Gardner Bullis Spring Auction

The annual Spring PTA auction is our community celebration benefiting the PTA budget to implement educational programs for Gardner Bullis students. With shrinking state financial support, Los Altos schools do not receive sufficient funds to maintain many programs and activities that would enrich our students' education. As a result, our PTA must provide the financial and volunteer support to extend the curriculum provided by the Los Altos school district.

Our auction happens every Spring and is the PTA's largest fundraiser and community building event. This adult-only event includes cocktails, dinner, silent and live auction, and dancing. All Gardner Bullis parents, teachers, and staff are invited to attend. 

Last year, the auction raised over $300,000.

Your donation goes directly to Capital improvements, community building events, and educational progams for our students, including:

• Art/music/drama for grades K-3.
• Computer technology and library materials
• Science Fair and Living Classroom garden lessons for all grades.
• Project Cornerstone, an anti-bullying program for all grades.
• Field trips and classroom supplies for all grades.

The auction is presented by the Gardner Bullis PTA.

This year's auction takes place on April 20, 2024 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm

There are many ways to help! Check Classroom Parent for sign-up lists.

1. Donations: Do you know anyone who can donate a week at a vacation home, tickets to a concert, play, sporting event or venue? (eg. Bottlerock, 49ers, Sharks or Warrior tickets, Stanford sports, Broadway show, Safari West, etc.).

2. Wine Auction: Donate a wine bottle (or more!), valued at $25 or higher for the wine auction.

3. Party host: Sign up for a few hours of your time and host a fun party for Gardner families. (eg. Holiday Party, parent & Kid Dance Party, Poker Tournament, BBQ, Back to School Brunch, Yoga and Brunch, Zumba Party, Mamas & Margaritas, Trivia Party, Kentucky Derby Party, Bollywood Dinner Party, Painting Class, Progressive Dinner Party, Go Kart Racing, Baking or Cooking Lessons, etc).
4. Sponsorship: Do you know anyone who would be willing to sponsor the event or donate their time?
5. Volunteer: Can you spare a few hours of your time? To make this event a success, we need help with  donation procurement, raffle baskets, parent and kid parties and teacher parties and more. Check the sign-up lists on Classroom Parent for more details.

Below is a schedule of the main auction activities.

(Exact times may vary depending on the venue.)

WEAR FEATHERS, MASKS, SEQUINS, BRIGHT COLORS, TROPICAL/VACATION WEAR, FEATHER HEADPIECES, GLAMOUR, SPARKLE. GET CREATIVE. 

The whole idea of Carnival is to express yourself , feel free and enjoy dancing and making the most of the biggest party in the world.  Costumes can include dressing up like a Samba Dancer (Great ideas that cross over/can be combined to create a fun look  are belly dancer/bollywood/1920s flapper costumes).  Think Bollywood gone tropical. Click here for inspiration.

Adherence to the auction theme is encouraged but entirely optional. Cocktail attire otherwise.

The Rio Carnival is an annual kaleidoscopic delight, rooted in the very fabric of Brazilian tradition. Partying is a sacred art in Brazil, and the Rio Carnival is the pinnacle of this time-honored tradition. Thrumming with the intoxicating rhythm of drums, the streets pack out for six days in a celebration of diversity. This exhilarating atmosphere of community and togetherness dates all the way back to 1723, when the first Rio Carnival took place. Each year, dancers, musicians and carros alegóricos (decorated floats) take to the streets, led by approximately 200 samba schools. These groups are formed by various Brazilian communities, who practice year-round. The top twelve samba schools have the added pressure of competition, with the winning squad being crowned the number one samba school in Rio. It is considered the biggest carnival in the world, with two million people per day on the streets.

• Early bird tickets are available now at a discounted price of $130. You can purchase at the Gardner Bullis Microsite.
• Ticket prices go up to $150 per person but may vary year to year, depending on the venue. The tickets are sold through GiveSmart. Look for details in Classroom Parent of the PTA Newsletter. 
• Visit the Gardner Bullis Microsite to purchase tickets.

We will miss you at the event and thank you for thinking of ways to show your support. There are many ways you can participate including:

• Volunteer your time before the event (solicitations, thank-a-thons, baskets, and more)
• Donate experiences and items - vacation homes, event tickets, gift certificates, wine, and goods
• Host or Buy into an Auction Party - have fun while creating community! The Gardner Bullis  community loves a party - get creative and have fun! Tickets to these events are popular and sell out quickly. 
• Purchase items off the Wishlist for class baskets
• Sponsor the event to help cover the costs
• Bid on Silent Auction items. You do not need to be present to bid; simply Register on the Gardner Bullis Auction Microsite on GiveSmart  and use your smartphone to donate, bid on Silent Auction items and buy Benefit Parties tickets.

• Offer a stay in a vacation home (e.g. beach, ski, golf, adventure, international - all are awesome!)
• Donate sports, concert, and event tickets
• Share a tour or experience related to your area of expertise, profession, or hobby
• Organize a unique experience like a scavenger hunt, cooking/dining with a chef, or behind-the-scenes tour
• Access to private golf courses, planes, and workspaces
• Contribute wine, top shelf liquor, restaurant gift certificates, or popular products
• Airline miles to round out a getaway package

These experiences or parties are imagined and sponsored by our own parents and teachers. Previous examples include game nights, themed parent-only or family events, outdoor escape rooms, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Benefit parties are extremely popular with limited spots, so be sure to purchase early!

• These will be in-person events on various dates, starting at the end of March and into the Fall.
• Parties are available for purchase on the Gardner Bullis Auction Microsite by GiveSmart. You can view Auction Parties starting at the end of February.
• For ideas of parties and an FAQ click here!  To sign up to host a party click here!

Class baskets are created by the Auction Basket Chair and Room Parents/Volunteers with contributions from the Gardner Bullis parent community. Each basket is filled with gifts, games, and activities, with a different theme for every grade.

You'll be able to view our class basket wish lists and donate items directly from Amazon - your purchases go directly to Gardner Bullis School. 

• You are welcome to purchase items from any grade level’s list or donate any other item that relates to each theme.
• There will be a basket assembly event 4  weeks before the Benefit and a raffle to determine a winner of each basket 

Sponsorships are vital to the success of the Auction! Each year, families and businesses sponsor at various levels from $10,000 to $500. 

• Sponsors will be recognized during the event and in the Auction Catalog. 
• Sponsors receive benefit tickets, recognition on the Auction Microsite, advertising in our Auction Catalog, and social media highlights.
• Sponsorship donations may be tax-deductible over the amount of the cost of advertising, food, wine, etc…
• Sponsors get awesome benefits!!

Please reach out to Bianca Fischli, Jim Malone, or Uyen Ngyen. You can also email and reach the entire Benefit team by emailing gardnerbullisauction@gmail.com, including Co-chairs Oksana Trapeznikova, Danielle Ambler, and Hillary Frank. Looking forward to seeing you all on Auction night!