent auction

Browse and bid on awesome items — perfect for supporting McKinley while scoring something fun.

Live auction

We’ll have live auction highlights during the gala — bring your best “I’m bidding for the kids” energy.

Donate

Can’t attend? You can still support McKinley through direct donations on GalaBid.

Donate on GalaBid

Character Builders Parents Night Out

A fun kids-only movie night at McKinley during the Gala so parents can enjoy the evening out, too.

Register your child

Character Builders is hosting a Parents Night Out event at McKinley Elementary on Saturday, April 18 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Please read the full registration form carefully, as it includes important participation information.

Register for Parents Night Out

This form closes Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 PM.

Support Character Builders

Character Builders is generously offering this event for free during their spring fundraising campaign.

If you are able, please consider making a donation to support their work.

Donate to Character Builders

What kids can expect

School-age kiddos will enjoy a movie night and are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a squishy if they’d like.

This event is planned alongside McKinley’s Spring Gala & Auction night so the kids can have their own fun, too.

Event details

When: Saturday, April 18, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: McKinley Elementary School, 3045 Felton St., San Diego, CA 92104

Who: School-age kiddos

McKinley Spring Gala FAQs

Quick answers about tickets, dress code, attendees, the auction, and where gala proceeds go.

How do I get my ticket?

Sign up using the McKinley gala website and an e-ticket will be sent to you.

Open GalaBid

What is included with my ticket?

All tickets include access to the event, delicious heavy appetizers, and a rockin' live band to keep the energy going all night. "All Access" tickets also include an open bar throughout the evening. "Event" tickets and "Pay What You Can" tickets include all the fun and food but do not include alcohol.

What is the dress code?

Dress in your favorite ’90s decade attire and party like it’s 1995.

Who can attend?

This is an adult-only (21+) event for parents, guardians, staff, alumni, and community members.

How does the auction work?

Auction items are available to bid on through GalaBid, and a live auction will also take place at the event.

Learn about the auction

Where do gala proceeds go?

Proceeds go directly to McKinley Elementary School to fund future enrichment opportunities.

Donors & Sponsors

Huge thanks to the community members and local businesses supporting McKinley.

Donors & Sponsors

Community donors and sponsors supporting McKinley.

Become a sponsor

Interested in sponsoring or donating an item? We’d love to hear from you.

Get updates or check back soon for sponsorship details.

Tickets & Details

Tickets, donations, and online auction items are managed through GalaBid. Want updates as we add sponsors, auction items, and event details? Drop your email below.

Updates are collected via Google Forms. We’ll only use your email for gala updates.