Auction & Gala

The Auction and Gala is our annual community celebration and fundraiser for WMS. Every year, families, faculty, staff alumni and grandparents come together in support of our community and to enhance the strong and supportive learning community that benefits all students.  
 

Anyone can participate by bidding in the online auction or the live auction events.

LIVE AUCTION & GALA | MAY 10, 2024

Join Woodinville Montessori School on May 10, 2024, for an unforgettable evening of enchantment at beautiful Brightwater Center in Woodinville. Indulge in exquisite cuisine and bask in a bewitching ambiance as you mingle with cherished members of our school community. Prepare to be spellbound by a variety of opportunities to support our school's mission, from auctions to raffles and more. It's an evening you won't want to miss!

ONLINE AUCTION | MAY 7–13, 2024

Whether you plan to attend our live auction or not, you'll want to check out our online-only silent auction. From one-of-a-kind creations to unforgettable adventures, you'll find something to satisfy any fancy. Delve into this world of delight and make your mark with a victorious bid — all while supporting WMS! 

Our goal to support WMS will be accomplished through a combination of online and live auction items, wish lists, raffles, special buy-ins, and the paddle raise. 

Registration for the live auction event will open in March and families may participate in the online auction portion even if they don’t attend the in-person event. Stay tuned! 

Tickets are now available and can be purchased here: https://wms.schoolauction.net/2024

All tickets for the event will include drinks, appetizers, and a gourmet dinner catered by The PicNic Table that won’t leave you hungry!  

We want our whole community there, ready to celebrate! If the cost of attendance is an obstacle and you would like to attend, please contact Director of Development Laureen Ng for financial assistance.  

Each year, our community comes together to fund a special project or opportunity that lies beyond our regular operating budget. We call this our "Raise the Paddle" initiative because donations often pour in during the live auction, but we also welcome online contributions. No matter how you choose to give, your generosity will make a tangible difference!

Thanks to our community's tremendous "Raise the Paddle" contributions over the years, our students enjoy an innovative design lab and modern playground equipment. These contributions have also helped provide financial aid for families as well as professional development for faculty and staff. And in 2023, the WMS community raised the paddle to support significant building improvements, propelling the school forward.

Giving levels range from $50 to $10,000+. Every gift of every amount makes a difference to the school. We hope our whole community considers donating online or by including a donation in your online auction purchases during the event. 

The success of the Auction & Gala relies on the donations of items and sponsor support from our community. If you are interested or know a friend or business who would be interested in supporting the event, please contact gala@woodinvillemontessori.org or fill out our online item donation form here. 

What should I donate? What items are popular with bidders and do well at the online auction?

• Unique experiences: share who you are with others. This could be a dinner that your family makes (hosted at your home or delivered); sharing a skill like how to make dumplings, your favorite dessert or favorite cocktail, how to ride a unicycle or the basics of a fun sport such as pickleball, golf, etc. Take a few people out on your boat, host a kayak or canoe tour, or offer your family vacation home. Basically, anything that comes from your heart makes for a special experience for you and fellow WMS families.
• Retail and restaurant gift cards - Do you have unused gift cards or want to promote a favorite store/restaurant? If you frequent a local establishment, ask if they will make a gift card donation to WMS.
• Wine, spirits, beer, wine tasting experiences, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Hotel and airline points that we can bundle into travel packages.
• Tickets to concerts, local attractions, and sports events

How do sponsorships support WMS?

As a nonprofit independent school, we operate on a limited budget and sponsorship helps underwrite our event costs, while providing sponsors with recognition and visibility to the WMS and the broader community. If you or your company are interested in sponsorship, please email gala@woodinvillemontessori.org or click here to see the full range of sponsorship opportunities. 

While we love seeing WMS students engage with the greater community, it will be adults-only for the event at Brightwater Center.  

We are excited that our Middle and High School students will be hosting a Kids Night Out event for students whose adults will be attending the Auction & Gala. Kids Night Out is planned and run by students with proceeds going towards future funds for Middle and High School trips. The child care event will be held at the WMS Bothell Campus and is only for students who are five years old and up. Registration is required. Kids Night Out registration opens Monday, April 8 on CampBrain.

Students will participate in appropriate aged activities and games, while you attend the WMS Auction & Gala. Pizza, beverages, and snacks will be provided. 
 

Countless WMS parents and friends volunteer their time and lend their expertise and creativity to make our Auction and Gala a successful event year after year. The 2024 Auction and Gala Committee includes:

Shanna Ganem – Chair, Julie Adams, Jennifer Chan, Eva Chen, Hongli Feng, Jamie Holland, Pooja Kohli, Lindy Liles, Hortensia Ortiz, San Pedraza, Cristina Podlusky, Kemi Porto, Kayleigh Bauer, Anjali Teckchandani, Maryam Zarrabi-Kashani, Reilly Ochs, Suman Kumar, Kiana Richards, Lynsey Rydberg and Yuanfang Zhou.