Event Logo Image
 
Spring Auction 2017
Saturday, April 1, 2017
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 2100 Boyer Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
TOPS Annual Spring Auction FAQs

Q. How can I help?

TOPS families are asked to donate wine and/or dessert, host a TOPICS party, donate funds to help underwrite the auction and/or volunteer. Another easy way to help is to sell raffle tickets — more information to come on the raffle.  Most of all, please come to the auction and feel free to bring family or friends to this grown-ups night out!

Kindergarten families are asked to help with auction set up during the day. Check the signup sheets near the Kindergarten rooms to find a time slot that works for you, or email: auction@topsk8.org

5th grade families are asked to help take down the auction after the event.  This closing ritual goes fast and is fun with many hands, and it's a great way to catch up with friends you weren’t able to see earlier in the night!  Sign up by emailing: auction@topsk8.org

Q. What is the auction and why do we have one each year?

The auction is an event that allows us to get together as a community and have fun while raising money for TOPS. It's how we keep the computer lab humming, the library stocked, and the Elementary School art program chugging along, not to mention the band and music programs, Readers Workshop, theater, and science.  In recent years, the event has raised funds for upgrades to the kindergarten playground and improving the sound system in the theater. In other words, it's super important and we really appreciate everyone who helps out, donates and attends.

Q. What time does the auction start?

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and you can start bidding on silent auction items, playing games, and mingling with new and old friends as you arrive!

Q. What do I wear?

Dress code is Seattle – some people in jeans, others all dressed up. The theme this year is on TOPS Hits of the 80s – so dress will be anything festive or that bitchin' outfit from the 80s!

Q. Where do I sit?

Choose a seat at any open table.  If you purchase tickets in advance, you can also choose to reserve a table for an additional $100. Give us the names of the other nine people in your party and we’ll have a table ready and waiting for you and your guests.

Q. Should we have dinner before we come?

Dinner is included in the price of your ticket. This year we have a Mexican themed fare with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Beer and wine are also included with the ticket price.

Q. What about dessert?

That's where the Dessert Dash comes in! Businesses and individuals will donate enough desserts so that we’ll have one per table. Everyone seated at your table will write down an amount on the Dessert Dash sheet.  Sheets will be tallied and reps from each table will pick a dessert with the highest total first!

Q. What is the format for the evening of the auction?

Upon arrival, guests check-in at registration to receive their bid numbers. Games, music and live entertainment will be available while you enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. This is a great time to sign up for a Topics for Grown-Ups (or family) party!  Once you are seated for dinner, the live auction will begin.

Q. How do I bid on items in the live auction?

During the live auction, bidders raise their bid numbers to have their bid for the desired item recognized by the auctioneer.

Q. What can I bid on?

Items range from airplane tickets, accommodations within driving distance of home or in faraway locales, one-of-a-kind experiences with TOPS teachers, class projects and baskets, restaurant certificates, sports and theater tickets, spa days and more.  There are also a number of popular "Topics for Grown-Ups" items.

Q. Do I have to buy anything?

We sure hope you will! The auction is one of the two major fund raising events at TOPS (the other being the "Fall Fundraiser").  You can purchase a silent auction items, buy raffle tickets, and play auction games like "Heads or Tails".  You can also take a chance on the wine wall – for only $25 you could wine a bottle of wine valued up to $100 to bring home or uncork at the event!

One of the highlights of the night is the "Raise-The-Paddle" which happens about mid-way through the Live.  Be ready for a tear jerker video after which the auctioneer will rattle off dollar amounts for donations.  Choose the amount that works for your budget, or wait until the end when you name the amount you can contribute.  Everything helps TOPS!

Q. When should I tell the Grandparents or kid sitter we’ll be home?

Auction festivities are typically over by 9:30 p.m., but if you can — stay later for the after party with music and dancing with new and old friends!

Online Ticket Sales closed 

Online registration is closed, but walk in registration will be available on a first come, first served basis the night of the auction.  Doors open at 5 pm. Hope to see you there!