Frequently Asked Questions
Before you go…
What to expect from the evening’s festivities
7:00 - 8:30PM | Arrivals, check in, & cocktail hour in the mezzanine
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres catered by the Angus Barn and live music, participate in our Champagne Raffle hosted by Diamonds Direct, browse and bid in our silent auction, stop by the photo booth, and buy your tickets for our Emerald in the Rough game!
8:30 - 9:00PM | Dinner
We’ll transition downstairs and call groups to the food stations by table number.
9:00PM | Program & Live Auction
Learn about Me Fine’s mission, bid on fantastic packages during our exciting live auction and see if you’re the last one standing during our Emerald in the Rough game (must be present to win!).
9:45PM | Dessert, Dancing, & Auction Check Out
Savor sweet treats and dance the night away with our live DJ! Winning bidders, don’t forget to take home your auction items!
11:00PM | Good night - until next year!
Dress code
We welcome cocktail/formal attire as we celebrate our 20th anniversary - and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Location, Parking & Directions
Bay 7, 324 Blackwell St #700, Durham, NC (Click here for map).
Please enter via the main entrance, which is just across from the water tower in the main American Tobacco Campus courtyard.
Parking is free in the decks surrounding the American Tobacco campus Fridays after 5pm, unless there is an event. The North and South decks are closest to the entrance to Bay 7, which is just across from the water tower in the main courtyard.
305 WEST PETTIGREW STREET
DURHAM, NC 27701
705 WILLARD STREET
DURHAM, NC 27701
Food and drink
Our diverse menu, catered by the Angus Barn, will cater to many dietary needs, including options for vegetarians and those who are gluten free. Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the cocktail hour and dinner will be served via food stations. A full selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available at multiple bars throughout the night.
Seating
Sponsors and their guests will have reserved seating at assigned tables. Sponsor table numbers will be provided at check in. Additional first-come, first-served tables will be provided for gala ticket holders, both downstairs and in the mezzanine.
Accessibility
Bay 7 is wheelchair accessible. An elevator is available to travel between the mezzanine and main levels.
I can't make it in-person. Can I still support?
Absolutely! You can check out our amazing online silent auction and participate/bid from afar. Stay tuned for details.
How do I view items and bid in the Silent Auction?
Preview our silent auction packages via our bidding website the week of the gala, to be announced via Me Fine’s social media and email!
A mobile device is required to participate in silent auction bidding. To help speed up the check in process, please make sure you have registered a card on file on our bidding website prior to arriving at Bay 7. Stay tuned for notifications about the status of your bid! The silent auction will close at 9:45PM on Friday, October 18.
If you select “Buy Now” on any item you are interested in, you win this item and it will be removed from the auction. All sales are final.
If your winning bid includes a physical item, you can pick it up upon checkout after the auction has closed and take it home with you the evening of the gala. Auction items with digital certificates will be emailed to winning bidders after the gala.
How do I bid in the Live Auction?
You’ll receive a paddle printed with your assigned bidder number at check in. During the program, our live auctioneers will introduce and open bidding for each package - raise your paddle high to be recognized!
Once the auctioneers have declared “sold,” the sale is final. The individual making the final bid will be responsible for accepting the bid sale price. Payment by the successful bidder is required in full at auction check-out.
Stay tuned to preview our live auction packages the week before the gala, to be announced via Me Fine’s social media and email!
What is the Diamonds Direct Champagne Raffle?
Toast Me Fine’s anniversary with a glass of champagne! Champagne will be served exclusively via our Champagne Raffle in partnership with Diamonds Direct. A limited quantity of glasses will be available for purchase for $100 each, combined with a raffle ticket for your chance to win a beautiful diamond bracelet valued at $4,000! You can preorder your champagne along with your ticket or stop by the Diamonds Direct table next to check in to preview the bracelet and purchase raffle tickets at the event.
What is the Emerald in the Rough game?
We’re looking for an “Emerald in the Rough” - the last person standing will win a weekend getaway prize package valued up to $400! Purchase 1 chance to play for $20 or 3 chances to play for $50. Our auctioneers will lead a rock-paper-scissors tournament during the live program to determine the winner (must be present to win)!
Still have questions? Contact info@mefine.org.
