The "Off to the Races" Derby Auction, presented by O'Rourke Orthodontics, will take place on

Saturday, March 1st at 6pm in the SJNCS Gymnasium (a "grown-ups" only event).

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 entire SJN school and parish community. *Plus an option to buy a bottomless souvenir beer cup or wine glass at the event (while supplies last).

What should I wear? Dress up 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, 8:30pm: Silent auction closes, Raise the Paddle 10pm: Head home and get excited for next year’s event!

How will my contributions make an impact? Proceeds from this year’s fundraising events (the “Off to the Races” Derby Auction and Mustang Mania) will help fund two projects related to the Lydia and Claude Melli middle school expansion (scheduled to open in fall of 2026). This new building will provide state-of-the-art spaces and resources for students and parish ministries. 

HOW TO BID IN THE AUCTION: WHETHER YOU ATTEND THE EVENT OR BID FROM HOME

Bidding opens Wednesday, February 26th at Noon sharp and will close Saturday, March 1st at 8:30PM.

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:

1. 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!
2. 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!
3. Experiences: This section features unique experiences for the buyer to enjoy. Here are just a few examples: Art Teacher 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!
4. 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. Examples of baskets we've had over the years include baskets for children, for decorating, for the Vols fan, liquor baskets, and fun experiences, just to name a few. You have to check out this section to see it all!
5. 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.
6. Raise the Paddle: Guests who attend the live auction will have an opportunity to raise their designated paddle to donate to our cause. When the online auction begins, anyone can make a Raise the Paddle donation online. The online auction will begin a few days before the live event, so stay tuned!

The LIVE AUCTION will only be available to those who attend the Derby Auction. We are currently featuring 3 live auction items (1 or 2 others will be added soon):

*Dinner with the Sisters: Enjoy a catered dinner with our wonderful SJN Evangelizing Sisters of Mary at their convent (a group of up to 8 guests).

*Dinner and Private Mass with Fr. Bo: This catered event will take place at your home for a group of up to 10 people. Celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary, or other special event with a private Mass at your home, and enjoy dinner with Fr. Bo.

*Total Wine and More Class plus Uber Gift Card: Treat your friends, family, and fellow wine lovers to a private wine class for up to 20 people in the classroom of the store.

*UT Vols vs. Kentucky Baseball: 4-seat tabletop along the right field line. Date: Friday, April 18, 2025. Time: 6:30pm (time subject to change).

*A Puppy: The most adorable 10-week old girl! Bernese Mountain Dog. Please plan ahead if you're interested in welcoming this puppy to your home... much better for the puppy than a spur-of-the-moment decision.

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 26th at Noon sharp and will close Saturday, March 1st at 8:30PM.

Thank you for your generous support! Questions: pwade@sjnknox.org