Whether you’re new to the Cardinal community or you just forgot, we get a lot of frequently asked questions! Read through some questions and answers below, and make sure to check out our Instagram account for more information about the auction.
What is the auction?
It’s Cardinal Elementary’s biggest party of the year! In addition to a silent and live auction, this adults-only event includes an open bar, appetizers, a live band, and dancing. Aside from fundraising, the auction is a tremendous community building event. It’s a ton of fun, and a great way to socialize with friends (kid-free!) as well as make new connections.
What are the auction proceeds used for?
All of the auction proceeds go directly back to our students, teachers, and school community. The auction is the Cardinal PTA’s biggest fundraiser of the year and we rely on it for funding the annual budget. This year the PTA, which is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, is also donating funds to three Title I elementary schools in Arlington who don’t have a fundraising vehicle of their own. The infographic below highlights all of the incredible things last year’s auction funded for the 2024-25 school year.
What should I wear and bring to the auction?
Whatever you want! Anything from tops and jeans to cocktail dresses. If you’re going with the theme, think blacks and golds and of course the colors of Mardi Gras: purple, green, and yellow. Bonus points for sequins and feathers! Bring a fully charged mobile phone, as all silent auction bidding will happen online via your phone. We will have a charging station, but plugs are limited.
What does my ticket include?
Each ticket includes full access to our silent and live auction, an open bar, appetizers and desserts, photo booth, live music and dancing! We’re excited that this year’s auction will feature a local favorite band — stay tuned for the announcement! They’ll be playing a mix of favorites from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
When should I arrive?
The party will be from 7-11 p.m. Check-in will start promptly at 7 p.m., and we hope you’ll arrive as close to 7 as possible to maximize your fun! We highly encourage you to pre-register online as an online bidder, saving you time during check-in. You can do this via the “Get Started” button on the bidding site, which will open up closer to the event — we’ll send a reminder to all who’ve purchased tickets. We’ll have multiple check-in stations to keep things moving quickly.
What is the timeline for the evening?
Bidding will open a few days before the event and continue online through Saturday evening. The live auction will begin around 9:30, during which we’ll auction off some of our most exciting packages. And throughout the entire event, the band will be playing great dance music, and appetizers, desserts and an open bar will be available. Because of this, it’s an adults-only event.
How does the silent auction work?
All of the silent auction bidding is done online, which means even during the actual event you’ll be bidding straight from your phone. We’ll also have some tangible items on display for you to view in person. You’ll have the opportunity to pre-register before the event so you’ll be ready to bid. Once the bidding starts, our online bidding system will notify you if you’ve been “outbid” on an item you’re interested in, so you can still enjoy the party while the silent auction is underway.
If I don’t want to buy anything at the auction, can I still donate to the PTA?
Of course! Visit the donations page to enter the amount you’d like to donate. There’s also no obligation to bid on anything if you attend the auction, so we encourage you to still attend even if you aren’t interested in any items. It’s a fun time and a great community building opportunity. Many lasting friendships have been born from the auction!
Can I invite non-Cardinal friends and family to attend the auction with me?
Yes, the more the merrier! You are welcome to purchase tickets for as many guests as you’d like.
I’d like to attend the auction, but I can’t afford the tickets. Are there discounted tickets?
We want this to be a fun community event for all Cardinal parents. If you would like to attend the auction but cannot afford to purchase a ticket, let us know and we’ll be sure you get a ticket. Send an email to Amie Lesser at AmieLesser@gmail.com.
Are Cardinal teachers and staff invited to the auction?
Of course! Many attended last year. We offer free tickets to teachers and staff, and discounted tickets for their guests.
What is the Wine Wheel? Can I donate wine and spirits?
Back by popular demand, this year’s auction will include the famous Cardinal Auction Wine/Spirit Wheel! You pay $20 for a spin on the wheel and take home a bottle of equal or greater value! To make this a success, we seek donations of wine, beer, and spirits valued at more than $20 — the more bottles, the more fun and successful the game. Wine Wheel donations will begin in early 2025.
