It's never too soon to start to procure items for the 2023 Auction. Here is some guidance from previous years to get you started.
What Kinds of Items Should I Get?
Start by ask for donations from places you visit.
• Restaurant
• Theaters
• Hotel stays
• Museums
• Amusement parks
• Kid's classes
• Local clothing Stores
• Summer or Specialty Camps; sports, theatre science…
• Sports venues (box seats to your favorite team!)
• Concerts
• Spas
• Fitness/gyms
• Vacation Homes, or Airline Vouchers
• Restaurant
• Theaters
• Hotel stays
• Museums
• Amusement parks
• Kid's classes
• Local clothing Stores
• Summer or Specialty Camps; sports, theatre science…
• Sports venues (box seats to your favorite team!)
• Concerts
• Spas
• Fitness/gyms
• Vacation Homes, or Airline Vouchers
Make the items unique!
Some of our best selling items are unique experiences.
Do you have a friend in a Broadway show that would be willing to give a backstage tour? We can help you assemble a complete package - Dinner, show tickets, backstage tour, and swag bag of merchandise. But we need your connection to get the tour.
Perhaps you're besties with Stephan Schwartz? Maybe he could hand-draw the notes of a passage from of "Defying Gravity" and sign it. Boom! Original artwork!
Are you connected to someone at a restaurant? Ask the chef to give a personalized tasting menu experience instead of just a gift certificate.
Reach out to the auction team, we will help you make your items amazing experiences that are priceless!
Do you have a friend in a Broadway show that would be willing to give a backstage tour? We can help you assemble a complete package - Dinner, show tickets, backstage tour, and swag bag of merchandise. But we need your connection to get the tour.
Perhaps you're besties with Stephan Schwartz? Maybe he could hand-draw the notes of a passage from of "Defying Gravity" and sign it. Boom! Original artwork!
Are you connected to someone at a restaurant? Ask the chef to give a personalized tasting menu experience instead of just a gift certificate.
Reach out to the auction team, we will help you make your items amazing experiences that are priceless!
But, I don't know what to say? Help!
Here's one example of an email you can send. It's always better if you can make a personal connection to someone.
Hi, my name is _______ and I'm a parent at Midtown West School here in New York City. Like many public schools, our needs as a community exceed the budget provided by the Department of Education. Our PTA fundraises over $200,000 to provide resources that benefit every student and teacher. If you're curious what the PTA pays for, I've put a list of things below.
One of our biggest fundraisers is our Auction, and that is why I'm reaching out to you today. I would love to have your business donate the following to our Auction ____________________________
We will be including your item in our online auction which is viewed by hundreds of thousands of active bidders every day and we will be sure that our school community is made aware of your generosity.
When is a good time to call / pick up the item? If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email.....
Hi, my name is _______ and I'm a parent at Midtown West School here in New York City. Like many public schools, our needs as a community exceed the budget provided by the Department of Education. Our PTA fundraises over $200,000 to provide resources that benefit every student and teacher. If you're curious what the PTA pays for, I've put a list of things below.
One of our biggest fundraisers is our Auction, and that is why I'm reaching out to you today. I would love to have your business donate the following to our Auction ____________________________
We will be including your item in our online auction which is viewed by hundreds of thousands of active bidders every day and we will be sure that our school community is made aware of your generosity.
When is a good time to call / pick up the item? If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email.....
Why Should You Get Donated Items? We're glad you asked...
7 REASONS TO DONATE
- Donations are tax deductible.
- You love your neighborhood & community.
- You love children, believe in a great education and want to make a difference.
- Your business donation will be seen by thousands of people.
- We are your customers.
- Your business believes in giving back or paying forward.
- You can’t help it, you are simply awesome!
You can help our students reach their full potential as active learners in an environment where diversity is celebrated
and collaboration between families, community and school is encouraged. To sustain these kinds of educational and enrichment programs costs $750 per child beyond funds allocated by the government. NYC schools are facing significant budget cuts of up to $100,000 a year per school. Midtown West is on this list. With money tight, enrichment programs are the first to go.
and collaboration between families, community and school is encouraged. To sustain these kinds of educational and enrichment programs costs $750 per child beyond funds allocated by the government. NYC schools are facing significant budget cuts of up to $100,000 a year per school. Midtown West is on this list. With money tight, enrichment programs are the first to go.
HERE’S WHERE YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
SMART BOARDS
BOOKS FOR CLASSROOMS
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
SUPPLIES FOR SPECIAL STUDIES & STAFF
ONGOING BANK STREET PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS
MENTOR PROGRAMS
OVERNIGHT TRIPS & FIELD TRIPS CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
CULTURAL PARTNERSHIPS SUCH AS LINCOLN CENTER & STUDIO IN THE SCHOOL
NUTRITIOUS ADDITIONS TO OUR CAFETERIA MENU
RECESS ATTENDENTS
SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS
SCHOOL GARDEN
CLASSROOM FURNITURE
AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
SMART BOARDS
BOOKS FOR CLASSROOMS
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
SUPPLIES FOR SPECIAL STUDIES & STAFF
ONGOING BANK STREET PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS
MENTOR PROGRAMS
OVERNIGHT TRIPS & FIELD TRIPS CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
CULTURAL PARTNERSHIPS SUCH AS LINCOLN CENTER & STUDIO IN THE SCHOOL
NUTRITIOUS ADDITIONS TO OUR CAFETERIA MENU
RECESS ATTENDENTS
SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS
SCHOOL GARDEN
CLASSROOM FURNITURE
AIR CONDITIONING UNITS