Auction & Gala

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Gather & Give | May 2, 2026

Every spring, WMS families, faculty, staff, board, and alumni come together for a special fundraising event in support of our community and shared mission and purpose to benefit all students. This year’s event, Gather & Give, is a fresh reimagining of our beloved Auction & Gala, bringing the same purpose and impact in a more relaxed, approachable setting.

Join us for an adults-only evening on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at The Winemakers Reserve in Woodinville, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, student performances, and fun, meaningful opportunities to support WMS.

RAISE THE PADDLE

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 can enjoy an innovative design lab and modern playground equipment to name a few. These contributions have also helped provide financial aid for families as well as professional development for faculty and staff. In 2025, the WMS community raised the paddle to support our significant building improvements and community space enhancements, propelling the school forward.

The 2026 Raise the Paddle will be dedicated to supporting tuition assistance and increasing accessibility to our school and programs for all students.

List of 7 items.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT FOR THE EVENT?

The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting with cocktails, appetizers and camp-inspired activities, followed by a buffet dinner and program.

Once the main program winds down, your After Party add-on ticket lets you stick around until 10:00 p.m. to enjoy drinks, late-night bites, great music, and a relaxed outdoorsy vibe.
HOW WILL MONEY BE RAISED?

Our goal to support WMS will be accomplished through a combination of online and live auction items, classroom wish lists, raffles, and a paddle raise.
IS THERE A THEME & ATTIRE?

Yes! The theme this year is camping-inspired. Grab your favorite flannel, plaid or comfy fleece and get inspired by the cozy feel of a camp retreat (with all the fun and none of the mosquitoes)!

Dress it up if you’d like or keep it casual if you prefer and 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.
HOW DO I REGISTER?

Registration for the live auction event is now open at: https://wms.schoolauction.net/2026. 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 wine, appetizers, and a buffet dinner catered by Alexa’s Café.

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.
WILL THERE BE CHILD CARE FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE EVENT?

This year, child care is available for any registered WMS student whose adults are attending the Gather & Give event.

Child care will be available from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the WMS Bothell Campus and offered to enrolled Early Childhood and Elementary level students. Under the supervision of WMS staff members, students will participate in appropriate aged activities and games, while you attend the event! Pizza, beverages, and snacks will be provided.

Registration and cost for this service will be provided to guests after they register for Gather & Give.
DONATE TO THE AUCTION
The success of the spring fundraiser 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 auction 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.
BECOME A SPONSOR

Sponsoring Gather & Give is a meaningful way to support WMS while gaining visibility within our community. We offer various sponsorship levels, each providing unique benefits, such as event tickets, recognition in event materials, and more.

We would be honored to recognize your support! 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.