By Sara Seifert
Palencia Elementary School’s PTO is betting on a full house when it hosts a Casino Royale-themed live auction gala on Saturday, April 11, at The Palencia Club. After a two-year hiatus, the PTO is returning to an in-person event to bring the school community together for an evening designed to support ongoing efforts to enhance the school experience for students and faculty.
Live auction items include stays at luxurious vacation homes, a VIP parking space at the school, luxury handbags, jewelry and signed memorabilia. The night will also feature the popular “Heads or Tails” game, where guests can compete for bragging rights. Game necklaces are available for presale at $15 each or two for $25 and may also be purchased the night of the event.
The Casino Royale theme will transport guests to a Monte Carlo atmosphere featuring blackjack and roulette tables. Winnings from these games can be cashed out for tickets to win curated gift baskets or used for additional Heads or Tails necklaces.
The April 11 live auction gala will complement an online auction that will be active on a digital platform from April 10 to April 12. The online format, introduced over the past two years, has allowed more families to participate and bid from any location. Both the in-person and online auctions will feature exclusive items, and families are encouraged to take part in both to maximize their opportunities to win packages donated by local businesses and friends of the school.
This year’s auction festivities are being co-chaired by PTO members Brooke Paarlberg and Allison Tucker. Paarlberg, a veteran of PTO event organization, said the hybrid model is a key feature of this year’s efforts.
“We are excited for a hybrid of online and in-person auction events,” Paarlberg said. “It will be a great way to include our whole community and bring back a fun gala to come together and celebrate our incredible school community.”
Dinner tickets are $60 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, families or businesses wishing to provide additional support for the school. Companies can promote their brand logo on guest auction paddles for a $600 sponsorship. Two game table sponsorships are also available for $600 each and include branding on the blackjack and roulette tables. Additionally, businesses may donate Heads or Tails prizes for the winners.
The auction aims to raise money for the school while driving traffic to local businesses through donations and sponsorships.
For tickets and more information, visit www.palenciapiratespto.com/auction-weekend.
