Auction Glossary
Auction
The Auction is one of St. Cecilia Catholic School’s major annual fundraisers. Generous sponsors donate items and experiences for parents and community members to bid on at our live event each April. Every class contributes in various ways, such as grade-level projects and themed silent auction baskets. Tickets for the adult-only auction party go on sale in the spring.
Bidder Number
When registering for the Auction, each participant will receive a bidder number, which is used to place bids on auction items.
Big Board
The Big Board features higher-value items available through mobile bidding, including items such as School Naming Rights and “For a Day” experiences.
Grade-Level Baskets
Each grade level creates a themed basket for the auction. A committee selects the theme, and families contribute items, gift cards, or monetary donations to assemble the basket. Past themes have included Road Trips, Outdoor Games, Sports, Collegiate Teams, and more.
Grade-Level Projects
Students contribute to unique projects for the auction with guidance from parent volunteers and teachers. Projects can represent the entire grade, individual homerooms, or include items that can be replicated for multiple purchases (like books). Past projects include quilts, photography, artwork, and other creative endeavors.
Live Auction
The Live Auction takes place during the event and is available only to attendees. An auctioneer conducts the bidding, and items are awarded to the highest bidder.
Mobile Bidding
Mobile bidding is a paperless system that allows registered guests to bid from their phones. Items available include Sign-Up Parties, Silent Auction items, Big Board items, and other spirit items. Attendance at the event is not required to participate in mobile bidding.
Naming Rights
Certain areas of the school can be named after the highest bidder. Most naming rights last for one school year, while naming rights in the Learning Commons last three years.
Neon Nights
Neon Nights is a glow-in-the-dark party supporting the Auction. Open to all school families, funds raised at the event support Grab Bag items and other auction activities. Neon Nights is typically held in the winter on school grounds.
Paddles Up
Paddles Up is a moment during the Auction when attendees are invited to raise their paddles to make an additional donation to support the school and our students.
Program Ads
Families and sponsors can purchase ads in the Auction program, which is distributed at the event.
Sign-Up Parties
Sign-Up Parties are hosted by parents and sold to benefit the Auction. Parties may be geared toward specific grades, parents, couples, families, or faculty-hosted events like Fun with Faculty. These opportunities are released throughout the year, and space is limited.
Silent Auction
The Silent Auction features many items across multiple categories. Bidding occurs via Mobile Bidding, and the highest bid at closing wins the item.
Sponsorships
Sponsors are individuals or organizations that contribute at a certain level in exchange for recognition of their family or business. See our sponsorship form for details.
Tuition Raffle
The Tuition Raffle gives participants a chance to win a discount on the upcoming year’s tuition.
