What is The Auction for and What Happens at the Event?

Each year, OWS raises funds 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.  The auction consists of a 

For some, it’s an exciting chance to support the school, and for others- it’s just a great evening to hang out with fellow parents, guardians, teachers, and staff. 

Think of the Auction as the ultimate OWS party in one of the most memorable locations: cocktails, a photo booth, delicious dinner, exciting live auction (hello, Fund-a-Wish!), the famous Dessert Dash all under the canopy of historical planes and replicas. 

Guests will each receive free admission to the entire museum and can use their ticket at any time on March 14. Don’t have time to come early?Don’t worry- the museum will still be open for roaming during cocktail hour.

When is the Auction?

Saturday, March 14 at the Museum of Flight.

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.  

What Does “Boarding Gate 40” Mean?

Boarding Gate 40 is the name of our auction this year. “Boarding Gate” is representative of the flight theme, while the “40” pays homage to Open Window School’s 40th year in operation. We look forward to celebrating 40 years of success, while funding our future for another 40+ years of amazing students, families, faculty, and staff.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Tickets will be available on our website starting in mid-December. Early bird tickets will be $200, Full price tickets will be $250. 

We have reduced cost tickets for families who receive tuition assistance. Families will receive an email with instructions upon the opening of ticket sales.

Who Do I Sit With?  

At dinner, you'll be seated with either parent / guardians who have children or similar ages, or with other guests that you can request to sit with when you RSVP.  

What Do I Wear?  

Some parents love to use this opportunity to get creative and dress up according to theme. Others enjoy the chance to pull out their favorite cocktail attire. Whatever youchose to wear, it'll will definitely be a magical evening.  

Live vs. 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 roughly 100 items and/or experiences to choose from. Online bidding will begin 9am on March 8 and close at noon on March 14.

The live auction is an in-person event that consists of around a dozen items that are not available online. If you can't make it to the live auction, don't worry- we offer proxy bidding.  

What is Proxy Bidding?

Since items in the Live Auction are exclusive and must be bid on in-person, we offer proxy biddingas anopportunity toparticipate without attending. Email Auction@ows.org to choose the items you’d like to bid on and decide on the max amount you’d be willing to spend. 

We will do all the bidding for you and stop raising our paddle if the price goes above the limit you’ve set. 

What is 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. 

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 new minibuses. This year's FAW has yet to be revealed - more to come soon!  

Individual Portraits

As part of the auction, we offer the opportunity to get a professional portrait taken of your student(s) 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. 

Portraits are $60 and can be purchased online from and in-person at the Auction on March 14th.  Online sales will open in mid-December. Photos will be taken in April and available for pickup at the main office. Please note, portraits have a 4–6-week production time, we will email you when they are ready. 

How Can I Help?

Yes! The Auction is a community event and we welcome new faces to help make it a great event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact auction@ows.org. We have lots of roles both big and small for you to participate in. 

We also accept donations of both items and experiences.  Experiences we’ve sold in the past have included time in a vacation home / Airbnb, music lessons, Pool party, sports tickets, etc. For items, check out our Wishlist to sign up or for some inspiration.

Can my Business Be a Sponsor? 

Yes! We love working with sponsors from our own community. Click here to view our Sponsorship Guide to get started.