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Islanders take these soirées seriously, dressing to the nines and enjoying themselves thoroughly, whether it’s at the Funky Formal, hosted by the local real estate community, or the more formal Moonlight Magic Gala, which benefits Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland. And these gala events are more than just a fancy party. Charitable—and well-dressed—Alamedans raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for good causes, including the Boys & Girls Club of Alameda and the Midway Shelter.
For these formal occasions, it’s time to kick off the flip-flops and get fancy. If by chance you’re lucky enough to be invited to a gala Alameda event, you’ll need to know what “black-tie optional” really means. Or what dances to avoid. And how to maneuver a silent auction. This month, as the gala season kicks off, we’ve pulled together a complete primer—including tips on how to avoid becoming a pumpkin at midnight—that tells you what to expect and how to get the most out of your night out. Here’s a look at a night on the town, Island-style.
Lead time for a tuxedo: Give yourself at least a week, suggests Del Blaylock, a veteran of many formal events and the owner of Golden Needle Tailoring on Encinal Avenue, where you can rent or buy a tuxedo. In a pinch, he can get you a tux with only a day’s notice, but you’ll pay for it.
For special sizes: It doesn’t matter. Golden Needle can get you a tux in a 60 long, if you need it.
Black tie, black-tie optional: If the invitation says black-tie optional, men should rent a tux, or they can wear a business suit with a tie. If the invitation says black tie, wear a tux. “If it’s an optional thing, it’s a dressy affair. If they say black-tie optional, 90 percent of the men there will wear a tuxedo,” says Blaylock. The ultimate in men’s dress is black tails with white accessories.
Popular for men: Three-button coats.
Popular for women: Evening cocktail dresses, not full-length gowns, says Amy Hester, who attends several galas a year and volunteers for the Moonlight Magic Gala for Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland. “People look forward to getting dressed up.”
The long and the short of it: “I don’t necessarily wear a long gown, because I’m 5 feet tall,” says Murray. A tip from Murray to those who volunteer at galas: Do your feet a favor and avoid high heels.
How dressy is too dressy: Most women don’t consider wearing a cape or a wrap here, even though those accessories are considered standard in San Francisco. “That’s the one thing about Alameda; I don’t think people go too dressy, because the whole vibe of the Island on a day-to-day basis is jeans, a
T-shirt and flip-flops,” says Hester.
Couture: Gowns and dresses by designer Dina Burrell are popular for formal events, says Rafael Perez, owner of M Zoe on Park Street. “I always go by the rule of thumb that you can never be too overdressed, but you can be too underdressed,” he says.
What not to wear: Some women, regardless of their figure or what the occasion is, want to look as sexy as possible, Perez has found. “As much as we want to steer them a certain way, they’re always right,” he says. “We’re pretty honest about what is flattering and what is not.”
A mirror image: If you spend several hundred dollars on a dress, you don’t want to see someone else at a gala in the same frock. For popular events and proms, the staff at M Zoe keeps a log, with the customers’ names and style and color of dresses, so there won’t be any confusion about who’s wearing what.
Dramatic entry: It can be more fun and exciting to show up for an event when you know the room is going to be somewhat full, about 20 to 30 minutes late, Hester says. But, if there is a silent auction or other fundraiser, show up on time. For an evening cocktail party, it’s acceptable to show up 45 minutes to an hour late, she says.
Timing your arrival: If the event includes a show, you want to get there at least 15 to 20 minutes early to find your seat, get settled, find the restroom and get comfortable, says Murray. On the occasions when AEF galas haven’t started on time, it has been because the audience hasn’t arrived on time.
Out on the dance floor: There’s almost always a focus on music from the ’60s and ’70s. “A good version of ‘Twist and Shout’ will always get you out on the dance floor,” says Murray. Most galas have DJs. The Alameda Association of Realtors’ Funky Formal has a live band, and the Have a Heart Gala has featured the Sinatra-style sounds of Chuck Campagnet and the Starduster Orchestra.
Dances to avoid: “I don’t think bumping is ever a good idea,” says Murray. “I hate the stupid funky chicken and Macarena stuff. I know there are people who are advocates of the line-dancing thing, but I usually just sit there and have another cocktail.”
Waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha: There’s not a lot of traditional ballroom dancing, although it can depend on the party, Hester says. If there’s an orchestra, consider taking dance lessons beforehand.
For a good cause: Most galas and formal events in Alameda aim to raise money for various charities. Auctions are usually featured at the events, because they are cash cows. “It’s tried and true with auctions,” says Murray. “A well-run auction can net you well over $100,000. A not-well-run auction typically makes money, too. So it’s something everyone makes money on.”
Silent or live auction: A silent auction is an auction in which attendees make a bid in writing for items on display around the room, and the bidding lasts for an hour or more. A live auction is what most of us associate with a typical auction, with an announcer and people bidding publicly against one another.
That’s the ticket: Most Alameda galas and formal events currently cost about $75 per person, with the proceeds benefiting the charity of choice and covering part of the cost of the event.
Always take this to a gala: Cash, in case there’s a cash bar, and because you can expect to get hit up for various charity donations. Make sure you bring a wide range of bills, including $5s, $10s and $20s. Otherwise, you may end up dumping a $50 bill into a fishbowl as a contribution to a charity because it’s the only thing you have in your wallet.
Turning into a pumpkin: For women, consider having your makeup done professionally beforehand if you want to maintain a fabulous look all night. Also, avoid eye shadow, because it can make you look muddier and more tired at the end of the night, says Lori Olson, owner of O Spa on Santa Clara Avenue. Instead, go for a cleaner look with dark liner at the lashes and lots of mascara.
