WHAT IS THE FREE UNION COUNTRY SCHOOL AUCTION?
Free Union's Country School Auction is an event organized by volunteers and staff, bringing together our school community - current school families, faculty and staff, alumni families, and friends of the school. This is a memorable event on our calendar, enjoyed by all who come together for a lively evening of conversation, community, and celebrating our school.
WHY DO WE HOLD THE AUCTION?
Funds raised at the Auction go toward the school’s operating costs and financial aid program. The school philosophy begins with the child at the center and a successful Auction allows us to build on the goal to spark a love of learning and provide an academic and social foundation that will serve each student today and well into tomorrow.
In addition to raising money, Auction night is an opportunity to come together as a school community. This community-building event reinforces the values of our school and celebrates our teachers, staff, families and students!
And finally, Auction is a chance to celebrate and learn even more about our school and the reasons our community continues to give so generously, year after year. We invite you to come see for yourself!
HOW CAN I HELP?
Donate an auction item: Our Auction Committee has been hard at work collecting donations from our school community. We can use auction items of all values - including experiences for children and adults, vacation rental homes, and goods and services from our talented community. If you have an item you would like to donate, you may fill out a procurement form online or reach out to Jolee.
Volunteer: Your time is also a great way to donate to the auction. To get involved or lend a hand the night of the Auction, please contact Kelly Brown, Emily Lazaro, or Jolee or email us at events@freeunioncountryschool.org.
Buy your ticket: Most importantly – please buy your ticket and plan to join us for the event!
HOW DO WE RAISE MONEY?
We have several avenues of fundraising at the auction and during the weeks running up to the event.
Free Union Great Gatherings: Purchase single tickets for you or your child to be a part of a larger group experience. In previous years, we have had many fun opportunities for families, students (cookie decorating parties), and adults (dinner with friends), to name a few. Great Gathering tickets are available for purchase when the silent auction opens and often fill up fast.
Silent Auction: Our Silent Auction is full of incredible opportunities and experiences at many price levels.
Live Auction: A select group of unique items are offered in our Live auction portion of the evening program.
Paddle Up: An opportunity to raise your paddle up the night of the event, often to help teachers and faculty with special requests for their classrooms.
WHAT IS THE EVENT FORMAT?
This year's Auction will be a live, in-person event at Old Metropolitan Hall on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. There will be auction items from local businesses as well as handmade goods and services from our diverse and talented school community. There will also be opportunities to purchase buy-in tickets for Free Union Great Gatherings, with the majority of auction items available for bidding in-person at the event. We will have a silent auction, which will begin at 7 pm the night of the Auction. The Live Auction will begin around 8:30 pm with Paddle Up bidding to follow. We plan to use an online bidding system for the silent auction, so please bring your cell phone to the event for mobile bidding.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We are feeling festive! Your attendance is what matters most whether you arrive in a fancy outfit that has been on hold or your regular "dinner out in Charlottesville" ensemble.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR FOOD & DRINKS
We plan to offer an array of food and beverages, featuring sweet and savory appetizers served up by Chefs Allie and Ian Redshaw of Sumac Supper Club using locally sourced ingredients, to satisfy all appetites.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Because this will be an in person, indoors event, we ask that those who are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms to please stay at home to protect our community. Weather permitting, there may be a small patio area at the Auction venue, but plan to be inside for most of the evening and please bring a mask if you should feel more comfortable wearing one!