GALA FAQ

We're just as excited as you to celebrate in person. Let's talk about how we are making Gala as safe as possible.

While we couldn’t be more excited for a long awaited celebration together, safety is our highest priority. As we plan for the return to an in-person event we will require proof of vaccination to attend at Gotham Hall. As the status of NYC and CDC guidelines in regards to COVID-19 fluctuate, you can continue to check back here for answers to your Gala questions.

Do I need to be fully vaccinated to attend the buildOn Gala?

Yes. All guests attending in-person at Gotham Hall need to be fully vaccinated with a FDA or WHO approved vaccine.

Proof of Vaccine

Guests will be required to show proof of vaccine. “Fully vaccinated’ means that on November 18th 2021 you must be: a) at least 14 days after your second dose of two dose vaccine, b) at least 14 days after your single dose vaccine

More information will be posted and communicated to all guests soon. 

Not vaccinated/Will not be fully vaccinated by the event date

If you are not vaccinated, or will not be by the event date, please join us for the live stream program at buildOn.events.org.

Are the exceptions to the fully vaccinated requirement?

No. There are no religious, health or other exemptions.

Will working staff and crew be vaccinated?

Yes, all staff, vendors, catering, and attendees are required to be vaccines. No exemptions are allowed.  Additionally, all crew members will be masked.

Mask Policy

At this time, masks are not required for guests once their vaccination is verified. Please review all event communication in advance for the final policy.

Social Distance Policy

Due to the vaccine requirement, social distancing will not be required. This includes seating.

Contact Tracing

To prevent future infections in the case there is a reported case of COVID after the buildOn Gala, buildOn will need to collect addresses and contact information of every guest to properly conduct contact tracing.

COVID19 Considerations and Safety Measures of Gotham Hall

Gotham Hall is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for all employees, clients, guests, and creative partners. They are committed to following the most current CDC guidelines on a daily basis.

  • Gotham Hall has upgraded their air systems by installing MERV 13 air filters.
  • Hand sanitizer stations have been placed at all guest and staff entrances.
  • Signage has been placed throughout high traffic areas to encourage social distancing and appropriate use of PPE.
  • Gotham Hall will notify the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) at least five days before the event by submitting the appropriate forms and saving the email confirmation for 30 days after the event.
  • Before starting a shift, staff will be required to show either completed proof of vaccination or bi-weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 Test. This shall include all onsite vendors as well.
  • Scheduled staff will undergo mandatory daily health screening practices including completing a health questionnaire and temperature check.
  • A COVID Safety Compliance Officer will be onsite during the event to oversee safety standards.

In Person Event Address

Gotham Hall

1356 Broadway at 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 244-4300​

Parking

Guests can park on their own at any nearby garage. Two nearby garages available within walking distance of the venue are, Icon Parking or Meyers Parking. One may also keep in mind that Gotham Hall is located only about 2 blocks for Penn Station, near numerous subway trains.

Arriving & Program

The buildOn Gala opens at 6 PM for a cocktail reception, with the in person program and livestream beginning promptly at 7 PM. Guests will check in at a tented entry point by providing their name and proof of vaccination. NYC’s accepted apps to verify proof of vaccine (Excelsior and NYC Covid Safe) or the vaccine card in hand will be accepted. Coatcheck will be available at check in.

Dinner

Meal preferences are offered on all guest registration forms. Please also communicate any dietary restrictions of food allergies. We will be unable to honor any meal preferences or accommodate food restrictions/allergies beyond November 1st.

I lost my access email to join the virtual Gala, how do I enter the buildOn event?

Head to www.buildonevents.org and enter a few identifying details; the event will livestream directly to the web page.

How do I return to the event streaming page?

If you’ve accidentally closed the Why We Can’t Wait Event page in your browser you can return to the event by visiting buildonevents.org

Is this donation tax deductible?

buildOn is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. For this event, contributions by attendees exceeding $245 per person are tax-deductible. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

I have a question about my donation / need assistance…

We’re happy to help! Please email us at info@buildon.org. We’re standing by and ready to assist you.

 

Policy Changes & Refunds
Health and safety protocols and policies may change and will be clearly communicated to ticket and table holders in advance of the event. 
There are no refunds, credits, or exchanges on any tickets. If a ticket purchaser can no longer attend, we encourage them to share their tickets with a community member or supporter of buildOn. If a ticket or table holder does not comply with the venue protocols, they will not be admitted to the event and no refunds, credits or exchanges will be given. 
Please contact Jon Mucciolo at jon.mucciolo@buildon.org for additional information about attending or sponsoring this event.