The "Off to the Races" Derby Auction, presented by O'Rourke Orthodontics, will take place on Saturday, March 2nd at 6pm in the SJNCS Gymnasium (a "grown-ups" only event).
HOW TO BID IN THE AUCTION: WHETHER YOU ATTEND OR BID FROM HOME
Bidding opens Wednesday, February 28th at 9AM sharp and will close Saturday, March 2nd at 9PM.
Bidding will take place online and will be open to all in-person guests and to anyone who registers with our online platform who cannot attend the event. All bids will be placed online, so be sure and charge your phone before the night of the event!
The Auction will have 6 sections that are open to our entire Mustang Community. These sections are:
- Wine Pull: For a $20 donation, you receive a bottle of wine. Bottles will be wrapped in green wrapping tied up with string. You get to pull your bottle and see what you get. Every bottle is valued at a minimum of $10!
- Class Art: Each homeroom in the Elementary school and each grade level in the Middle School has created a unique piece of artwork. All three pre-school classes have also created a work of art to auction off. These one-of-a-kind items are always a hit among bidders! Some classes even created a second piece to sell!
- Experiences: This section features unique experiences for the buyer to enjoy. These include Art Teacher for a Day, Librarian for a Day, PE Teacher for a Day, Run the Office for a Day, Fire Alarm Puller, special events with some of our awesome faculty/staff, Knoxville Catholic High School summer camps and more! This year, we are introducing three new luxurious travel experiences as well!
- Baskets & Packages: This section will include all our auction baskets and packages. We have a wide range of baskets for you to bid on that are sure to please everyone. We have baskets for children, for decorating, for the Vols fan, and more. We have liquor baskets, Dollywood tickets, golf experiences, a spring break staycation package, just to name a few. You have to check out this section to see it all!
- The Mustang Store: This year, the "Off to the Races" Derby Auction will feature door prizes again. All guests of the in-person auction will receive a ticket for the door prize. ALL items sold in the Mustang Store also come with an additional ticket for the door prize. You can purchase as many items in the store as you would like to increase your chances of winning the door prizes. You do not have to be present to win a door prize. Store items include gift certificates and gift cards sold at face value. The door prizes include: $500 off tuition, $250 credit in the cafeteria, and $100 credit in the cafeteria.
- Raise the Paddle: This year's Auction, Raise the Paddle, and Mustang Mania proceeds will fund upgrades in the cafeteria and gym, to benefit all school and parish organizations who use these spaces year ‘round. Our first priority are new tables for the cafeteria and a curtain divider for the gym. Additional proceeds will be used for other upgrades for these two spaces. We will also use a portion of the money raised for teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development.
The LIVE AUCTION will only be available to those who attend the Derby Auction. We are featuring 4 live auction items:
*Dinner with the Sisters: a catered dinner for up to 8 guests at the SJN Evangelizing Sisters of Mary’s home.
*Dinner and Private Mass with Fr. Joe: This catered event will take place at your home for a group of to 10 people. Celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary, or other special event with a private Mass at your home, and enjoy dinner with our one and only Fr. Joe.
*3- Night Rocco Top Cabin Getaway: Enjoy the privacy of this custom-built log cabin located in Hartford, TN, along the outskirts of the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest. The cabin boasts 4 bedrooms that sleep a total of 9 people; it also features 2 covered porches and a 2nd story deck where you can take in the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. There are no neighbors in sight and you will have the entire 18-acre property to explore and enjoy.
*Chauffeured Lake Outing: Nautical Boat Club of Knoxville will provide a 4-hour chauffeured lake outing on the boat of your choice. Options include a wake boat, luxury tritoon (including a double decker with a water slide), or a premium sport boat. All water toys are provided, so you can tube, ski, surf, or wakeboard. Your private driver will also be your water sports instructor, so your experience will be fun and safe.
All guests will receive a text with their unique bidding link prior to the event. You will use this link for all bidding. We will email and post on facebook the public bidding link for anyone who is unable to attend but would like to get in on the bidding action. Please share the public bidding link with family and friends who want to participate!
Again, bidding opens Wednesday, February 28th at 9AM sharp and will close Saturday, March 2nd at 9PM.
EVENT DETAILS
What does the ticket price include? A fantastic catered dinner, 1 drink ticket per person (beer, wine, or our special signature drink)*, a DJ and dancing, 360 degree video booth, access to bid on the in-person-only live auction items, a ticket for a chance to win door prizes, a great way to make new SJN friends, and most importantly, the warm feeling of knowing you’re making an impact on the lives of our students and the SJN school and parish as a whole. *Plus an option to buy a bottomless souvenir beer or wine cup at the event (while supplies last).
What should I wear? Luck be the lady in your date night best. Grab your hat, fascinator, pearls, and blazers or bow ties and let the racing (bidding) begin!
What is the program schedule? 6pm: Bar opens, 7-8pm: Dinner, 7:45pm: Live auction and Raise the Paddle, 9pm: Silent auction closes, 10pm: Head home and get excited for next year’s event!
How will this year’s proceeds be used? This year's proceeds will be designated to gym and cafeteria upgrades, which will be immensely beneficial for school and parish events of all kinds. Additionally, funds will be used for teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development funds, which will enable us to continue providing the best possible education for our students.
Thank you for your generous support! Questions: pwade@sjnknox.org
