Gala

Everyone in the WMS community is invited and encouraged to participate in the online auction and gala! To set up your personal online auction account, look out for an email as we get closer, to get registered to bid on our auction site (and which will be linked here once ready). Once you set up an account, you will be able to bid!

Our goal to support WMS and financial aid will be accomplished through a combination of silent and live auction items, class art, teacher wish lists and Raise-the-Paddle. Despite the difficult circumstances, we still need to raise the support for our school and we believe in the strength of our community.

Each year, WMS chooses a priority need that cannot be readily met through the regular operating budget. Examples of past paddle raises include support for outdoor education and new playground structures, tuition assistance, creation of the Innovation & Design Lab and more. All of the support from previous families before us have helped to create the incredible opportunities that make our community and school what it is today.

With the world rapidly changing, along with the needs of our families, this year we will be directing our Raise-the-Paddle focus to support financial aid at WMS. During this challenging time, we are committed now more than ever to making a WMS education financially accessible for those in our community who may be adversely impacted. In addition to tuition assistance, the funds raised will also provide need-based financial aid for electives, athletics, learning support, childcare, trips and supplies. We invite you to raise your paddle high in united support during this time to help ensure all of our families remain a vital part of our community.

Throughout the online event, we’ll be sending a series of emails to event participants that share Raise-the-Paddle progress, and just like at a live event, donors will be recognized individually.

Giving levels range from $50 to $5,000+. Every gift of every amount makes a difference to the school. This year we are inviting WMS families to “raise the paddle” in support of financial aid by making a donation online or by including a donation in your online auction purchases during the event. You can donate directly to WMS online here any time before, during or after the online auction, or feel free to contact Laureen Ng, Director of Development.

While WMS had an exciting lineup of class projects and volunteers this year, due to the timing of the health crisis, many classes were unable to start or complete their projects with the students. However, there were a handful of classes that created beautiful art pieces, and those will be up for auction. As always, we expect they will be popular items!

With the uncertainty of the coming months, we will not be auctioning WMS Teacher Time experiences this year.

Countless WMS parents and friends volunteer their time and lend their expertise and creativity to make our Gala and Auction a successful event year after year. The 2020 Gala Committee includes: Gena Schirer, Julie Adams, Jenifer Alyazdi, Maria Arroyave, Traci Fischer, Darcy Hardy, Jamie Holland, Pooja Kohli, Lindy Liles, Cristina Podlusky and Nicolette Stocker. We are grateful for their dedication and effort!