Once again, the Lakeland Elementary School PTA silent auction event was a huge financial success. The PTA announced the auction raised $82,855.49 at the event which was held on February 26th. That surpasses last year’s amount, which was the previous record, by over $30 thousand dollars according to PTA VP of Ways and Means, Kembree Darakshani. The event theme for this year was “Safari Soiree” and the décor, which was done by LES Mom Krista York, included a variety of safari and expedition-type gear.
Ms. Darakshani told Lakeland Currents her main goal was to get as many items donated for the event as possible so the organization could keep their expenses low. Sponsorships for the event also played a large role in the success this year. “We had another record breaking year (for sponsorships) which were cash only sponsorships. That included 15 Platinum Lion Sponsors, 6 Gold Cub, and 17 Silver Paw sponsorships,” she said.
Like in years past, the auction, which was held at Hillwood at Davies Manor in Bartlett, was very well attended. 370 in person tickets were sold and 31 tickets were sold online. LES teachers were treated to free tickets when the 6 platinum sponsors gave away all of their tickets to the teachers.
According to Ms. Darakshani, some of the top auction items included Principal for the Day, which includes the front parking spot at the school, which went for $3300. Another popular item was the “Skip the Car Rider Line back parking spot” item which went for $3100. A 16 person Memphis Grizzlies Suite, which was donated by Ford, also went for $3100.
One of the most popular and entertaining events of the evening includes the live auction items which bring staggering amounts of money for the elementary school. “We had an amazing live auction with cakes that Ann Bun and Lindsay Wolfe collected. The top cake by Cake Art 901 went for $1850!” Ms. Darakshani said.
Other items available for auction included over 95 bottles of wine, many restaurant gift cards, Memphis Tigers club seats, staycation baskets, and much more.
Saying they are always looking for ways to improve, Ms. Darakshani said room parent coordinators play a large role in making the auction a success. She said the work performed by LES Moms Christy Estes and Chasati Woelfel helped make for an easier and faster check out at the event.
The next auction will be held sometime in late February or early March of 2023 according to organizers.
