Alcuin Montessori 

2010 Annual Gala & Auction

Dear Parents and Friends of Alcuin Montessori: 

On Friday, April 23, 2010, Alcuin Montessori is bringing Las Vegas to Oak Park, and we promise an adult only evening, full of socializing, casino-style gaming, live auctions, food, and refreshments. We have set an aggressive fundraising goal for the event, and hope to raise $50,000 for the school and the children. The proceeds are an essential component of Alcuin's operating budget, and support academic opportunities for our children. 

Because of the current economic climate, some changes were made in the early planning of the event. The most notable of these changes is that the event will be held at the school. Our hope is that by minimizing our costs, even more of the money raised can go directly back to the students and the school. 

Online Auction

This year the silent auction is being replaced with an Online Auction that will run from April 8 - April 21, 2010. Powered by www.biddingforgood.com/alcuinauction, the on-line auction will feature items generously donated by local businesses and school community members. Donated items include travel, dining, lodging, entertainment, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind luxury items. Get ready for fun, guilt-free shopping to support Alcuin Montessori School. 

What makes the Online Auction so powerful is that its reach is virtually unlimited. Details about the Online Auction will be communicated via email. Emails will come from "@biddingforgood.org." Please add this email address to your "acceptable email list" so we can avoid any spam filters. You can forward those e-mails to invite an unlimited number of family and friends to virtually attend and take part in the Online Auction. We realize some of you may not be able to attend the Live Auction on Friday, April 23rd, so we hope you will take the opportunity to support Alcuin by shopping at the Online Auction.

Live Auction

In keeping with tradition, each classroom is creating an original piece of art. Every year the quality of these pieces is exceptional, resulting in very competitive bidding among the student's parents. In addition to the classroom artwork, the Live Auction will feature "priceless" items that are only available to the Alcuin community. 

Tickets

Tickets are $100 per person, and include 5 raffle tickets, $50 in gaming chips, hors d'oeuvres, and an open bar (beer, wine, soda). Winnings from gaming are not redeemable for cash or additional raffle tickets. 

Donate Items to the Auctions

The Annual Gala & Auction depends on the generosity of our school community and beyond.  If you know someone, or have access to airline tickets, hotel rooms, tickets to live events, restaurant and merchandise gift certificates, vacation homes, fine wines, jewelry, electronics, sporting equipment, autographed memorabilia, ect. please contact Solicitation Co-Chairs Sarah Hampson at sarahhampson2001@yahoo.com or Amy Crilly at acrilly@sbcglobal.net.

Volunteers

The success of the event is only made possible by the hundreds of hours contributed by a solid core of Alcuin parents and devoted individuals from our community. Our school appreciates everyone who gives to this event by donating your time and talent. 
We still need a few more volunteers for the following positions: pre-event (packaging and decorations), day-of-event (registration and set-up), and post-event (clean up). Those interested in volunteering should contact Auction Co-Chairs Liz Flynn at liz.flynn@gmail.com or Julie Seiler at jseiler311@yahoo.com.

For More Information

Contact Jamie Kazay, Development Manager, Alcuin Montessori School at (708) 366-1882 or at jkazay@alcuin.org.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, April 23, 2010.  

Sincerely, 

Shawn Edwards 

Executive Director