Swigert International School PTA
Auction ▼
What is the Swigert Auction?
The auction is our biggest fundraiser--and biggest party--of the year! It's a chance for families, teachers, staff and friends to come together for an evening of laughs, drinks, dinner, games and dancing. All this, while raising money for our school, to boot!!
There will be an open bar and buffet and all attendees will have a seat.
Who can come to the auction?
Anyone who loves our school! Please note that the auction is an adults-only event.
How can I purchase tickets? Are there pricing options?
Tickets go on sale Feb 27th. All ticket sales contribute towards our auction fundraising goal of $100,000.
Feb 27- March 23rd tickets are $100, after March 23rd, price increases to $125 per person
Staff receive complimentary tickets!
Ten person tables sell for $1,500 - this is a great way to enjoy the event with close friends!
What happens to the money we raise?
The PTA donates over $200,000 to the school every year.
The money we donate is given to the school to cover expenses from the current year. We are funding in arrears; meaning the money we raise at the spring auction will actually pay for the programming your children received THIS YEAR. This money is critical to the continuation of these programs.
If your child came home and shared a new Spanish vocabulary word or an IB Learner Profile certificate, they were impacted by money we need to raise at the auction!
Some of the things that have been paid for by auction money include:
- IB Program Fee
- IB Teacher Training
- Our Spanish program
- STEM Training at NASA
- The school garden
- International Night
- Winterfest
- Literacy Night
- Outdoor classroom creation
- New playground equipment (Gaga pit, Structures, etc.)
- Field Trips Busing
- IB Provocations like igneous rock fudge, meal worm jars, visual performances, speakers, time machines, parts of a plant meals, etc.
- Virtual field trips
- IB Fieldwork initiatives/coordination: Stanley Social Action posters, Food Pantry Volunteering, Balfour visits, speakers, etc.
- Service Day projects benefiting the wider community
- Paraprofessionals to lower student:teacher ratios
- Weekly backpacks of food to families with food insecurity
- The 5th Grade Dance
- The Welcome Breakfast
- Trunk or Treat
- The Color Run
- Bingo Night
- Outdoor Movie Night
- Presentations of Learning supplies like posters and costumesFeature tables highlighting cultural celebrations around the world
- Arts Integration Units
- Art supplies like clay, yarn, markers, and paint
- Displays of kids work, art, and social emotional skills on the walls (and any indoor decorations)
- PE Equiptment
- Teacher appreciation meals and shows of gratitude
- Lamination film, binders, paper clips, pens, printer ink, bulletin board paper, general supplies
- Friday Folders, welcome folders for new families, Kindergarten roundup supplies
- Subscriptions to improve reading: Lexia, Epic, etc.
I can't attend the auction. Is there another way I can participate in this fundraiser?
Absolutely. You can still bid on "silent auction items" and "buy it now items" without attending the event. You can register to participate here. You can also donate directly anytime on the auction website's "Donate Now" page.
Do I have to spend a lot of money?
You don't have to spend a lot to make an impact!
Items can range in price from $25 Heads or Tails entries to $1,000+ live auction items like vacation getaways. We promise, there will be something for everyone. This event is about fundraising, but it's also about community building. We want as many people to attend as possible! If you are experiencing financial hardship and want to attend, please contact the PTA Presidents directly and confidentially, and we will do our best to reduce or waive the cost of your ticket.
What is Heads or Tails?
Heads & Tails participants stand and choose either "heads" (shown by putting their hands on their head) or "tails" (shown by putting their hands on their rear ends). Then a coin is tossed calling out the result, "Heads" or "Tails". Those whose hands are placed to match side of the coin tossed, remain standing. All others must sit and have been eliminated until only one is remaining. That person wins a prize.
More Info
GENERAL ACQUISITIONS
The PTA has launched outreach to local businesses, past donors, and Swigert families for items or experiences we can present for live auction or mobile bidding. If you have a business gift certificate, vacation home, or product you would like to donate, please contact fundraising@swigertpta.com
BUY-A-SHARES
Laura Bird (lauravan@gmail.com) is our chair for this category, and it's a fun one! These are group experiences or parties donated by Swigert families. A group of families offer to host an event, at their own expense, and we sell a set number of tickets via the auction website to attend the event. When all spots have been purchased, the party is full! One successful example from last year was the Holiday Carriage Ride. If you would rather donate a good time than cash, reach out to Laura!
Classroom ART
Candice Bornstein (candicemincer@live.com) is partnering with the school to make special art. The final products will be available for bidding at the auction.
GRADE ITEMS
Matisse Zachroff (matisse.zackroff@gmail.com) and Caitlin Stewart (caitlin.h.stewart@gmail.com) are our chairs for this category. This year in an effort to reduce the ask of parents and the workload for our volunteer room parents, we will be continuing grade level baskets in lieu of class baskets. We will have one basket per grade. The process for contributing is a grade level registry or donation.
This year, we have a mix of themed baskets and larger items that you can contribute towards in any dollar amount. Below, please find a link and description for your grade level basket. Please make your purchases or donations before 3/15 to allow for time to put baskets together. Thank you for your help in making this a success.
If you have any questions, please email caitlin.h.stewart@gmail.com.
ECE: Summer Travel
Kindergarten: Lego Masters
First Grade: Ultimate Soccer Showdown
Second Grade: Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
Third Grade: Nintendo Switch 2
Fourth Grade: 3D Printer
Fifth Grade: Skylight Family Calendar
TEACHER EXPERIENCES
Our fabulous teachers and staff come up with fun experiences they can share with winning families. These are always a big hit with our students and raise significant funds! You may want to reach out to your teachers (specials teachers too) to see if they need any help coordinating these events or coming up with fun ideas!
You can stay involved in all the auction happenings by reading the Eagle Post or joining Swigert's Facebook (Friends of Swigert International School)
Thank you for your support and dedication to Swigert and we hope to see you at the auction!