Let's Go Safari! Explore. Experience. Celebrate!
Now in its 33rd year, one of the most important annual traditions at St. Patrick’s is the Auction to Benefit the Financial Aid Program. One in six of our students receives financial aid, but all 500 benefit from this wonderful program. Our diversity defines, in part, who we are as a school, and enriches and strengthens our entire school and community. Your support of the Auction enables us to continue fulfilling that commitment as 100% of the Auction proceeds are earmarked for financial aid. That is why we believe it is so important that every member of the St. Patrick’s community get involved.
This year’s Auction will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009, and will focus on the incredible experience of a Wildlife Safari. The evening will begin with cocktails and a silent auction to be held on the Whitehaven Campus, where the “big five” and other animals can be spotted roaming the African Savanna. Next, there will be dinner and a live auction in the St. Patrick’s Gymnasium, which will have been magically transformed into a stunning tented safari camp.
In addition to the Auction evening itself, there will be several related events that will take place throughout the school year. In November, there will be a fun-filled Kick-off and Wine party to which every parent will be invited. This event will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Auction and is a fun way to meet other members of the parent body. This event is also designed to encourage donations of wine or wine-related items that will be sold at the Auction. In early December, the first of two online auctions will then take place will focus almost entirely on holiday-related items and experiences. Finally, the second online auction will take place about three weeks before the Auction itself and will offer hundreds of exciting items that will only be available for online bidding.
The success of the Auction ultimately depends on the time, talents and generosity of our parent volunteers and community contributors. Businesses in the Washington area, as well as businesses from many other states and abroad, can support the Financial Aid Program by donating items or services to be auctioned off or by placing an ad in the Auction catalog.
For more information on the Auction, how to participate as an Auction volunteer, or how to make a donation, please contact Cathy Albo in the development office at 202.342.2829 or alboc@stpatsdc.org.