What is the Auction?
The Auction is the Madeleine Parent's Club's largest fundraiser of the year. Every Madeleine Parent is part of Parent's Club and plays a role in the Auction. It's a fabulous party for the parents and their friends to celebrate the school, eat delicious food, and shop for fantastic goods and services. Parents are what make this auction a success. Parents donate fantastic, creative experiences that make up the bulk of the live auction. Parents set up and decorate. Parents help organize class projects showcasing classroom art that will be auctioned off. And, Parents solicit and procure the donated items such as gift certificates for restaurants, hotels, and personal services that make up the backbone of the Auction. Parents come and support the school thru their purchases. It's the party of the year and you don't want to miss it! Check out our Auction History.
I heard a rumor that the Auction isn't at the Madeleine this year?
You heard correctly! We are thrilled that for the first time ever the Auction will be off-site. We've searched high and low for the perfect venue and Pure Space promises truly to make the Auction a Night to Remember.I have Auction Questions, who do I contact?
Use the contact form over on the right for quickest results. We're happy to hear from you.
What's the Goal of the Auction?
The Goal of the Auction is two-fold. We raise money for the school AND build community. The Madeleine community is strengthened as a whole when working together towards a common goal, building a better school for our kids. Our families play the starring role in making the Auction a success. Parties, meetings, planning... this is the place where you may meet new and life long friends. It's an opportunity to build relationships. We know... we've made some of our closest friends while working on school projects, the auction in particular. AND... it's a blast! You are guaranteed to have a lovely and memorable time on Auction Night.
How much does the Auction raise?
The Parent's Club hopes to raise nearly two thirds of its revenue budget through this event by encouraging everyone to pitch in and participate.
- The Parent's Club is responsible for funding 15% of the School's Annual Budget.
- The Auction plays a starring role with a goal of bringing in 62% of the Parent's Club Revenue & 9% of the School's Annual Budget.
- The 2013 Auction Revenue Goal is _________.
What do you want each family to do?
We ask for 100% participation.
- Make your family donation of goods or services with a minimum fair market value of $150 by September 30th, 2013. If you're stumped on what to donate, check out our Ideas & Wish List page. Read and follow the directions on our School Community to make your Donation.
- Take on an auction job to help in the preparation or follow up. There are jobs to fit everyone's schedule. See the Volunteer page for opportunities.
- In addition to your family donation, consider asking the businesses you frequent for a donation. Don't feel obligated to ask our local Starbucks or grocery stores for donations. Our procurement team will take care of those. But, perhaps, you can ask your hair stylist, eye doctor, a boutique where you've made a recent purchase, a restaurant or bar that you frequent.... businesses that, without you, we'd have no personal connection.
- If you have a connection for a particularly great donation idea (fancy hotel, getaway, restaurant, etc.), please let the procurement team or know right away. We are happy to help you make the ask, draft a personal note, etc.
- Come to the Auction and bid for our school!
- Invite friends to come to the Auction, too.
What's the Silent Auction?
Local merchants and Madeleine families donate hundreds of items that are packaged for auctioning prior to the Live Auction. Think of it like the "cocktail hour" prior to the main event. Traditionally it's been held in the gym before we head down to the Parish Hall for Dinner & Live Auction. An example of Silent Auction offerings: wine, furniture, gift certificates for services, themed baskets full of goodies.
For more information visit The Silent Auction Page.
What is the Live Auction?
After the Silent Auction closes, everyone moves into the Parish Hall where the Dinner is served and the Live Auction commences. The Live Auction items are typically bigger items and projects created by each class. This is a traditional auction, with real auctioneers taking bids. If you want to bid on an item in the Live Auction, hold up your bidder paddle so your bidder number is visible and make sure the auctioneer and crew notices you. Anyone can participate in the Live Auction including those who have purchased Silent Auction Only tickets. (These tickets exclude the catered dinner... it's going to be especially delicious this year. So, think twice before buying a Silent Auction only ticket!)
For more information visit the Live Auction Page.
What's the Paddle Raise all about?
The Paddle Raise occurs during the Live Auction. It's a direct appeal to the school families to make a donation towards a current school need that's not identified or allowed for within the current school budget. Visit The Paddle Raise Page for a brief history of donated funds and projects.
What are Easel Items or Sign Up Events?
These are community building events and parties to which a limited number of tickets are available. This year we'll be offering several Sign Up Events online prior to Auction Night as well as several available at the Auction.
I've hear rumors about a Wall of Wine and a partnership with Great Wine Buys!
The Wall of Wine has been an Auction night fixture for the past five years and it gets better and better every year. This year we've partnered with Great Wine Buys. They have graciously offered our community a 20% discount on wines purchased for the Auction and they'll even store the wine until Auction Night. Read more about it on our Wall of Wine page.
How do I purchase Tickets?
We're green and saving trees! Tickets will be available October 1st. Visit the Tickets Page for all Ticket related details.
Is this a family event?
The Auction is a grown-up party. No children, please. Make arrangements for a babysitter so you can enjoy an adult night out.
What if I can't come but would like to bid on an item?
You're welcome to have a friend bid for you.
But, we need to make sure:
- you have your own bidder number,
- we know who is authorized to make purchases on your behalf, and
- your credit card is registered prior to Auction Night.
