Auction Gala

What is the Auction?
The annual Gala Auction is a fundraiser undertaken by the Berkeley Carroll School in support of our educational and scholarship programs. The event is held at Stage Six at Steiner Studios on the Brooklyn waterfront and consists of a silent auction followed by an elegant seated dinner and exciting live auction. Each year the Auction committee chooses a new theme for the evening's festivities. The 2006 "Saturday Night Fever” auction raised $168,000 and the 2007 "Live and Let Bid" auction raised nearly $200,000. This year's auction theme will be "It’s a Mod, Mod Auction."

What are the goals for the Auction?
There are three primary functions of the Auction:
1. Raise Money. The Auction is a highly focused fundraising event and is the best way to bring in that much money for the school in one night.
2. Involvement. The Auction represents an opportunity for all of the Berkeley Carroll School's parents, alumni, and friends to come together and celebrate our school community and our common interest in the education of our children.
3. Public Relations. An event of this scope not only brings in a huge amount of money, but also has a favorable impact on the community. We support the merchants in Park Slope and neighboring communities year-round, and we ask them to support us through the Auction. In 2007, we introduced the “Berkeley Carroll Directory” of Business Advertisers & Donors. This Guide serves as an easy reference guide for businesses that support our school.

Where does the money go?
All money raised by the auction goes directly towards the operations of the school. These funds help meet the many needs of our growing school and also benefit our scholarship fund.

Who coordinates and organizes the Auction?
The Auction is an organized effort of the Development Office along with parents who serve on various committees. Two people volunteer to serve as the chairs of the Gala Auction. Working with these chairs are subcommittees, each with volunteer chairs and members. While the chairs and the Development Office do much of the basic planning, it is the work of numerous individual parents, through the committees, that are essential in making this massive undertaking a success.

But why dinner? Why not just hors d'oeuvres?
The auction cho-chairs did a lot of investigating about what works best. The most successful auctions almost always utilize the dinner auction program. Most importantly, you deserve a fine dining experience! This only adds to the fun atmosphere of the entire evening.

How much does a ticket cost?
The price levels for the 2008 Gala Auction are $125, $300 or $600 per person. For the cost of a ticket, each person is treated to cocktails and butlered hors d’ouvres, a multi-course dinner and a paddle number. Ticket buyers who purchase a $300 ticket pay for one teacher to attend the auction at no cost and those who purchase a $600 ticket sponsor two teacher tickets. All but $75 of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

How can I get tickets?
Auction invitations will be mailed to the parents and friends of Berkeley Carroll several weeks before the auction. Tickets can be purchased via Mastercard or Visa at www.berkeleycarroll.org.

What if I want to bid on an item, but I cannot make it to the auction?
You may take part in the Online Auction! The Online Auction opens two weeks before the event and closes the evening before Auction night at 9 pm. Just log on to http://berkeleycarroll.maestroweb.com to browse the many offerings. You may also place a proxy bid for an item that will be at the live event only by contacting Lucy Briglia at the Development Office at 718-789-6060 x6585 or lbriglia@berkeleycarroll.org.

What if I do not win the items I bid on, but I still want to help the school on auction night?
Bidding ends at different times for different categories during the silent auction. Once the bidding is closed for certain items you are interested in, you can switch your attention to other items of interest.
This year, right after the live auction, we have added a category entitled "Fund-a-Need." Through Fund-a-Need, you will have the opportunity to bid on items that directly support our children’s education. You will have the opportunity to raise your paddle in support of the music programs, sports teams, the libraries, and much more.

How can I help, make a donation, or get involved?
Volunteer! Even the smallest job is of great importance in making the Auction a success. Contact Jill Cornell at jillcornell@mindspring.com or Christina Shane at cshane3@gmail.com to pitch in.
Take out an ad in the Auction Journal Journal ads are a great way to recognize a special teacher, coach, staff member or student. They are also tax deductible.
• Donate an auction item. Literally hundreds of items are needed for the Auction.
• Do you have antiques or fine art? A vacation home that you can offer for a week? Sporting event or theater tickets?
• Are you a great cook or host/ess? Do you work in a museum, theater or animation studio and can donate your time/expertise? Our community loves to bid on backstage tours, unique experiences or culinary feasts.
• Ask your favorite dining spot, salon or gym for a gift certificate. Most local vendors are happy to donate to our community.
Bid Online! Log onto http://berkeleycarroll.maestroweb.com and go shopping on BC’s answer to eBay!
Become a Sponsor Sponsors are listed on the invitation and in the Journal and can be great exposure for local businesses. Sponsorships range from $1,500 to $10,000 and include tickets to the event plus an ad in the Journal. For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact Lucy Briglia, Director of Annual Giving, at 718 768-6060 x 6585.