Annual Auction FAQs


Why does St. Mary School have an auction?

The auction is our primary fundraising initiative for the year, and it is essential to the success of St. Mary School. Proceeds raised from the event – which, in the past, have exceeded $100,000 — go directly into St. Mary’s operating budget. These funds help maintain our rich curriculum, extensive student services, and exceptional staff. The auction is also a fun way to spend an evening socializing with other members of the SMS community!

When and where is the auction?

This year we are going virtual the evening of March 6th!  Enjoy dinner and the program from the comfort of home and stay safe while supporting St. Mary School.

How much is admission, and what is included?

Admission is free this year!  Dinner and drinks will be available for purchase and pick-up, as well as some other fun details that we have up our sleeve.

What should I wear?

This year’s theme is Vintage 1955 to celebrate the year the school opened and it's Italian heritage.  Get out your best old school Italian or 1950's outfit, or chill out in your pajamas - the choice is yours! 

Sponsor a Teacher? Aren't their dinners complimentary?

Yes, faculty and staff attend the auction at no charge; however, we pay for their dinner out of the auction budget. By sponsoring a teacher, you help offset those expenses so that more of the auction proceeds can directly benefit the school.

How does the auction work?

The auction consists of a Silent Auction, a Live Auction, and a live Fund-A-Need round of bidding for Tuition Assistance.  The Silent Auction is conducted via Greater Giving mobile bidding.  Those who have registered will receive a text with instructions on how to bid using a mobile device the week before the event.  You can also view a video about mobile bidding on our auction website. 

The Live Auction and Fund-A-Need will be conducted by a professional auctioneer and this year will be live-streamed through YouTube with bidding through the same Greater Giving mobile site.  This is where the night gets fun, and sometimes a little crazy — in a good way! Items generally included in the Live Auction are a combination of unique opportunities, school experiences, getaways and anything else that’s spectacular.  Make sure to like our Facebook event page to keep up to date on the packages that will be available!

Once all bidding is concluded, you will know which items you have won by viewing your receipt via Greater Giving on your mobile device.  Silent Auction items will be available to pick up with your dinner before the event on March 6th.

What kinds of items are up for bid?

There will be a range of items to bid on including services, getaways, physical goods, school-associated items and experiences. We also have Teacher Features and Sign-up Parties. Our Silent Auction catalog has items in all price points, from $20 on up. There’s something for every budget — you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time and help the school!

Is there a catalog of items up for bid?

Yes – you will be able to view the catalog of auction items closer to the day of the event on the website and mobile bidding site.

What is the Fund-A-Need?

Each year, our school raises funds for Tuition Assistance for families in need. Last year’s donations were used to help over 40 families!  The Fund-A-Need is an integral component of the live auction, with donors raising their paddles in support of this initiative.

What is a Golden Ticket?

The Golden Ticket raffle gives you the opportunity to purchase a ticket for $100 to win tuition for the 2021-2022 school year.  Only 200 will be sold.  Tickets may be purchased online on the auction website or mobile bidding site.


What is new this year?

Stay Tuned!

What games will be available to play?

We can't have an auction without games!  We are working on some fun activities to play from your car when you pick up your food.  Stay tuned for more details...

How and when do I pay for the goods & services I purchase?

When both the silent and live auctions are closed, the Greater Giving site will show you a list of items purchased and your total for the evening on your mobile device.  These purchases will then be charged to the credit card you provided during registration.  All items from both the Silent and Live Auctions will be available for pick-up after the event.

Do I have to buy something at the auction?

No, but we hope you do!

How does St. Mary acquire items for the auction?

A team of parent volunteers solicits local and national businesses for donations. Of course, there are always things we would love to be able to offer that we are unable to source through our corporate donors, and so we ask SMS families to consider donating items as well.  A cash donation is always welcome, too, as it allows us to purchase the missing pieces for some of our packages. To donate an item, please fill out the online donation form on the auction website. To make a cash donation, please visit the auction website or send in cash/check to the school office.

How much of what I donate counts for my fundraising credit?

You will receive 100% fundraising credit for your cash donation, sponsorship, or Golden Ticket purchase.  You will receive fundraising credit for 50% of what a physical item/experience sells for at the auction.

Can I invite my friends if they do not have children attending St. Mary School?

YES! All are welcome! The auction is a social, fun event for all of our guests, and we need buyers to make it a financial success — the more the merrier.

How much of what I spend for the auction is tax deductible?

Admission tickets to the auction cover the actual cost of your food and drink at the event and are not tax deductible.

Donations (of items and cash) to the event are USUALLY tax deductible.

In terms of “won” auction items: if you pay more for an item than the stated value of the item, any amount over the stated value MAY be tax deductible.

As always, please consult your personal tax advisor or accountant for advice on what may be deductible in your particular situation.

Do you need volunteers for the auction?

The SMS Auction is planned and staffed entirely by volunteers. If you’d like to help, we have an array of opportunities to put you to work, encompassing everything from acquisitions to class projects to set-up and breakdown. Some tasks can be done from home with a phone and a computer, while others involve a number of meetings. Each job provides a wonderful opportunity to become more integrated with the SMS community through meeting and working with other parents, all towards a common goal of providing exceptional education for our children. You can find volunteer opportunities posted on SchoolSpeak under “Volunteer.”  You may also contact the Auction Co-Chairs, Celine Semon or Jennifer Kufasimes, if you are interested in assisting with this year’s auction.