So, please make arrangements with us in advance.
How do I get businesses to donate?
We don't expect you to go out and procure from our neighborhood merchants. The Procurement Team has already been working on that for months. But, we highly encourage you to think about your network and contacts... particularly those that we'd otherwise not have. For example, if your best friend owns a Brewery, we'd love for you to reach out and ask for a $50 dinner gift certificate. If you're purchasing a big ticket item like a new TV, why not ask if the business would donate something? When you get your hair cut next, ask if they're willing to donate a cut and color.
Best case scenario is a face to face contact and ask.
Share the Auction Website: themadeleineauction.com
with the links to our Business Donor Letter & Online Donor Form.
Businesses need to complete the Online Donor Form and give the item/gift certificate to you, arrange for pick up or delivery, or drop it in the mail to the school at 3240 NE 23rd, Portland OR 97212.
What kind of donations are best?
Unique Experiences and Items fetch the best bids. Check out our Wish List & Idea Pages to help get your creative juices flowing.
Can we get creative with our donations?
We love creative ideas. If you have a great idea that you've seen at other auctions or something you'd like to see offered at ours, tell us about it. If you have a wild and crazy idea for a package or item, we want to hear it!
When are donations due?
October 1st, 2013....
in order to allow time for compiling, packaging, and to be included in the catalog.
Families who have not yet donated by October 1st, will be billed for $150 to cover their contribution.
Can I turn in a donation after October 1st?
To efficiently inventory and catalog the hundreds of items we receive in a timely manner, we MUST receive donations on or before the deadline. It's possible to submit the Donor Form by the deadline and bring in the item at a later date. Please contact an Auction Chair to make this arrangement. We cannot guarantee that items submitted after the deadline will be included in the Catalog and/or the current year's auction.
What happens to donations submitted after the deadline?
Donations that cannot be included in the Auction due to time constraints will be available for sale post Auction or reserved for the following year's auction.
Can I just drop items off in the school office?
Please don't. There are donor forms on this website and at the office. We really need you to complete an online donor form or paper donor form so we know who the item is from, how to send them a letter for their taxes, and how much the item is worth so we know how to price it. Without a proper donor form, we're a little lost. Please don't make us come track you down for that information.
If I have a question, who can I call?
The Auction Committee Directory is posted here so you know who to call for specific questions. Your Classroom Representative can give you information or direct you to the right person to answer your question. And, Feel free to contact your 2012 Auction Chairs with any questions you may have.
What volunteer jobs need to be filled?
Each committee has a number of positions that need to be filled in order for the Auction to come off smoothly.
To sign up for Volunteer Jobs do one of the following:
- Come to Back to School Night on September 13th.
- Complete the Volunteer Form
- Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Annette Magner.
- Contact an Auction Chair
Jobs are first come, first serve. As we get closer to Auction Night, we'll post a "Volunteers Needed page and link it here.
When I sign up for a job, how do I know what to do?
Each job supports a particular team or committee. Each committee has a sub chair. It's their responsibility to contact you and make sure you know what to do. If you have questions or don't hear from your Sub Chair, please help keep the system running smoothly by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator, Annette Magner or Auction Chair, Angela Wood.
If I Volunteer on Auction Night, can I bid on items?
Yes, we hope you do!
When you arrive on the Auction Night, you are encouraged to Check In to get a Bid Number. This gives you freedom to bid and purchase just like our guests.
What if I can't come to the auction, are there other ways I can help?
Sure! We need people to make follow up calls for procurement, pick up items, do data entry... there are literally hundreds of tasks that can only be done if the whole community pulls together. There are jobs to fit every schedule. Visit the Volunteers page for details.
How do I know what items are going to be auctioned?
A couple of weeks prior to Auction Night, we'll publish the online catalog for viewing for the community. A link will be posted on this Auction website and the school website. All those who have purchased tickets will receive a link via email.
Do I have to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy myself?
No! There will be items, packages, and sign up events to fit every budget. Auction Night is a great big party filled with food, friends, and fun. Use it as an opportunity to shop for gifts for others... money you'd spend anyways... think Christmas, Birthdays, Etc.
I might want to chair the Auction someday, how do I get on That list?
The Auction Chairs come from the 4th grade class. This ensures that they've usually been around the school for a while and have an understanding of the job and all it involves. Plus, it keeps things fresh and new, giving others an opportunity to step up rather than having the same few people do it every year. Some years, folks have readily volunteered and other years, we've had to go around and ask.
As soon as one Auction has finished, Parent's Club is already thinking about the next Auction. So, if your child is going to be in 4th grade next Fall, September 2013, and you're up for taking the role of Auction Chair, let us know.
I'm new to the school and feeling overwhelmed after reading this!
It's okay. We've all been there... being the new kid on the block. The Auction is simply an awesome party. The Auction Chairs are the Party Planners and they need help to pull it off. That's where the school families come in.- Start brainstorming about what you'd like to donate... remember the Ideas & Wish Lists.
- Think about your network and contacts... would someone you know consider donating something awesome to help raise money for our school?
- Consider when you'd like to volunteer and your schedule.
- Come to the New Parent Potluck where you'll meet the Auction Chairs.
- If you're still not sure what to do next, simply email us and say, "Help, I'm new!"We understand and are happy to help you navigate your way.
