FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Email: auction@ps199pta.org Online: www.ps199pta.org/auction
Who are the auction Co-chairs?
Karen Kennedy has two children at PS 199, Jake and Isabel, who are in 4th grade, and Angie Labrozzi has a daughter Zoey, who is in 1st grade. We are excited to be part of this amazing school and wonderful event!
Who attends the auction?
The entire PS 199 community is invited to attend. This includes current families, staff and faculty members. We would very much like to encourage our alumni friends to join us, though because we do not have a systematic way of reaching out to everyone, please help spread the word!
What happens at the auction event?
We come together as a community to enjoy an evening of cocktails, food, music and of course a Live and Silent Auction! There will be a 4 hour premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner and a DJ! Just make sure you come with your phones charged and ready to bid!
What is the theme and attire?
We are rewinding to the ‘90s decade for Auction 2020! You do not have to dress to theme, but we encourage you to do so! Come as your favorite ‘90s icon or in your favorite ‘90s fashion trend! If you don’t want to dress up, casual cocktail attire is fine!
Where does the money go?
The auction is PS 199’s largest fundraiser of the year, raising nearly 40% of the total PTA-funded budget for the school. The PTA funds all of the PS 199 enrichment programs, like the Arts, chess and STEM programs. It also includes student support such as classroom books & supplies, technology and teacher assistants. The cost of a ticket only covers the cost of the event. We count on auction bidding and general donations and sponsorship to raise the funds needed.
What is the difference between the Silent, Live and Online auctions?
These three platforms work in tandem to give our families and friends the opportunity to participate in the auction and contribute as they are able.
Silent Auction: Fundraising activity begins with our Silent Auction. Bidding occurs digitally and anonymously via laptop or mobile device, and is accessed through a text message or email invitation to all PS 199 families. The silent auction will open for viewing on Thursday, February 27th, but opens for bidding at 5:30pm on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The silent auction features carefully curated items and packages thanks to the generosity of our PS 199 families. The silent auction closes at approximately 11:00 PM on auction event night. A highlight of the silent auction are the Teacher Playdates! Our PS 199 teachers offer unique playdates and experiences that our kids truly enjoy. You do not need to be present to participate, you can bid remotely on your mobile device.
Live Auction: The Live Auction takes place at the event on Saturday, February 29th and is run by a professional auctioneer. We will feature several live auction lots including a class project from every grade as voted on by our kids! To bid in the live auction, you must be present at the event.
Online auction: Finally, the online auction opens on March 2nd and is available online through March 5th! Hundreds of new items are featured there including an array of experiences, goods and services that can be purchased at a great value all while supporting the PTA of PS 199. The online auction is open to the public and can be shared across your networks.
What are Sponsor-a-Teacher tickets?
We are pleased to offer our dedicated PS 199 teachers and staff complimentary tickets to our annual auction event. When you purchase a Sponsor-a-Teacher ticket, you help fund a night of fun and friendship for a PS 199 teacher. Please note, you cannot specify a teacher. All teachers and staff who RSVP will be able to attend!
What is the 50/50 raffle?
The 50/50 raffle costs $100 per raffle ticket and only up to 100 tickets will be sold (cash or check only). The max $10,000 pot will be split between the auction and the raffle winner. Auction attendance not required to purchase or win the raffle.
How can I volunteer?
We have tons of volunteer opportunities, both leading up to the auction as well as on the event. We need help with donation solicitations, event planning, data entry, day-of-event registration and much more. Please sign up on Konstella for the general auction committee or sub-committee of your choice!
Thank you for your support!