Announcements

12th Annual Auction Evening
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Hyatt Regency Bellevue, WA
Regency Ballroom

Fundraising often is an important part of any non-profit organization’s endeavors. So, as our school prepares for the March 17th Auction, I encourage everyone to remember the many wonderful reasons we have chosen Waldorf Education and Three Cedars for our children.

With this choice comes a willing commitment and responsibility as parents to ensure the sustainability of Three Cedars Waldorf School through the intentional efforts of our fundraising activities. Although our Auction Evening is primarily oriented towards the school’s budget needs, we also value the importance of community-building and fun! Many parents describe this event as one of their most enjoyable “nights out” with other Three Cedars parents, friends, and relatives. A wonderful venue with donated space and donated wine, delicious food, and enjoyable entertainment and music are key elements.

Parents ask very important questions each year. Some of these questions include:

1. What does the $100 per person registration fee cover?
2. Wasn’t that hotel way too expensive?
3. Couldn’t we have the event at school?

Ideally, the ticket price and sponsorships would cover 100% of event expenses so that every dollar raised in the silent and live auctions would directly profit our school. The $100 ticket price is intended to cover the cost of the auctioneer, all of the A/V equipment and furnishings needed for the event, the wonderful catering and bartending, invitations and postage, and the printed materials that help bidders to connect with the items. We are able to pull off this event with remarkably low total expenses that have remained consistent, with slight increases for the last three years. In years before that, we found that the “less expensive venues” involved many hidden costs including equipment and furnishings purchased or rented separately such as tables and chairs, linens, flatware, tableware, glassware, separate bartending, and décor. Along with these additional fees and staffing expenses for delivery/pick-up, set-up/tear down included a much higher level of wear and tear on volunteers for set-up and clean-up.

At the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery and even more so at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, we have benefited from “comped” room rentals fees and the inclusion of many incidentals and furnishings with the costs for catering. This has meant more space to enjoy socializing, bidding, and costs “included” with the price of the food and drink: the main dining room/ballroom for the sit-down portion of the evening, the silent auctions areas, the entry/lobby/check-in/check-out area, parking, and extra storage rooms.

We’ve outgrown several smaller venues over the years, including the school (our first Auction was held at Three Cedars in 2001), Bellevue College, Pickering Barn, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Based upon attendee feedback over the years, we have also shifted expenses so that more of the funds go toward the top three priorities: auctioneer, catering, and music with decreasing expenses geared toward items like printing, décor, and rentals. Having services such as professional set-up for furnishings, linens, and tableware provided by the hotel staff allows our wonderful volunteers to focus on setting up the auction items and then attending the evening without having been completely exhausted by the set-up process. This is vital and very important to me and to our dedicated volunteers. Tear-down and clean-up are also very 'humane' compared to years past!

Procurement and Donations Guidelines
Procurement is the process by which auction volunteers seek and obtain donated items to sell at our auction. Sometimes parents, friends, and relatives are surprised to learn what does and does not sell well at our Auction.

While we appreciate all generous donations, we also thank you for your attention to the limitations of some kinds of items (in terms of bidding levels relative to fair market value). Because it is vital to the smooth operation and planning of this year’s Annual Auction, we are hopeful that YOU will remember to procure and donate! The Auction date is near and just around the corner, so ask yourself what it is that you can procure!

For school supporters who are interesting in donating items to the Auction, procurement forms can be printed from our website. All donations are tax deductible; the applicable tax id number is FEIN 91-1694599. Please see our website for procurement guidelines and recommendations and to print out a procurement form. Refer to the forms or contact me for ideas: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Volunteer Sign-Up
Please support our 2012 Annual Auction by signing up to be an Auction Volunteer. I am very pleased to announce that we are moving to an online Volunteer Sign-up option which will make it much easier for our Auction Team during the planning process. Please consider supporting our Auction endeavors by signing up for:
1. Volunteering on our Auction Team
2. Auction prep work
3. Auction set-up
4. Auction clean-up

Hyatt Room Block
We are pleased to have secured discounted room rates available for Auction attendees who wish to stay overnight after the festivities. “Marrakech Express” attendees and volunteers, please note that the Hyatt Regency Bellevue is offering a discounted guest room rate of $119 (up to two occupancy), on the evening of our Auction Event. If you would like to take advantage of this fabulous offer, please call the Hyatt now 425.462.1234 and reference “Three Cedars Waldorf School” or visit https://resweb.passkey.com/go/threecedarswaldorfauction.

Auction Invitation Mailer
I would like to announce that Three Cedars Waldorf School’s Auction Invitations are at the printer and you should expect them in next week’s mail! I have been working diligently with ‘designer extraordinaire’ and Three Cedars parent Javier Rodriguez on these beautiful invitations and I am ever so grateful for his dedication and beautiful work. Please be sure to open them promptly and RSVP by the due date! We are sure to have another exciting and memorable evening!

Lastly, please remember that I am available for any and all questions, so don’t ever hesitate to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Blessings and Thank you!

Tabatha Jeantette, Auction Coordinator