Auction & Gala

The WMS 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 2, 2025

Join Woodinville Montessori School on Friday, May 2, 2025, for an unforgettable evening of fun at the beautiful Columbia Collective in Woodinville. Indulge in delectable cuisine and revel in a captivating atmosphere as you connect with cherished members of our school community. Get ready to be whisked away by an array of exciting opportunities to support our school's mission, from thrilling auctions to exciting raffles and more. It's an evening you won't want to miss!

ONLINE AUCTION 

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 -- 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.

Yes! The theme this year is Time After Time: Flashback Prom. Step into a night of fun, nostalgia, and celebration as we rewind through the decades, bringing you a retro prom party filled with color, music, and memories! Feel free to come dressed in your favorite throwback formal wear or come as you are! We want everyone to be comfortable and have a great time celebrating and supporting WMS, so please wear whatever makes you feel your best.

Registration for the live auction event is now closed. Families may participate in the online auction portion even if they don’t attend the in-person event.

Tickets cost $150 per person, which covers the full cost of attending the event. All tickets for the event will include beer and wine, appetizers, and a gourmet dinner catered by The Herban Feast 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 2024, the WMS community raised the paddle to support our 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.

The Auction and Gala serves as a great chance to engage with families, alumni and community leaders of WMS while demonstrating your dedication to quality education. Sponsors enjoy exclusive event perks and receive recognition and visibility to the WMS and 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. 

We are excited that our Middle and High School students will be hosting a special extended Kids Night Out event from 5:30-10:30 p.m. for enrolled Kindergarten through 6th grade 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 MS and HS trips. The child care event will be held at the Bothell Campus.

Students will participate in appropriate age activities and games, while you attend the WMS Auction and Gala. Pizza, beverages, and snacks will be provided. Registration is now open on CampBrain (closes April 30 at 11:30 p.m.).
 

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. We are thankful for this year’s Auction and Gala Committee, which includes:
 

Shanna Ganem – Chair, Julie Adams, Jennifer Chan, Eva Chen, Jamie Holland, Pooja Kohli, Lindy Liles, Hortensia Ortiz, San Pedraza, Kemi Porto, Kayleigh Bauer, Eva Chen, Anjali Teckchandani, Suman Kumar, Kiana Richards, Lynsey Rydberg, Lindsey Giudice, Lindsay Huse-Kestin, Laura Nelson, Jennifer Duren, Kayti Rea, Jane Savage, Karen Yeh, Yiying Zhou and Yuanfang Zhou.