Illustration of friends with warm drinks at a rooftop terrace party under fairy lights over the city (Willows Academy Holiday Prelude Benefit Dinner)

Willows Academy Holiday Prelude Benefit Dinner

Guests gather for an evening featuring cocktails, dinner, and dancing to support Willows Academy. The event includes silent and live auctions, a paddle raise, and raffle drawings. Entertainment takes center stage with Willows Idol, a special showcase featuring the graduating senior class.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

$195 per guest.

Hours

6 PM – Cocktails and Silent Auction; 7:30 PM – Dinner, Paddle Raise, Live Auction; 9:30 PM – Dancing.

Ages

Adults

Food & Drink

The event includes cocktails and dinner.

Going?

Location

Lincolnshire Marriott Resort · 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Illinois Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ ⚪ (2/5)

Best For

Willows academy supporters and community members

Vibe

Celebratory and elegant

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Plan your outfit around the black tie optional dress code, since the evening runs from cocktails through dinner and on to dancing at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort.
  • Buy your party's tickets in one transaction and add or update guest names later, so you can hold seats for family and friends at your table.
  • Watch for the online silent auction link to go live, because bidding happens online and you don't need to be in the room to win.
  • Send program book ad artwork to prelude@willowsacademy.org by October 16, 2026 if you want your family or business featured in the book.
  • Think about sponsoring a ticket for a Willows faculty or staff member, which helps make the evening accessible to the school's teachers and staff.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: Willows Idol takes center stage, featuring the Senior Class
  • Golden Ticket entries, sold separately, for a chance to win a five-night stay at a private villa in Cabo
  • Raffle tickets sold separately, and you choose which raffle items to put them toward
  • Event sponsorships include 10 tickets with premier seating and a full-page ad in the program book
  • Program book ads for families and businesses, with ad materials due October 16, 2026

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

The dress code is black tie optional.

What happens during the evening?

The night opens with cocktails and the silent auction, then moves to dinner, the paddle raise and the live auction, and ends with dancing. Willows Idol, featuring the Senior Class, takes center stage this year.

Do I need to be there to bid on the silent auction?

No. The silent auction is held online, and bidders don't need to be present.

Can I buy tickets for a whole group?

Yes. You can buy multiple tickets in one transaction, then add or update your table's guest names later. You can also sponsor a ticket for a Willows Academy faculty or staff member.

Can I support Willows if I can't attend?

Yes. If you can't come to the paddle raise, you can make a gift online, and no ticket or sponsorship is needed to give.

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Contributors & Updates

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