What is the Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate?
The Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate is a casual evening event featuring dinner, a full bar, live and silent auctions, a raise the paddle, a reverse raffle, and live entertainment. All proceeds from this annual event support Darlington’s four parent organizations for the upcoming school year: Pre-K to 8 and Upper School Tiger PRIDE, the Fine Arts Booster Club, and the Athletic Booster Club.
When is the Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate?
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Aug.16, from 6:30-10:00 p.m. in the Huffman Athletic Center at Darlington School, located at 1014 Cave Spring Road, Rome, GA 30161.
How much are the tickets, and where can I purchase them?
Click here to purchase tickets on the event website. Event tickets and patron table sales will end on Friday, Aug. 8.
What is the attire for the event?
Show your Darlington School spirit by dressing in your favorite Tiger tailgate gear! Think purple polos, Darlington T-shirts with jeans or shorts, purple dresses, or any Tiger-themed apparel. Need inspiration? Click here to browse last year’s gallery and see what others wore.
Are children allowed?
No, this is an adult-only evening. You must be 21 or older to attend.
Can I bring friends and family from outside of Darlington School?
Yes! Please bring your friends and family and show them how amazing our Darlington community is.
What can I expect at the event?
Doors to the Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate open at 6:30 p.m. with time to explore our online silent auction items and catch up with friends. Enjoy live entertainment and an open bar before dinner is served at 7 p.m. Later in the evening, get ready for the excitement of the live auction and the reverse raffle ticket drawing.
How do the various auctions and raffles work?
Online Silent Auction: Preview our silent auction online, with bidding starting a few days before the event. Because of our generous community, the Purple Tie auction offers exclusive items each year—premium event and sports tickets, vacation homes, golf outings, unique Darlington student experiences, and more. This year’s theme, “Darlington’s Favorite Things,” highlights packages donated by families and friends featuring their favorite items and activities. You do not have to attend the event to participate or win a silent auction item.
Live Auction: We will have a select number of live auction items presented by local auctioneer Lou Dempsey (’87, LD ’17). To place a bid, simply raise your numbered “paw” paddle, which you’ll receive at check-in. Bidding will continue until the highest offer is reached and the item is sold. Live auction items are traditionally our most unique and high-value items. We’ll also have a “Raise the Paw” segment where guests can donate toward specific school projects. This year’s Raise the Paw will support special campus-wide security improvements.
Reverse Raffle: Tickets are $100 each, giving you a one in 300 chance to win $10,000! The raffle drawing happens during the event, but you do not need to be present to win. Winners are responsible for applicable taxes. Click here to purchase your tickets. You do not have to attend the event to participate or win the raffle.
Can I donate to the auction?
Yes! The Purple Tie auction features unique and exciting items—everything from premium event and sports tickets to vacation homes, exclusive golf outings, gift cards, and more. These items are donated by local businesses and community members who contribute from places they love. If you'd like to donate an item to this year’s auction, please click here or email us at purpletie@darlingtonschool.org.
Amazon Wishlist: You can also purchase items from the wishlist that we would love to see at the auction. This makes donating easy as items are delivered straight to the school.
How can I help?
This event wouldn’t be successful without you! If you’d like to be part of the fun behind the scenes, we’re looking for volunteers to help with securing auction items, selling reverse raffle tickets, and decorating the day before the event. Please email us at purpletie@darlingtonschool.org to join our volunteer committee.
