WESTFIELD-Franklin Avenue Elementary School PTO members are hopeful that a new fundraiser – a Quarter Auction – will be successful next month and become an annual event.
The auction is slated Dec. 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the school on Franklin Avenue and vendors are still needed.
“One of our goals for fundraisers is to raise money to help cover some costs so that fourth grade classes can take bigger field trips,” said Lisa Wengert, PTO president. “The quarter auction will be our largest fundraiser during the school year.”
Wengert said that fourth grade trips typically stay in the local area.
“We are looking forward to teacher feedback on suggested trips,” said Wengert, noting the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford or the Museum of Science in Boston might be future options.
Currently, vendors signed up for the auction are selling bird houses, paparazzi jewelry, cup koosies, window art and crafts, specialty crochet items and massage oils and essential oils.
“We want to be sure we do not have a duplication of products by vendors,” said Wengert, adding she would like to have 20 vendors for the evening affair.
The cost for vendor space is $20 and participants must donate one item for the auction as well as bring their own table.
For attendees, the entry fee is $10 which includes two paddles for bidding. For auction items valued at $25, attendees can bid 25 cents for each paddle. For a $50 item, each bid with a paddle costs 50 cents. If a prize has a value of $100 or more, the cost per paddle bid is $1.
“We can seat 120 people so if there are extra paddles available before the auction starts we will offer them if anyone is interested,” said Wengert.
The auctioneer for the evening will be school principal Chris Tolpa.
Persons attending the auction must be at least 18 years of age.
“Meeting our vendors and shopping is from 5 – 6 p.m., with the auction starting promptly at 6,” said Wengert. “We will also have a raffle table with donations from local businesses and we are still welcoming gifts.”
Refreshments for purchase will range from cookies and fruit to chips, cheese and crackers, and beverages.
The deadline for vendors to register with Wengert is Nov. 22. She can be reached at (413) 977-8373 for more details.
“The quarter auction is a great way to spend a night out with friends, do some holiday shopping, and relax,” said Wengert, adding, “We hope everyone will win something.”
