The parent social and auction will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Mark your calendar to attend! 

Annual Long Branch In-Person Parent Social & Silent Auction - Black, White and Bling!

Saturday, March 2, 2024 - 6 - 9:30 p.m. @ NRECA (826 N Taylor St, Arlington, VA 22203) NRECA is the last building on the right at the corner of Taylor St. and Wilson Blvd. The main entrance is on Taylor St. 

Each year the PTA hosts an auction that is not only a great evening of socializing and dining -- but the biggest fundraiser of the year. The Auction Committee is already hard at work gathering great items for the silent and live auctions. If you haven't been, ask around -- it's a low key event that's A LOT of fun.

This year's event is IN-PERSON at NRECA (826 N Taylor St.). So if you want to bid on the over 150 items we have, support the school and get to know the other families in our community better, then you are going to want to buy your tickets TODAY! 

If you are wondering where the raised money goes -- our PTA works hard to make school events and activities accessible to everyone. We pay national and local PTA dues for all families. Our community-building events – including STEM night, spring fling, International night, and dinner/babysitting at all monthly PTA meetings – are free. We also provide stipends for out-of-pocket teacher expenses, grants for our faculty, and underwrite entry fees and bus costs for field trips that might not otherwise take place. 

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 on us! It is an adults-only evening that starts promptly at 6 pm [seriously, or you'll miss the first bid section] and ends around 9:30. 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! Check out our catalog of great things we'll have to bid on at the event!

host a PARTy

make a contribution

We're also looking for other donation items to auction. 

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 visit our auction website.

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.

FAQs

Q: Should I drive and if so, where should I park?
A: You may park in the garage under the building (parking will be validated at the front desk), but many people walk or take alternative transportation. Parking is located underneath the building (850 N Taylor St). 

Q: Will there be food and drinks?
A: Yes! We will have food. There will also be an open bar with a range of beer, wine, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages! 

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 a bit!

Q: How does the auction work?
A: There will be two types of auctions. Silent and live. The silent auction is broken out into several categories that will close at different times throughout the evening (starting at 7:15 pm) and the live auction will start around 8:30 pm. Arrive before 6:30 pm to make the most of your experience!

Q: Do I need to spend a lot of money at the auction?
A: No! First and foremost, this is a community-building event. While there is a suggested $25 donation at the door and there are fun things to bid on, 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! Parents 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 casual. The theme is Black, White & Bling 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 and can I pay with a credit card?
A: We can take cash or a check, but most people pay with credit cards and plus it’s a little faster at checkout. A credit card is needed to secure your bidding, but you can pay with cash or check if you chose to do so when you check out at the end of the night. At the end of the night, you will receive an email inviting you to check-out and when you do so, your credit card on file will be charged. (Credit cards will be automatically charged for anyone who does not go through the in-person check-out process). 

Q: How do I get the things I won?

At the end of the auction night, you will receive an email showing all of the items that you have won. You can choose to check out online from that email. On your check-out email, look to see if any of your  items show a present or envelope icon next to them. Or both! A present icon means that you have a physical item to pick up from the check-out station. An envelope means that you will receive an emailed gift certificate early the week following the auction so look out for that in your inbox then. 

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 for more details. 

Q: Where does the money raised go?
A: The money raised goes directly back to supporting children 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. 

Section Closing Times - TBC

• Auction Starts - 6:00 p.m.
• Door Prizes - 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
• Dream/Fix/Shop - 7:30 p.m.
• Family Fun - 8:00 p.m.
• Teacher/Staff/Classroom Experiences  - 8:30 p.m.
• Live Auction & Raffle - 8:30 p.m.
• Dine In/Dine Out & Parties  - 9:15 p.m
• Auction Ends - 9:30 p.m.

Get excited ...we are!

thank you to our sponsors!

If you have any questions, please email longbranchauction@gmail.com.