WSMS Auction FAQs
When and where is the auction?
Saturday, January 28, 2017
7pm to 11pm
The Loeb Boathouse Central Park
Is there Shuttle Service to and from the Boathouse entrance?
Event attendees arrange their own transportation to the Park entrance nearest the Boathouse at 72nd St. and 5th Ave. Beginning at 6:45pm, shuttles will transport guests from 72nd and 5th to the Boathouse entry in 15-minute intervals until 7:45pm. We have multiple shuttles reserved so there will always be a shuttle 'in wait' on the corner as guests arrive at the Park entrance.
Who attends the auction?
The entire WSMS community is encouraged to attend. This includes current families, faculty members and alumni friends who still have a soft spot for WSMS.
What happens at the auction?
We come together as a community to enjoy an evening of entertainment, cocktails and delicious food -- all while putting the 'fun' in fundraising! The cocktail-style dinner features passed hors d'oeuvres, the chef’s selection of antipasti, salad, pasta and carving stations, as well as a robust selection of desserts. Cocktails, beer and wine are also served throughout the evening as you mingle with friends. In addition to sipping cocktails to the sweet sounds of DJ Moka, we’re thrilled to welcome the Rockin' Dueling Pianos! This high-energy, rock 'n roll live music act offers guests a sing-along experience in an all request show. Guests choose the songs and the Rockin' Dueling Pianos play your jam while we all sing along!
From amazing music to Mobile Bidding, we’ll definitely have it all. Come with your phones charged and be ready to bid on the beloved WSMS Class Art Projects and other coveted items in our thoughtfully curated silent auction. After that, we’re on to the spirited bidding of our high-energy live auction featuring Teacher Time excursions for kids and marquee adventures for grown-ups like tickets to Saturday Night Live.
When can I bid on Class Projects and other Silent Auction packages?
WSMS Class Projects are moving to the Silent Auction. Beginning Friday, January 27th, the Silent Auction will open via Mobile Bidding. Parents can start bidding on everything from their class art projects to foodie experiences to date night packages. Now you can bid early and bid often from anywhere!
Does the auction have a theme?
This year's party theme is "City of Dreams." Whether your favorite part about living in any city is the sense of possibility, the infectious energy, the breadth of culture or the ability to actualize big dreams... we can't wait to celebrate the magic of city living at this year's auction event!
What is the preferred attire?
We encourage you to dress in the cocktail attire of your choosing. Of course, if you decide to channel the theme and add a touch of urban flair to your ensemble… that’s cool too.
How do I purchase auction tickets?
Individual event tickets can be purchased for $185 each via this website or during lobby sales at WSMS. We also offer three Benefactor Packages, ranging from $5,000 to $1,000 each, which include individual admission tickets for two to six guests and one to two Sponsor-A-Teacher tickets. By purchasing a Benefactor Package, you are generously helping our community meet our Financial Aid Program goals. Auction event benefactors are also recognized on the 'Acknowledgements' page in the auction catalog.
What are Sponsor-A-Teacher tickets?
We are pleased to offer our dedicated WSMS teachers complimentary tickets to our annual auction event. The admission tickets for teacher spouses or significant others are also sold at a discounted price. When you purchase a Sponsor-A-Teacher ticket, you help personally fund a night of fun and friendship for a WSMS teacher.
What are Classroom Playdate Raffles?
This year, we are pleased to offer four Classroom Playdate Raffles at a ticket price of $25 per raffle. Different from the live auction Teacher Time Projects designed for smaller groups, Classroom Playdate Raffles give an entire classroom of children the chance to enjoy a special activity at WSMS with all of their classmates and teachers. Buy tickets on behalf of your class to increase the odds that your child's classroom wins the prize.
We will update you with classroom purchase standings throughout the sales period. Raffle tickets can be purchased via this website or during lobby sales at WSMS. Classroom Playdate Raffles, held on weekend mornings or late afternoons with breakfast or snacks included, are as follows:
• Rumble on the Roof: It’s recess reimagined. Fingers crossed for a warm spring day when one lucky class gathers on the WSMS rooftop for an action-packed playdate. Fun with friends and kid-friendly food rule!
• Block Party in the Gym: It's a class block-building extravaganza with tons of blocks! WSMS students construct a "Super City" using blocks from every classroom block area. From construction, to perhaps even demolition, it’s on!
• Pancakes and Pajamas: Dress your munchkin in their comfiest PJs and come to school for a Flapjacks ‘n Friends breakfast at WSMS. Brace yourself for an abundance of syrupy-sweet smiles at pick-up time!
• Movie in the Gym: We’re rolling out the red carpet, friends. Kiddos come to WSMS ready to enjoy a class matinee featuring a beloved children's movie. It will be a great scene!
Why do we have an auction?
This auction event, hosted to benefit the WSMS Financial Aid Program, harnesses the collaborative power and generosity of our community. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction provide tuition assistance to nearly 40 families, and empower WSMS to maintain the diversity and cultural dynamics of the community that we love and value. Through this event, we continue to support countless NYC families in their pursuit of impactful early childhood education opportunities.