Be Our Guest

Join us on Friday, October 24, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits’ signature annual luncheon. This one-of-a-kind event brings together nonprofit teams, local celebrities, and nonprofit allies for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and joy, plus the chance to bid on stunning, creatively decorated pumpkins.

It’s a unique opportunity to share a meal, network, and celebrate the incredible work of our local nonprofit community.
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Submit Your Award Nominations!

Celebrity Table Captains mingle with nonprofit staff and design pumpkins for
the annual pumpkin contest and fundraising auction.

Margaret Abe-Koga

Supervisor, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

Will Aubin

Community Action Manager, Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Dora Beyer

Director, Excite Credit Union

Pamela Campos

Council Member D2, City of San José

Domingo Candelas

Councilmember D8, City of San José

Neysa Fligor

Vice Mayor, City of Los Altos

Megan S. Fogarty

Senior AVP for Community Engagement, Stanford University

Ellen Kamei

Mayor, City of Mountain View

Rosemary Kamei

Councilmember D1, City of San José

Michael Mulcahy

Councilmember D6, City of San José

Maya Perkins

Executive Director of Stakeholder Relations, Government Affairs

Steve Preminger

Director, Office of Strategic and Intergovernmental Affairs, SCC

Cha See

Director, Community Engagement, Santa Clara Family Health Plan

Moses Zapien

Executive VP, Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Be Our Guest?
Be Our Guest is Silicon Valley’s most unique nonprofit luncheon and pumpkin auction, hosted by SVCN. It’s a fun twist on the traditional “rubber chicken” luncheon where local celebrities (Table Captains) share lunch with nonprofit staff and community leaders, and we auction off elaborately decorated pumpkins.

When and where is the event?
The 17th annual Be Our Guest takes place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 11:30am–1:30pm at Excite Ballpark.

‍Who are the Table Captains?
Local “celebrities” serve as Table Captains. They’ll lead activities and spark conversation at each table, making the luncheon interactive and engaging.

‍Can I wear a costume?
Yes! Festive Halloween costumes are highly encouraged. Please review SVCN’s resource on culturally competent costumes to ensure inclusivity and respect for all cultures.

‍What food will be served?
A BBQ lunch will be provided with options including tri-tip, pulled pork, chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. You can indicate your food preference when you register.

‍Is there parking available?
Yes, parking will be available on-site. We strongly encourage carpooling to save money, reduce traffic, and help the environment. More details will be included in your registration confirmation.

‍Will there be awards?
Yes! We will honor community leaders with the Nonprofit Impact Awards. Nominations are open until Friday, August 23.

‍What health and safety measures will be in place?
SVCN is committed to making Be Our Guest safe for attendees. If you are feeling sick on the day of the event, please stay home. We will monitor public health guidelines and update attendees if additional protocols are needed.

Pumpkin Auction + Contest

‍What is the Pumpkin Auction?
Table Captains will decorate pumpkins that are auctioned off during the luncheon to benefit SVCN.

‍Can community members donate pumpkins too?
Yes! Anyone can donate a decorated pumpkin. Simply submit an entry form in advance.

‍Is there a contest?
Yes, all pumpkins entered in the auction are automatically part of the Pumpkin Decorating Contest.When do I pick up a purchased pumpkin?
Purchased pumpkins must be picked up before the luncheon concludes on Thursday, October 24.

Tickets & Tables
‍How much are tickets and tables?Tables (9 guests) are available on a sliding scale based on organization budget:
$5M+ budget: $1,600
$2M–$4.9M budget: $1,300
$1M–$1.9M budget: $950
Under $1M budget: $700

‍Individual tickets are available with a limit of 4 per registration.

‍Can I choose my Table Captain?
Yes, sponsors and those purchasing tables may select a Celebrity Table Captain.

Be Our Guest

Register Today

Celebrity Table Captains

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Be Our Guest

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Celebrity Table Captains

Frequently Asked Questions

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