Be Our Guest is Silicon Valley’s most unique nonprofit luncheon and pumpkin auction, hosted by Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits. 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.

The 18th annual Be Our Guest takes place on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Mexican Heritage Plaza at the School of Arts and Culture.

While there is free parking available on-site, we strongly encourage carpooling, taking public transportation, or ridesharing since the parking lots will fill up. Biking is also encouraged!

Local celebrities--such as elected and government officials, local business leaders, and representatives from the philanthropy community--serve as Celebrity Table Captains. They’ll lead activities and spark conversation at each table, making the luncheon interactive and engaging.

Yes, sponsors and those purchasing tables may select a Celebrity Table Captain. Those who purchase individual tickets are not able to select their table captain. The SVCN team makes every attempt to match sponsors and nonprofits purchasing tables with their preferred Celebrity Tables Captains, giving preference to sponsors and those who register early, but we know you will enjoy spending time with any of our Celebrity Table Captains!

Yes! Festive Halloween costumes are highly encouraged. Many of our attendees wear Halloween costumes to the event! Please review SVCN’s resource on culturally competent costumes to ensure inclusivity and respect for all cultures.

We will be serving lunch, including a vegan option. Please indicate any dietary restrictions you or your guests have when you register.

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.

Table Captains and community members decorate pumpkins that are auctioned off during the event to benefit SVCN's mission services.  We encourage you to join in on the bidding and bring home a pumpkin your neighbors will be jealous of! Bidding opens 24 hours before the event and you do not have to be present to bid.

Yes! Anyone can donate a decorated pumpkin. Simply submit your pumpkin to our entry form in advance.

Yes, all pumpkins entered in the auction are automatically part of the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Categories include: Best Overall, Most Creative, Best Current Event, and SVCN Choice.

Purchased pumpkins must be picked up before the luncheon concludes on Friday, October 24. If you win a pumpkin but are not in attendance, an SVCN staff member will coordinate pickup.