Evening in Paris 2026 Auction FAQ
What is Académie Lafayette's Auction?
Académie Lafayette's annual Evening in Paris (EIP) auction is one of our largest and most beloved fundraising events. This special night brings together families, staff and community members to support our school.
Can't attend in person? No problem! You can still join the excitement by participating in the silent auction online.
EIP 2026: When & Where
Saturday, May 2, 2026
The Gallery & Kill Devil Club - Kansas City Power & Light District
61 E 14th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Event Day Schedule
5:00 PM: Doors Open for VIP Ticket Holders
6:00 PM: Doors Open for General Admission
7:00 PM: Dinner & Program
9:00 PM: Silent Auction Closes
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Dancing, mingling and a couple of magical surprises!
Attire
This is the night to have fun with fashion! Think playful circus glamour, dramatic details and looks worthy of the spotlight under the big top.
Tickets
No need to print your ticket! When you purchase or are gifted a ticket, it is automatically assigned to you. Simply provide your name at the check-in counter upon arrival.
Parking
We encourage attendees to carpool, utilize a ridesharing service...or take the streetcar, which stops at Main & 14th Street, just around the corner from the venue! Parking in the Cosentino's Garage (1226 Main Street) and the KC Live! Garage (151 E 13th Street) will be free. You must bring your parking ticket to one of the venue bars for validation. Paid parking is available in the other Power & Light garages. A parking map will be shared soon.
Seating
Reserved seating will be assigned for sponsors and attendees who purchased a full Table of 10.
Individual Ticket purchases will be self-selected seating the night of the event at any of the non-reserved tables.
Food & Beverage
Your ticket includes food, beer, wine and soft drinks. VIP tickets include a speciality cocktail. Hard alcohol and additional cocktails available for purchase. Please remember to bring cash for tipping the bartenders!
Auction Registration & Participation
You must be registered to participate in bidding. You can bid via your phone, tablet or computer. We will send emails and text messages letting you know the progress of items you are bidding on and other helpful information. If you are not receiving notifications after registering or have any issues with registering and using the site, please contact us at hvogel@academielafayette.org.
Auction Items
Silent auction items and packages will be listed by categories of interest (ex: Home and Garden, Food and Drink, Health and Fitness). Items range from gift certificates to local establishments, paintings and photography, classroom art projects, gift baskets, teacher experiences and so much more!
AL Community Parties are making a return this year! The cost will be listed per participant, and there are a limited number of slots available.
Live auction items will be available to in-person participants only. All other auction items and community parties will be available online for anyone to bid on!
Check the event site and our social media page regularly as auction items are added!
Raffles
Raffle tickets are $10 each and donors are able to purchase an unlimited number of entries! Anyone can enter; attendance to the event is not required to win.
- Cherry Students vs. Staff Soccer Game
- Oak Students vs. Staff Soccer Game
- Armour Student AL Campaign Star
Fund-a-Need
Each year, Académie Lafayette highlights a special project or school initiative at the auction. This year, we are proud to support our school nurses by providing updated medical equipment and accessories for every campus. Your contributions will help us purchase new audio and visual testing equipment, blankets for cots, storage cabinets and more-ensuring our nurses have the tools they need to care for students' health and well-being.
Auction Bidding
All bidding and purchases will be done through GiveSmart, including auction, wine/liquor pulls, parties, raffles and Fund-a-Need. You can access this on your phone, tablet or computer.
Visit www.academielafayette.org/EIP to sign in or create a GiveSmart login. Once you are registered, please enter your credit card information at this time so your purchases are not delayed. You will receive texts with important messages and announcements.
Bidding for silent auction will occur online. Anyone can bid online; attendance at event is not required.
Bidding on live items will occur in person at the event.
Check out will be completed online via your GiveSmart account.
Post-Auction Information
Bidding and/or purchasing of auction items close on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 9:00pm.
You will receive a text letting you know which items you have won with a reminder to review your purchases.
Credit cards will be charged Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:00am. If you wish to pay by check to avoid credit card processing fees, please notify us by email at hvogel@academielafayette.org.
Auction Item Redemption
This year, all auction items will be available for pickup the week after the event. Other than wine/liquor pull items, there will be no in-person pickup the night of the event.
- In-person pickup: Items can be picked up at the Armour campus the week following the auction.
- Virtual items: Digital items will be emailed directly to you.
- Delivery option: Items can also be delivered to your home for a $10 donation. Details to follow!
General Donations
General event donations can be gifted through GiveSmart. Donations to our school are also always accepted and welcomed through www.academielafayette.org/donate.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our wonderful volunteers are what make this event a success year-over-year! You can contact hvogel@academielafayette.org for volunteer opportunities (night-of cleanup volunteers needed).
Event Contact
Hollie Vogel | Events & Volunteer Coordinator
816-332-6623