Kick off the school year at our favorite back-to-school fundraiser, the Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Huffman Athletic Center.
Join us for an evening of fun and Tiger pride as we kick off the 2026–2027 school year! Enjoy dinner, live music, and the opportunity to reconnect with parents, alumni, and friends of Darlington. Whether you're catching up with old friends or making new connections, Purple Tie is the perfect way to celebrate the start of another school year together.
This casual, adults-only evening features dinner, an open bar, exciting silent and live auctions, Raise the Paw, our $10,000 Reverse Raffle Grand Prize drawing, and live entertainment. It's one of Darlington's favorite traditions, and we hope to see you there.
All proceeds from this event benefit Darlington’s four parent organizations: Pre-K to 8 and Upper School Tiger PRIDE, the Fine Arts Booster Club, and the Athletic Booster Club.
Purchase Your Event Tickets or a Patron Table: Click here to purchase your tickets today. Admission to The Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate is $85 per person, which includes dinner and an open bar. Patron tables can be purchased for $1,250, which includes reserved seating for eight, dinner, an open bar, and special recognition. There is also an opportunity to "Treat a Teacher" for the event. Attendance will be capped at 450.
Purchase a Reverse Raffle Ticket: Click here to purchase your reverse raffle and secure your chance to win $10,000! Only 300 tickets are available.
Donate an Auction Item or Package: Click here to donate an auction item. The Purple Tie auction is filled with one-of-a-kind items every year, including premium event and sports tickets, vacation homes, gift cards, exclusive golf outings, and more. If you have ideas or questions about the auction, please email us at purpletie@darlingtonschool.org
Need some inspiration? Check out a few amazing packages from last year:
A Day at Hawks Ridge Golf Club: Enjoy an unforgettable day for four at one of Georgia's premier private golf clubs, including breakfast, a round on the Par 3 course, lunch, and 18 holes on the championship course. Donated by Karen (’03) and Andrew ('97) Saville.
Margaritas & Mahjong Night: Everything you need for the ultimate game night, including premium Mahjong sets from Oh My Mahjong and Mahjong Co., a Peace Love Mahjong Carry + Tile Bag, margarita mix, and more. Donated by Erin and Charles ('95, LD '22) Hight.
Big Sky Spring Break Getaway: Spend six nights at Nestledown, a stunning home in the exclusive Spanish Peaks Mountain Club in Big Sky, Montana, available during Darlington's spring break. Donated by the Earle family.
Home-on-the-Hill Hangout: Darlington’s Advancement Office will partner with your student's house to host two memorable evenings on campus: one in the fall and one in the spring, complete with homemade food, games, music, and time together to make campus feel even more like home.
Panama City Beach Escape: Relax in a beautiful six-bedroom, six-bath beachfront home that sleeps up to 20 guests and features a heated private pool and direct beach access via a private boardwalk. Donated by the Edwards family.
Join the Purple Tie Volunteer Committee: Want to be part of the fun behind the scenes? We're looking for volunteers to help secure auction items, sell reverse raffle tickets, and assist with decorating for the event the day prior.
To join our volunteer committee or ask any questions about the Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate, please email us at purpletie@darlingtonschool.org.
Click here to view all the fun photos from last year’s Purple Tie Tiger Tailgate!
