As we all know the resources the district provides us are limited. The Strandwood PTA works tirelessly to fill in the gaps where the district is unable to support us. This includes programs like art and music, alongside teacher resources like stipends and teachers aids.

Along with other fundraisers and school campaigns, the auction helps to offset the operating budget for our school and your participation is important. The auction is also our biggest party of the year, bringing together alumni, friends and parents of children of all ages within the larger community - in support and celebration of Strandwood Elementary School!

All the proceeds from the auction support the annual fundraising goal of the Strandwood PTA and goes directly to the operating budget for PTA sponsored programs at Strandwood. By supporting the auction, you are providing technology, supporting necessary teaching and staff positions, and contributing to school activities, such as specialized subjects, science, fieldtrips, our annual winter production, fall fest and more!

The dinner dance auction (DDA) is our biggest party of the year. It’s a lot of fun, you get to meet other parents from our amazing community and hang out with some of Strandwood’s wonderful faculty and staff. Plus ALL the proeeds from the auction support Strandwood students.

So many! Whether you want to try your luck at Heads or Tails or participate in the balloon pop, there are always several games during the auction.

HEADS OR TAILS: is run by our wonderful emcee. They will ask that all Heads and Tails participants stand and ask them to choose either heads or tails.

The emcee will then toss the coin calling out the result, “Heads” or “Tails”. Those who chose the matching side remain in the game. All others have been eliminated. This will continue until there is only one remaining guest standing who will deemed the winner!

BALLOON POP: Players pay $25 for 1 balloon pop. Each prize could be valued at anywhere from $10-$500 depending on the pop! Prizes include: restaurant gift certificates, store gift certificates, wine, and much, much more! When all the balloons are popped, the game is over!

DESSERT DASH: The dessert dash involves each table combining their bids to claim one of the delicious desserts available at the event. The table with the largest bid gets first chance at dashing to the dessert table and picking the dessert of their choice! To get your chance at the most delectable, scrumptious dessert, simply complete the dessert dash card on your table! Be careful though… you’ll need to bid high to be the first table called and be fast to get your favorite dessert because the next winning table number will be called quickly… thus, the DASH part of Dessert Dash!

Amounts paid over the listed value of a package are tax-deductible. Your auction receipt will itemize the price you paid and the value of each package you purchased. Keep this receipt for your tax records.

Absolutely! We’ve said it before, but our auction is the biggest party of the year and we encourage all parents to attend. To make our live auction exciting, we need to fill the room with lots of energetic supporters as well as participating bidders. Don’t miss this great party because you think it’s too fancy - this event is fun and you’ll be glad you came!

Each year our PTA determines the most critical and immediate need of the school. This year we are focused on bringing on board two more Teachers Aids to support teachers as class sizes continue to grow.

There are so many ways to contribute to this event!

• Can you stuff envelopes at home?

• Are you able to pick up donations from local area businesses on weekends?

• Can you plan a party via email?

• Will you offer your time and energy to help with decorations or set-up on auction day?

• Feel like cleaning up after the event?

• Or can you lend some muscle power to help with the heavy lifting during setup?

• Do you have a vacation home you can offer as an auction item?

• Know anyone famous? Could we get a signed autograph?

• Do you have season tickets anywhere? Could you donate a night?

There are so many ways you can get involved. Send us an email and let us know how you can help or stay tuned for our sign-up genius and grab a spot. There are many volunteer opportunities available during the auction (even for those attending the event) so we’re confident you’ll find something that fits your schedule!