Frequently Asked Questions
How much is parking at the Hotel Murano?
Starting at 10:30 am, there will be attendants on all parking levels who will take $5 cash for parking. There are also machines that accept credit cards, which will cost $8 or more, depending on how long you stay.
Where is the event in the Hotel Murano?
The Better Futures Luncheon will take place in the Bicentennial Pavilion, located adjacent to the courtyard by South 13th Street.
How do I check-in?
You can check-in by giving your name to our volunteers at the name tag table. You will also be able to preregister your credit card for silent-auction purchases or buy any last minute tickets at a table nearby. We highly encourage you to buy all tickets in advance to speed up the check-in process.
Do you have an invitation I can forward to my guests?
We send multiple Luncheon invite emails leading up to the event that you are welcome to forward to guests and prospective guests. There is also a PDF of the Luncheon invitation on the Sample Guest Emails page that can be downloaded and attached to an email.
Will my guests get a reminder email about the Luncheon?
If they have RSVPed/registered directly through Hilltop Artists they will receive all of our communications. They will also get reminder emails from us if you provide their email address with your guest list. We still encourage you to take a personal approach with your guests and connect with them shortly before the Luncheon to let them know that you are excited they will be joining you.
What time does the silent auction start and end?
The silent auction starts at 10:30 a.m. when check-in opens. One section of silent auction items – vases, jewelry, bowls, etc. – will close at 12:00 p.m. The program will start at 12:00 p.m. and guests will have a chance to see a video about the making of the centerpieces. There will be a last call for bidding and the silent auction for centerpieces will end at 12:25 p.m.
Will there be a selection of glass jewelry, vases, bowls, and pumpkins for purchase (sticker price, not auction)? Can you give some typical prices?
Yes, we will have a variety of glass items available for purchase. In addition to the centerpieces, we will have unique items also available through silent auction. We will also have pumpkins available for retail sale (sticker price, not auction). The starting bid prices and retail pumpkins will be between $35 and $100.
Can’t get enough pumpkins? Our friends and partners at Tacoma Glassblowing Studio host a series of Pumpkin Patches around the South Sound in the fall. They sell Hilltop Artists pumpkins on our behalf as well as make an additional donation from their proceeds!
