Chabot Auction Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked auction questions and answers. You can use the links below to jump directly to any question.
Please feel free to contact us at auction@chabotelementary.org with any questions you have that are not answered here.
Why is the Chabot Auction so important to the PTA?
What are the key dates/location for the auction?
What is the Online Auction?
What is the Gala?
How can I help?
What Can Be Donated?
What exactly does it mean to “host a party”?
Just for Kindergarten families…
Why is the Chabot Auction so important to the PTA?
The Chabot Online Auction and March Gala are two of the PTA’s largest fundraising activities and an important part of funding Chabot’s enrichment programs (such as science, art, library, technology, music) and other supports such as our small group specialists, i-Ready, Saturday school, teacher enrichment, and more. Chabot PTA’s goal is to raise $175,000 this year.
The Auction is also an incredible way to build our Bobcat community. A strong village of parent volunteers puts together the auction. The local community, families, extended families, and teacher/staff donate goods, services, art, and experiences. And EVERYONE can be part of the FUN- by dancing and socializing at the Gala or bidding on items in the online auction or staffing/volunteering during the day of the event.
What are the key dates/location for the auction?
- The 2019 Chabot Online Auction will run from March 6-March 13
- The 2019 Chabot Gala will be held on Saturday, March 16 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
The Online Auction runs March 6-13, before the Chabot Gala. The Online Auction features donations from parents, our community, teachers, and staff. One of the most popular features is a set of “VIP experiences” with Chabot teachers and staff. In addition, there will be gift certificates from local restaurants and retailers, classes and summer camp offerings, sports and theater tickets, professional services, arts/crafts and more! Everyone can participate and bid (including family, friends, neighbors).
On March 16, we will have an adults-only PARTY with dinner, drinks, dancing, and fun!
Cocktail hour is followed by a seated dinner, during which the Live Auction takes place. Attendees bid on amazing items such as a week in Tahoe, a catered dinner by the chef/owner of Bakesale Betty, and a chance to sail on a private yacht.
During the Live Auction, attendees also have a chance to “Raise their paddle” to donate money to the
school.
- Donate items or experiences to the auction (100% tax deductible)
- Host a party.
- Buy things during the Online Auction.
- Attend the Gala and bid on Live Auction items.
- Volunteer.
It’s the donations, big and small, that make the Chabot Auction special every year.
Examples include:
- Use of a vacation home
- Tickets to sporting/theater events/tours
- Gift certificates to local restaurants
- Music/cooking etc. class taught by you or a friend of yours
- Workplace tours
You can simply use the online donation form.
What exactly does it mean to “host a party”?
Parent-hosted parties are a huge aspect of the Chabot Auction. As mini fundraising events and community builders, parties raise a significant portion of auction revenue. Parties for parents can range from themed dinner parties, wine tasting, sports outings, and fitness and art classes. Kids’ parties offer kids an opportunity to learn a new craft or skill, take a guided hike, or enjoy an afternoon tea party hosted by someone else’s parents. Parties bring together Chabot community members of all ages who share common interests or just want to relax and have some fun. Many parties are hosted by multiple families, who split the cost and share the planning duties. All party costs are paid by the hosts of the party so that all proceeds go to Chabot. Interested in hosting a party? Email Kristin Aldrich at parties@chabotelementary.org for more information, to kick around ideas, or to sign up!
Just for Kindergarten families…
It is also a Kindergarten tradition to have a Kindergarten-only party in the spring … parties in past years have included a backyard Biergarten with pretzels, beer and bratwurst, a fiesta with a taco truck, and a potluck held at Musically Minded. It is a great opportunity for Kindergarten parents to connect and make new friends and celebrate the end of your child’s first year at Chabot! Every year we need to recruit a new group of Kindergarten parents to join forces to host this party. If you are interested in co-hosting the 2019 Kindergarten Party, email Kristin at parties@chabotelementary.org.