THE "OFF TO THE RACES" DERBY AUCTION HAS SOLD OUT OF TICKETS.
The "Off to the Races" Derby Auction, presented by O'Rourke Orthodontics, will take place on
Saturday, February 28 at 6pm in the SJNCS Gymnasium (a "grown-ups" only event).
EVENT DETAILS
What does the ticket price include? A fantastic Cajun dinner catered by Sticky Rice Cafe and The Lovely Laotian, 1 drink ticket per person (beer, wine, or a special signature drink)*, a DJ and dancing, selfie station, access to bid on the in-person-only live auction items, 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? Cocktail attire. Mardi Gras themed attire is encouraged: festive colors, bold accessories, a touch of sparkle, and a splash of carnival flair are all welcome. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
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 Claude and Lydia Melli building (scheduled to open in fall of 2026). This new building will provide state-of-the-art spaces and resources for students and parish ministries.
The projects include:
- Enlarging the cul-de-sac outside the new building to accommodate pick-up and drop-off as well as additional recess space.
- Adding a 1,400 square-foot covered patio with moveable furniture to be used and enjoyed by students, teachers, and parish ministries.
HOW TO BID IN THE AUCTION: WHETHER YOU ATTEND THE EVENT OR BID FROM HOME
Bidding opens Wednesday, February 25th at Noon sharp and will close Saturday, February 28th 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:
- 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. 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!
- 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!
- The Mustang Store: The Mustang Store features a wide variety of "buy-it-now" gift cards!
- 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. Live auction experiences are some of the best and most unique offerings available, such as a private Mass and dinner with the SJN priests, dinner with the SJN Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, exciting trips, and more. Stay tuned for information on what will be offered this year!
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 25th at Noon sharp and will close Saturday, at 8:30PM.
Thank you for your generous support! Questions: pwade@sjnknox.org
