Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Falmouth Academy hold an annual auction?
This year’s theme is all about enabling Falmouth Academy students to imagine the possibilities. The auction is the school’s largest fundraiser of the year. In 2022, donations and purchases brought in more than $100,000 to benefit the Fund for Falmouth Academy, which supports everything we do here, including the awarding of tuition assistance to more than half of our families. The auction is also the school’s largest annual social gathering for our parents, friends of the school, trustees, faculty, and alumni.
Where is the auction held?
The silent auction will open online two weeks prior to our in-person live event. It is held on Falmouth Academy's dedicated auction site. At 6PM on April 29th, we will feature our "live" event in Falmouth Academy's Simon Center for the Arts.
How many and what types of auction items are available?
Our online silent auction includes around 150 items: services, baskets, and experiences for bidding. You will also find gift certificates for amazing local restaurants, artwork, exclusive getaways, and more! There is an online opportunity called “Mission Critical Supplies” too, where you can select and underwrite certain expenses in our current budget. During our “live” auction, we offer approximately 20 unique items. In the past, we’ve had such things as private chef’s dinners, personal cruises, Martha’s Vineyard getaways, and coveted faculty experiences.
What is online bidding, and how do I do that?
Online bidding allows you to bid on auction items, track your progress, and see if you have been outbid -- all on your smartphone. How to bid using your smartphone.
Can I invite friends or neighbors who may not be affiliated with FA?
Yes, please. We encourage you to invite guests. This event is a wonderful introduction to the Falmouth Academy community.
How do I pay for auction items?
When you register, you will be asked for a credit card, but it will not be charged unless you are the highest bidder on an item. You will be notified and given the process for claiming your item(s).
What is served at the live event?
Matt Lombardo of Chef Roland's Catering will offer an imaginative menu, including passed hors d'oeuvres and a buffet dinner that includes vegetarian options. A welcome drink (with a non-alcoholic version) and bar are provided. All libations and food items are included in your ticket price.
What happens during the in-person event?
Arrive at 6 PM, grab a welcome drink and enjoy the sounds of our student musicians and the beautiful artistic work of our students. Hors d'oeuvres will be passed and dinner will be served about 7, followed by the live auction. We'll get everyone excited before the bidding begins as we play a game of Heads & Tails; the last person standing wins a prize.
The highlight of the evening is "Fund A Need." This is a separate bidding event for a specific item that will benefit the school community. Audience members are invited to bid at various levels to raise the funds needed to support the project. Last year 65 bidders raised a total of $39,349 to purchase a new tractor to continue our sustainability efforts. Fund-a-Need bidders in past years have subsidized technology needs in the library, gym and computer room, and helped fund the purchase of a new bus, a new gym floor, and landscaping improvements, among other things. This year's Fund-A-Need will support our Tuition Assistance and Community Scholars programs.
What is the dress code?
We use the term "Cape Cod Casual," so anything goes. People typically dress up, and some take the theme to heart and dress accordingly. Feel free to wear imaginative fashions!
How can I help?
Donate an item. Be a sponsor. Pass the word that we are looking for donations. Ask family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers for items, experiences or unique services that they provide – or if they might be a sponsor or purchase an ad in the program. Remind small businesses that by contributing an item to the event they might be gaining a lifelong customer! Have an idea or a business the committee should reach out to? Contact our Co-Chair, Kyra Mercer P ’23 (kmercer14@gmail.com) with your idea and contact information. Lastly, please attend the event – and bring your friends.
Typical Donations - If you enjoy it and would bid on it, it will probably sell!
- Lessons like tutoring, golf, flying, tennis, painting, basket weaving, fabrics, pottery, sailing, training, lacrosse.
- Gift Cards for hotel or bed & breakfast, stores, restaurants, personal care, malls, services, iTunes.
- Handmade Items like paintings, pottery, quilts, weaving, jewelry, custom-made furniture or woodworking items, hand-painted furniture.
- Experiences like Cookie of the Month, day trip on a boat, carpentry or building services, architectural design, landscape, interior design, painting, chimney cleaning, car detailing, house cleaning, babysitting, boat hauling, golf foursomes.
- Activities like vacation homes or time shares with (or without) golf privileges, ski passes, photography or portrait painting, beach portraits, web hosting or design consultation, kayaking, bike rides.
- Tickets to local sports events, theater, concerts, ski lifts, Steamship Authority passes.
- Unique Items such as books (new, antique, autographed, series), autographed sports memorabilia, antiques, flowers or floral arrangements, a character in your next book, lottery tickets, parking in Woods Hole, cookbooks & cooking supplies.
- Small Themed Baskets for pet care, Italian dinners, dorm living, sports, indoor games, dental care, clam bakes, entertainment, gardening.
Questions?
David Gallagher, dgallagher@falmouthacademy.org
