PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL
Download an editable pdf copy of our donation request letter. If you have a list of merchants or places you’d like us to send this on your behalf, please let Ann Bassi (amculver@yahoo.com) know and email her your names/addresses. These will be mailed with self-addressed stamped return envelopes.
NEED IDEAS FOR AUCTION ITEMS?
We encourage all families to think creatively about how they can best contribute interesting and appealing auction items. Think about what you'd like to win. Use your imagination and come up with something new! The focus need not be solely on merchandise, but experiences as well. Here are some ideas....
Vacation Homes and Travel:Timeshares and Condos, Cruises, Airline Miles, Ski Trips and Lift Tickets, Napa,Sonoma, Tahoe or farther away Hawaii, NYC and Mexico, Spas and weekend getaways
Celebrities: Do you know a famous person actor, musician, writer, newscaster, athlete, or politicians? Arrange for lunch or dinner. Offer a day on the set of a show or film? Sports Memorabilia is always a big seller! Anything autographed!
Tickets: Season ticket holders this is for you! Sporting events (a big seller!), ACT, symphony, ballet, opera, concerts, local events — Backstage passes!
Wine: a bottle or a case, limited production bottles, tasting packages and events, private wine tours
Art: Behind-the-scenes at artists' studios • private docent tours for exhibitions at local museums • art classes • tickets to performances
Gift Certificates: Restaurants (from your local pizzeria to five-star establishments) • clothing stores • sport and summer camps • venues (e.g., Planet Granite, House of Air, etc.) • book stores • services
Membership/Passes: California Academy of Sciences • SFMOMA • de YoungMuseum • Asian Art Museum • Contemporary Jewish Museum • SF Zoo
Outings: Sailing on the bay • private tugboat ride • windsurfing lessons• hikes • children’s day outings • hot air balloon or glider rides • helicopter and seaplane tours • Private plane rides • boatrides • ”Day on the Bay” • Jeremiah O’Brien tours •Fleet Week
Homemade Items: Works of art • jewelry • floral arrangements for a year• music lessons • one-on-one soccer coaching • portrait painting or sketches •birthday cakes
Sports Equipment: Camping, golf, tennis, exercise
Electronics: Cameras, computers, software, games, printers
Lessons: Swim,golf, tennis, karate, computer, dance, surfing, language
Health & Beauty: Personal trainers, massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, hairdesign & color
ORGANIZE A SOCIAL!
Often the most popular and best selling items are group-oriented parties and events. You can plan and host a social by yourself or with other families: invite adults, children or families; determine the number of guests you can accommodate; and figure out a reasonable amount to charge for people to attendthe event. Here are some ideas:
- Margarita party for 30 adults
- Beach bonfire for 30 adults and kids
- Mani-Pedi for 10 adults
- Cookie decorating for 16 kids
- Sports Outings: A day of golf, baseball, football, soccer, basketball & other sports outings – tailgate party at the Big Game, for example
- Theme Dinners: Murder Mystery Dinner, Crawfish Boil, Tapas and Sangria party, Oscars party, Outdoor movie night for kids, host a birthday party, BBQ, Luau etc.
WHO TO ASK?
Think about your friends, neighbors, colleagues and local stores. When you are in a store making purchases or goingout to dinner, tell the owner or manager about the school and the event. Solicit right then and there for a donation. Let’s network and use our contacts! It all makes a difference!
If you have personal relationships with businesses, you will have a far higher rate of success. If you know the proprietor or staff, don’t be shy about asking for contributions. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The only way to get a donation is to ask!