Yes, it’s complete pandemonium right now--but it’s also auction time!
Online Bidding is now live at
https://hillcrestauction2020.ggo.bid
Hillcrest’s annual Benefit and Auction is typically our largest fundraiser of the year and a beloved community tradition. Given this stressful and uncertain time, we’re scaling back our typical event and replacing it with a streamlined, online-only auction November 9th - 15th, 2020. This fall auction will focus on a couple of our most popular (and pandemic-friendly!) categories: parent parties (re-imagined in accordance with public health guidelines) and wine.
We invite everyone to join us in raising critical funds to pay for many important parts of Hillcrest, from staff members and teachers to curriculum and school supplies.
First up: We need wine and party hosts! See below for details.
Key 2020 dates:
October 26th: Donation deadline (wine + parties)
October 31st: Sponsorship deadline
November 9th: Online auction opens!
November 15th: Online auction closes!
FAQs:
When is the auction?
This year’s auction is online-only. Online bidding opens Monday, November 9th at 8:30am and closes Sunday, November 15th at 9pm at https://hillcrestauction2020.ggo.bid.
What categories will be available to bid on?
For this fall’s online auction, we’ll be focusing on just a few of our most popular categories including parent parties (reimagined in accordance with public health guidelines) and wine. Look out for some new offerings as well!
Wait, parties? You know there’s a pandemic happening, right?
Parties are the most popular category at our traditional auction, so we’ve spent a lot of time and energy figuring out how to continue them (safely!) during this year when we’re all craving social interaction. Keep an eye out for three different types of party packages on offer this year:
- Virtual: From monthly recurring activities to one-time themed events, these parties will combine interactive activities over Zoom with home-delivered supply kits.
- Small & distanced: We’ll offer a few gatherings that can be held outdoors, with a small number of hosts & attendees, and with plenty of social distance.
- DIY party packs: Receive a party-in-a-box--everything you need to host a themed shindig with your own quarantine crew.
What about kids’ parties?
In order to ensure equity and inclusivity, we’ve rethought the model on kids’ parties. Going forward, we’d like kids’ parties to be purchased by a parent on behalf of an entire class. This is too complex this year for in-person parties (given current guidelines on safe cohorts) and our kids are pretty Zoom-fatigued. Because of this, we’ve decided to not pursue kids’ parties at this time.
What happened to all the other usual auction categories?
Given the craziness of this fall season (the pandemic/distance learning, fires/air quality, and the election), we've decided to streamline our fall auction to minimize the burden on our parents, staff, business community, and auction volunteers. That’s why this auction will focus just on a few categories which have historically been our most successful. Since the Walkathon may also not be permitted, we're considering a second spring fundraising event with expanded categories (more parent & community donations, art projects, etc.). For now, we'll see how much we’re able to raise during this fall event, calculate our remaining need, and then determine the specifics of a spring event.
Do we still need to raise money since school is virtual?
Yes! Due to school being entirely virtual for now, we’ve been able to reduce our fundraising need by about 30%. That said, the vast majority of our PTA funds pay directly for our beloved staff and programs, and these expenses have not gone away despite the pandemic.
How are we making the auction inclusive?
We’d love all Hillcrest families to participate in this year’s auction! Donations of money, skills, talents, and time will help bring our party calendar to life. During the online auction (which is free to bid in), we look forward to offering items at a large range of price points to accommodate all families.
What else is new this year?
Keep an eye out for all-new wine raffles, a Hillcrest Registry, and more! We’ll share more details in the coming weeks.
Will there be a live auction at all?
No -- this year’s auction will occur online over the course of six days. There will not be a live event component.
How much does it cost to participate in the online auction?
There is no fee to participate in this year’s auction (unless, of course, you place the winning bid)!
What should I donate?
Spare wine + parties! In light of this historic year (and particularly crazy fall season), we're asking for just two things from our Hillcrest community:
- Wine: Looking for an easy way to contribute? Donate a bottle of wine for our Wine Cellar Raffle! No matter the kind... affordable, pricey, special occasion, or everyday – all are welcome! Drop off your donations with Keng Jin (23 Harbord Ct) or June (5545 Harbord Dr). Look for a box on the porch of either house. To receive credit for your donation, be sure to fill out this form.
- Parties: Parties are our most critical fundraising source, so we've reimagined the usual Hillcrest party lineup to one that's safe given current guidelines. Get in touch with the Party Committee and we'll bring your dream to (virtual) reality. Contact Meghan Langston or Sarah Shere for dates, ideas and inspiration.
What if I have something else to donate?
Email benefit@hillcrestpta.org and we’ll talk! We’re not proactively soliciting donations beyond wine and parties at this time, but there may be an opportunity to feature other donations as raffle prizes or as ad hoc items.
I love hosting parties but have no idea how to do so in this new environment.
Our party committee is here to help! Want to help host a gathering for fellow parents but unsure of what type of party to throw? We've reimagined the usual Hillcrest party lineup to one that's safe given current guidelines. Think Zoom-ified poker parties or cooking classes, distanced backyard wine tastings or craft nights. Have an idea but not sure how to pull it off? Willing to contribute a skill or funds but unsure of what to do next? Contact Meghan Langston or Sarah Shere for dates, ideas, and inspiration.
I miss wearing costumes.
So do we. What’s Hillcrest without costumes?! Keep an eye out for themed parties which will let you bust out your costume bin after all.
Where do I get updates on this year’s auction?
We’ll keep you posted on the latest & greatest in The Hillcrest News, our weekly school newsletter, every Tuesday evening. Communication will also be sent through Konstella via your class’s Room Parents. If you still have questions, contact your fundraising committee (benefit@hillcrestpta.org) for more information.
Can I help with the event?
We'd love it! Contact our fundraising committee (benefit@hillcrestpta.org) or Sarah Shere.
Printable Form
Wine Donation Form
