FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When and where is the auction?
A: Saturday, February 28, from 6 - 9 p.m. at Hyde Social.
Q: Should I drive and if so, where should I park?
A: You may park on the area streets, but our suggestion is to walk or use a ride share as it's right in Clarendon.
Q: How can I prepare for the auction?
A: Many of the silent auction bidding will be done online, which means even during the event on Saturday night, you’ll be bidding straight from your phone. To ensure you are successful in your bidding at the event, we recommend that you make sure your phone is fully charged and sign into the Wi-Fi when you arrive. 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 event while the silent auction is underway.
We’ll also have paper bidding sheets for teacher/staff experiences and parties (and a few other items) for you to bid on in-person. You will write your bid number on the sheet, but check back often as you may need to increase your bid to win a spot.
Q: What if I can’t make it to the event? Can I still bid?
A: YES! Many things (other than teacher/staff experiences and parties) are available to bid on virtually—you don’t have to attend the auction to bid. Feel free to share the on-line link with friends and family who may be interested in some of our on-line items.
Q: What are the proceeds from the auction used for?
A: The auction is the PTA's primary fundraiser and raises money critical to funding the Long Branch PTA budget annually. All the profit from the auction goes directly back to our students and teachers. Proceeds from the auction will be used for classroom support, staff appreciation and grants, field trips, community building school events, and SO MUCH MORE!
Q: Will there be food and drinks?
A: Yes! We will have heavy appetizers. Food will also be available for purchase. There will also be an open bar with an assortment of beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a signature cocktail! Other drinks will be available for purchase.
Q: Do I need a date?
A: No! Come by yourself or with a friend. People walk around and talk with parents they don’t yet know. Friends and neighbors are welcome. If you know parents of a rising kindergartener, invite them to join you, so they can get to know the Long Branch community!
Q: How does the auction work?
A: There will be two types of auctions. Silent (online) and in-person. The silent auction is broken out into several categories that will all open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 and all close at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. You can bid on those items from your phone before and during the event. Parties, teacher experiences, and some selected items will only be available for in-person bidding (on paper bid sheets) during the event. Be sure to buy a ticket so you can bid on those in-person items!
Q: Do I need to spend a lot of money at the auction?
A: No! There are fun things to bid on, but you can have a great time even if you don’t bid! If you don't want to purchase a bid number, you can just show up at the event and check-in there to receive a bid number.
Q: Is this fun and worth my time?
A: Yes! Attendees regularly describe the auction as one of their favorite events of the year. They get to have a fun evening out without the kids and meet new Long Branch friends!
Q: What is the price point for the auction items?
A: There is something for everyone! Some of the auction items start as low as $10 for the opening bid. You are guaranteed to find something of interest!
Q: Can I just donate money if I don’t win anything?
A: Of course! You can give online during the auction or afterwards.
Q: What do I wear?
A: This is a casual event. The theme is 1920s/Speakeasy so feel free to be creative if you want.
Q: Can I bring the kids?
A: No, this is an adults-only event. But, to help with costs, consider going in with another family for a sitter.
Q: How do I pay for the auction items?
A: When purchasing your ticket online, you are given the opportunity for the system to 'save' your credit card for use at the event. If you did not check that box, upon check in at the auction, we will swipe your card, eliminating a long check out procedure at the conclusion of the evening. If you decide you want to change the credit card on file, you can make that change at the auction.
Q: Do I need to bring cash or my checkbook?
A: No. We are only accepting credit card payments.
Q: Do I need to stay the entire time to win my items?
A: As long as you have the highest bid at the time that section closes, we will be able to charge your credit card on file and arrange for your winnings to get to you if you have to leave before the event officially ends. All electronic items will be emailed after the event and arrangements will be made for any physical items to get to the winner.
Q: How do I get the items I won?
A: Items denoted with a 📦 (package emoji) mean that they are a physical item and must be picked up by the winner. Physical items will be at the auction event and can be picked up there or arranged around the Arlington, VA, area via email at longbranchauction@gmail.com. Shipping is not included, and if need be, is to be paid by buyer. All other items will be emailed to you following the event.
Q: My company wants to sponsor the auction. How do I do that?
A: Companies that donate $500 or more can become auction sponsors. As a sponsor, your logo will be on the website, social media, emails to our over 400 student's families, promotional materials and signage at the event. Email longbranchauction@gmail.com or view details online.
Q: Where does the money raised go?
A: The money raised goes directly back to supporting children and staff at Long Branch through PTA initiatives like financial support for field trips, teacher and staff appreciation activities, additional classroom supplies, community building events like STEM night, arts and crafts night and spring fling, and faculty grants.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? SHOW UP!
The auction is only a success if people attend -- mark your calendar now and get your babysitter lined up. Talk to your friends, neighbors and family -- make it a group night out! It is an adults-only evening that starts promptly at 6pm and ends at 9pm. We will have free food and drinks - this is truly THE Adult Social Event of the Year for Long Branch. Buy your tickets online today! We will publish the online auction prior to the event.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HOST A PARTY? One of the biggest community-builders that comes along with the auction is Parent Parties - learn more about Parent Parties and think about if you'd like to host one!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A SPONSOR?
Make a tax-deductible donation and become a sponsor of the Long Branch auction.
– Platinum $1500: Exclusive Bar, Entertainment, and Buffet sponsorship
– Gold $1000
– Silver $750
– Bronze $500
To learn more, please contact us at longbranchauction@gmail.com.
MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
We're also looking for other donation items to auction or a financial gift to support purchasing of items. Many Long Branch families have hidden -- and not so hidden -- talents that they have donated to the Auction in the past. Likewise, Long Branch parents work for really cool companies. Think about contributing an item [kids can contribute too!], an evening of entertainment [like all our great parties], or a work-related tour [behind-the-scenes...]. 100% of your contribution will go towards our school needs. Let us know if you can help.
If you have an item to donate, please submit it here.
You can also donate directly to the PTA, to the Kevin Persiko/Children in Need Fund or to sponsor a staff member to attend the auction.
VOLUNTEER
We are seeking volunteers to help before the event, the morning/afternoon of the event or at the event itself. Volunteering is a great way to meet other people and help the school. Email longbranchauction@gmail.com with any questions or to volunteer.
