2024 Auction Fundraiser

When: Saturday, March 23, 2024, 5:30-11:00 pm

Where: Elks Club 4249 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Theme: Surf's Up Covington!

Tell me more about the Auction...

The annual Covington Auction is a fabulously fun, grown-ups-only annual fundraiser.  We hope you can join us on March 23, 2024. Enjoy a great dinner, tasty beverages, desserts and plenty of great music.  Be ready to show your Covington Spirit by supporting the Fund-A-Need and Live Auction! The schedule for the night:

5:30 pm: Doors Open

5:30-7:00 pm: Check-in/Registration, Silent Auction Bidding, & Cocktail Hour with Appetizers

7:00-8:00 pm: Sit Down Dinner

8:00-9:00 pm: Live Auction & Fund-A-Need

9:00-11:00 pm: Dancing

How can I purchase tickets to the Auction?

Ticket prices are $120 each.  Attendees also have the opportunity to purchase a table for the night or sponsor a teacher ticket.  Tickets can be purchased here.

How can I help?

There are many ways you can help! 

• Donations.  The donations and generosity of this community is what really makes this the best fundraiser for our school.  We put together a wishlist to provide some ideas but we're open to any and all things!  Please contact Marc Steinberg if you have any items to donate, or just want to provide financial sponsorship for a travel package for the live auction!
• Sign-up party hosts.  Sign-up parties are a highlight of the evening!  They are social experiences hosted by a family/families at Covington that bring together a group of individuals for a fun and unique activity.  Anyone can host and plan a party!  At the auction all the parties are open for sign-ups.  Please contact Brandon Kam or Shivanjali Srivastava if you're interested in getting involved!
• Sponsorships.  We love to partner with local businesses, business people, and families.  Sponsorships are a great way to support the school for some great advertising and recognition opportunities.  Please contact Auction Chairs, Amy Woods or Mike Woods.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Auction and why is it so important?

The Covington Auction party is our largest fundraiser and community building event of the year!  All proceeds from he auction go directly to Covington Elementary School, giving our school funds for programs, supplies, and resources it needs to provide the best education possible.  Every year, Covington counts on the fundraiser to pay for art and science supplies, classroom technology, teacher training, noontime student activities, library books, and much more!

Who is invited?

Covington Parents, Teachers, and Staff are invited to attend the Auction.This is an adults-only event, so book your babysitter early and enjoy a fun night out with our Covington community!

Why should I attend?

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend!  Parents, teachers, and staff enjoy attending the event because it allows them a chance to socialize outside the classrooms and foster friendships as a school community.  It is also a great way to support your children and make financial contributions that directly benefit our school.

How much are tickets?

Tickets will be on sale soon.

What should I wear?

Dress to impress, in theme! The Covington Auction 2024 theme is "Surf's Up Covington!"

What happens at the Auction?

Doors open at 5:30 pm with a complimentary welcome drink and food stations.  Silent (mobile) bidding for wine lots will be at the event or you can sign-up to attend one of Covington's many community-building parties hosted by and for Covington parents and kids throughout the school year.  After a pleasant cocktail hour of socializing, dinner will be served, followed by a short program with Live Auction excitement and a Fund-A-Need request from Principal Armstrong.  Then we dance the night away!

What is a Fund-A-Need request?

Fund-A-Need is a way to collectively pool bids from the audience to help pay for a specific purpose at Covington. Our students at Covington directly benefit from these large scale purchases, thanks to the generosity of our donating bidders.  Whether you can give $50 or $500, the combined sum of funds changes the lives and learning experiences of Covington kids.  Previous Fund-A-Need asks have purchased items like 3 sets of Chromebooks and iPads to replace outdated technology, updated and innovative student furniture in the classroom, leveled reading libraries for all grades, and outdoor benches and umbrellas.

What items will be auctioned off?

Each year we have a team of parent volunteers who work diligently to procure a variety of live auction items.  

Live Auction items have included: dinner parties for a large group (10-12), vacation packages, tickets for live entertainment, large group wine tastings, unique local experiences, and more.  Each year differs in offerings, and the auction committee relies on your help to collect these items for auction.  Please contact Marc Steinberg if you've got items to donate, or know of someone who'd like to sponsor a donation.

Sign-Up Parties: There will be many fun parities to sign up for, like the Glow Party, Karaoke, Poker Night, Lady's Bunco Night, Father/Daughter Dance, just to name a few.

Do you know of any businesses that would like to sponsor a Live Item or portion of our event?

The planning committee would love to hear from those interested in sponsoring a portion of our event.  Please contact Auction Chairs Amy Woods or Mike Woods if you know of any businesses that would like to be featured with ads (either online or at our event in March).