Dear Parents,

The plans for our Sixteenth Annual Children’s House Auction are under way! This year’s event will be very much like our auctions in the past, except for our brand new venue! For our new families, this is our big fundraiser of the year, and a fun-filled evening for parents. It is a combination Silent and Live Auction, along with wine tasting and an elegant sit-down dinner.

We would like to see every Children’s House parent participate in this event. This is a special occasion where we can all get together without our children and have a great time. Although donations and attendance are on a volunteer basis, we hope to have 100% participation, of course!
/THE DETAILS

7 DATE & TIME: SATURDAY NIGHT, MARCH 10, 2012, 5:00 p.m.

7 PLACE: TAFT BARN, SANTA CLARA ROAD, ATASCADERO. Yes, we have finally outgrown our old venue and have taken the leap to something bigger and hopefully better! From the one lane bridge outside, to the twinkling lights and chandeliers inside, this barn will enchant you with it’s sheer magnificence.

7 PRICE: WE ARE OFFERING AN “EARLY BIRD SPECIAL”: YOUR COST IS $75.00 per PERSON, if purchased on or before FEBRUARY 17, 2012. after the 17th, if SPACE IS still available, the cost per PERSON will be $95.00. Your cost gives you entrance into a magical event, including a fabulous sit-down dinner catered by Chef Charlie. Chef Charles D. Paladin Wayne has catered over 100 wine dinners and countless weddings over the past six years, since he started his business on the Central Coast. His success rate has been 100% with his clients and he is booked solid just through word of mouth. He has provided us with a delicious gourmet meal for the last three auctions and we are thrilled to have him return again this year.

Your cost also includes an open beer and wine bar, featuring wines from the Central Coast. You will receive a commemorative wine glass and have the pleasure and honor of tasting wine from some of our prestigious local wineries, most of which are owned and/or operated by our Children’s House parents!

There are a limited number of seats available. The new venue is delightfully spacious, however, we will sell out! Don’t miss out on this wonderful evening. It is not only a great way to support your child’s school, but an opportunity for a pleasurable night out! Make your reservations by completing the blue Dinner Reservation form.

7 THE PROFITS: VARIOUS ITEMS AND/OR PROGRAMS FOR OUR SCHOOL HAVE BEEN PURCHASED AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE MONEY RAISED FORM THE AUCTION. These include our piano, music programs, the art room, computers, software, and the sensorial garden, to name a few. Money this year, will go towards similar items and / or programs throughout the school.

7 DONATION SUGGESTIONS: THIS, OF COURSE IS WHAT MAKES OR BREAKS THE SUCCESS OF THE AUCTION. Please start thinking about what you will offer to be auctioned off! The item or items (the more, the merrier) should have a minimum value of $25.00 but could be worth, perhaps as much as $500 or more. Special donations can be anything the audience would have fun bidding on for a good cause (our school!) and then splurging on the purchase. For example, we have had a fabulous dinner for ten, including wine and hors d’oeuvres, an overnight at a B&B with a basket lunch, a weekend at a vacation condo or a helicopter ride!

Perhaps you don’t have access to one of these fantasies but...maybe there are grandparents, business associates, or friends who might like to help for a good cause. Many businesses will donate items or services if you ask them. If you are out shopping or dining and find a store or restaurant you think might want to donate, please feel free to ask them and/or give them our “Dear Community Friends” letter. Perhaps you or someone in your family is an artist or crafts person. Services of sewing, cooking, woodworking, gardening, etc., are great. Maybe you have a special talent or hobby you’d like to share with children and/or adults, by teaching a workshop or series of lessons. Handmade items or collectables such as quilts, prints, or special wines are all wonderful as well! Get creative and have fun! Take a look at one of the Auction booklets from last year, in the foyer, for more ideas. With your energy behind the donations, this auction will be another great success.

7 DONATION DESCRIPTIONS AND DELIVERY: WE ASK THAT YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DONATIONS IN EITHER AN EMAIL (PREFERRED) OR ON THE PINK DONATION DESCRIPTION FORM. We’d like to have all final descriptions turned in, on or before, Feb. 10, 2012. The items themselves should be turned in Feb. 17, 2012. We ask that each donation be creatively packaged for an enthusiastic display. These descriptions will be used in our Bid Book and/or on Bid Sheets. When emailing, please use the format on the pink form to describe each donation and email it to us at:
office@childrenshouse.cc. If you do not have access to email, please complete one of the pink forms and return it to the “Auction Box”, at the school.

Auction photos from the past.

2011 Table Settings




2010 Student Made Items



2010 Table Setting with Screen Printed Napkins for 30th Anniversary



2008 Donated Items (left) Student Made Items (right)