A makeup must: Definitely use concealer, and even though you’re not planning on swimming, use a waterproof mascara and liner. That way, your eye makeup will stay in place, and you’ll avoid raccoon eyes at the end of the night, says Olson. She always carries a compact of powder with a brush in her evening bag when attending formal events so she can freshen up.
Fabulous lips: You leave your house looking fabulous, and after an evening of talking and drinking, the fancy lipstick you put on is all but gone. Here’s a tip from Olson: Apply lip liner on the outside of your lips and over most of the lips, but not in the center. Add the lipstick in the center. “It’s not going to come off,” she says.
Tastes like chicken: If it’s a dinner event, there’s always a beef option, and chicken or fish are also usually offered. And there’s usually a vegetarian option; if not, be sure to ask. “Dinner is usually something you wouldn’t make on a Tuesday night in your kitchen,” Murray says. There’s always a fancy dessert, too, maybe a crème brûlée or chocolate mousse.
Kitchen’s closed: If the event is after 7 p.m., don’t expect dinner. Cocktails and appetizers will be served.
Best thing about Alameda galas:
A few times a year, you’re at a party and you know 90 percent of the people there. “Everyone is dressed up, and you’ll know everyone in the room,” says Hester.
Worst thing: You’ll know everyone in the room.
A Night to Remember
The perfect gala: “I think the perfect gala would have some sort of stage show, some sort of entertainment,” says Kris Murray, the former executive director of the Alameda Education Foundation, which hosts a gala every year. “It would have a good mix of interesting people: a wide span of demographics, so there would be some young folks, as well as the middle-age-range folks.”
Open bar: Always a good idea. “I love the idea of complimentary beverages, even if it’s just wine and soft drinks. I love the idea of walking in and getting a glass of wine, just because I’m there,” Murray says.
Pet peeves: Formal galas should start on time and end close to on time. There should be adequate parking. “And you should not have to wait in a ridiculous line to get in,” Murray says.
Nights Out
Here's where you can wear a tux and a gown in Alameda for a night to remember:
What: Moonlight Magic Gala. Hosted by the volunteer group Blossom Garden, the gala benefits Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland.
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 3.
Features: Silent auction, dinner, dancing.
Where: Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, 2 Broadway, Oakland, (510) 444-3456.
Contact: www.childrenshospitalbranches.org
What: ACLO Awards. Sort of like the Tony Awards of Alameda, the Alameda Civic Light Opera Awards are given for Best Show, Best Male Lead and so forth, all based on season ticket holders’ votes.
When: The date for 2008 wasn’t set at press time.
Features: Formal wear, awards, fun acceptance speeches.
Where: Elks Club, 2255 Santa Clara Ave.
Contact: ACLO, (510) 864-2256, www.aclo.com.
What: Boys & Girls Club of Alameda Annual Auction. One of the best-known formal occasions in Alameda, this event raises money for the Boys & Girls Club.
When: March 8, 2008.
features: Silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing.
Where: Oakland Airport Hilton, 1 Hegenberger Road, Oakland, (510) 635-5000.
Contact: Kathleen C. Woulfe or Tamar Lowell, (510) 522-4900, www.alamedabgc.org.
What: Have a Heart Gala. A benefit for the homeless at Midway Shelter, this is one of the biggest fundraising formal events in Alameda.
When: March 29, 2008. No-host bar opens 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.
features: Live music, dancing, dinner and auctions.
Where: Albert H. DeWitt O’ Club, 641 Redline Ave., (510) 521-9394.
Contact: Ginny Krutilek, (510) 523-2377.
What: Funky Formal. Hosted by Alameda Association of Realtors, this event raises money for different causes in Alameda. In 2006, it raised $22,000 for the Alameda Civic Light Opera, and last month, Oct. 6, 2007, it benefited the Alameda Education Foundation.
When: For 2008 the date has yet to be determined.
Features: True to its name, the affair is retro, themed after the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. This is the place to do the twist, bump or electric slide.
Where: In 2006 and 2007, the event has been held at the Oakland Airport Hilton.
Contact: Alameda Association of Realtors, (510) 523-7229, www.alamedaaor.org.
What: Fall Gala. The Alameda Hospital Foundation hosts an event each fall to raise money for the hospital. In 2006, the foundation raised $61,000 for the Women’s Health Center.
When: Mid-September.
Features: The group hosted a James Bond–inspired event, called Casino Royale, on Sept. 15, 2007, at John Berry Dry Dock, Marina Square Drive.
Where: For 2008 the location has not been set.
Contact: Dennis Eloe, (510) 814-4600, www.alamedahospital.org.
What: Alameda Education Foundation Gala.
This event raises money for music programs in the public schools.
When: Spring 2008.
Features: Usually includes music and a show.
Where: Location to be determined (usually held at Kofman Auditorium).
Contact: The AEF offices at (510) 748-4008, ext. 105, www.alamedaeducation.org.
What: Heart of Gold Ball. The local fundraising branch of the American Heart Association hosts this event to raise money for research and community education.
When: Keep checking for the 2008 date.
Features: This is a black-tie event with live music, dining and auctions.
In April 2007, it was held at Area 51, Alameda Point.
Where: Location to be determined.
Contact: American Heart Association, (510) 904-4034, www.americanheart.org, go to Local Info and click on East Bay Division.
