What is the Auction?  

Each year, OWS raises support for annual operating expenses in two main ways: the Open Window Fund and the Auction. Proceeds from the Auction directly support the exceptional programs and curriculum that make our school so special.   

For some, it’s a perfect chance to support the school. For others—it’s just an exciting evening to hang out with fellow parents, guardians, teachers, and staff. Both are eagerly welcomed!  

There are many ways to support the Auction including purchasing a ticket, donating an item, purchasing an individual portrait, bidding on live or silent items, and volunteering. We appreciate your participation and support.  

When is the Auction?  

We’re thrilled to invite you to Once Upon an Auction, on Saturday, March 22 at 6 p.m. at the Golf Club at Newcastle. 

What Happens at the Live Auction?   

Think of the Auction as the ultimate adults only OWS party: cocktails, a photo booth, delicious dinner, exciting live auction, the famous Dessert Dash, and plenty of time to mingle with fellow Bobcat families.  

The evening begins with socializing with other parents and guardians as well as faculty and staff. Appetizers and drinks will be served, and the sunset is not to be missed. In addition, there will be wine to bid on, if you are so inclined. 

We then move to the dining room for the Live Auction! Dinner will be served, and everyone has the chance to bid on a dozen or so can’t miss items and experiences. Some popular past items have included “Head of School for a Day” for your child, vacations to Hawaii, Mexico, and Seabrook, and prime parking spots at OWS! You will receive a catalogue before the Auction to plan your bidding 

After dinner is the famous Dessert Dash! Tables plot together to bid for the chance to grab their favorite dessert 

When the auction concludes, we celebrate with the afterparty. There will be drinks, music, dancing, and more chances to mingle with other parents or share a laugh with a favorite teacher 

Need to arrive after cocktail hour? Leave early to relieve the baby-sitter? Not a problem! Make the night work for you. We’re thrilled to have you there in any capacity. 

Who Do I Sit With?   

When you purchase a ticket, you can request to sit with other parents/guardians, but this is not required. Not sure or no preference? No worries! You'll be seated with parent/guardians with children of similar ages. 

What Do I Wear?   

This year's Auction theme is "Once Upon an Auction" - and is all about our favorite storybook adventures. Many parents love to use this opportunity to get creative and dress up. Others enjoy the chance to pull out their favorite cocktail attire. Others don relaxed business casual attire. All options are great! Whatever you choose to wear, it will definitely be a magical evening.   

How Much Are Tickets?   

Early bird tickets will be $175, Full price tickets will be $200. Early bird tickets will open by December 19 and will close on February 14.  Ticket sales will conclude online 2 weeks prior to the event. If you have any questions, please reach out to auction@ows.org.   

Can I Bring My Kids?   

Although this year's theme, Once Upon an Auction, was chosen by our students—this is an adult-only event.    

Can I Come Alone?  

Of course! We understand that schedules are busy, and babysitters are scarce. Many OWS families send one parent or guardian for a fun Mom’s or Dad’s Night Out. While we’d love to have everyone attend, we’d rather have one of you than none of you! 

What’s the Difference Between the Live and the Online Auction?

The Auction consists of two components, a Live Auction and an Online Auction. Both are open to anyone, and participation is completely optional. The online auction will have a wide range of items and price points with roughly 100 items and/or experiences to choose from. Items range from Lego sets to Seahawks tickets with lots of options in-between. Online bidding will open Sunday March 16 at 9:00am and will close at noon on Saturday March 22, the day of the Live Auction. The Live Auction is an in-person event that consists of approximately 12 items that are not available online.  

If you can't make it to the Live Auction, don't worry - we offer proxy bidding.  Let us know what you’re interested in and your upper bidding limit- we'll raise our paddle for you. Email auction@ows.org to coordinate your proxy bid. 

What is the Dessert Dash?  

One of our sweetest traditions! At the end of the evening, tables bid for the chance to grab their favorite dessert first—cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts, you name it. The higher the bid, the better your pick! It’s a deliciously fun way to end the night. Visions of sugarplums indeed...  

What is Fund-A-Wish?  

In addition to auctioning off items and experiences, the school uses the Auction to fundraise for one-off, larger scope projects to improve the campus or invest in our community. We call this Fund-A-Wish (FAW). Examples of past FAW projects include new lighting and sound in the gym, and the new minibuses. This year's FAW has yet to be revealed - more to come soon!   

What are Individual Portraits?

As an Auction fundraiser, we offer the opportunity to get a professional portrait taken of your student while they're at school. Long-time partnering photographer and Open Window Alumni Parent, Heidi Leonard will come to school on a pre-arranged day to take photographs. Your child will be excused from class for a few minutes to take their photo and will be returned immediately afterwards. Photos are $50 and will be available for pickup after the auction at the Farmhouse. Click here to order your portraits! 

Can I help?  

Yes! The Auction is a community event, and we welcome new faces at any point to help make it a great event. Volunteers help in various capacities before and after the auction as part of the planning committee and/or on set up and cleanup crew. If you are interested in volunteering, email us at auction@ows.org. 

If you’d prefer to participate in the auction through a donation instead, please consider visiting our Wishlist for ideas. If you have an experience you’d like to give (sports tickets, Airbnb's, vacations, etc.) please visit our donation form or email procurement@ows.org.  

We recognize that this year's event will be held during Ramadan, for this reason, dinner will be served after sunset at 7:30 p.m. We will also save some appetizers from the reception for those who observe the holiday.