The results are in, and they are GREAT! In a year of uncertainty and changes, the Lakeland Elementary School PTA persevered and changed course with their annual auction plans. The first ever virtual auction was held April 8 – 10th and raised a record breaking $52,411.71, surpassing the 2020 in-person event by $235.
Kembree Darakshani, VP of Ways and Means who chaired the event for the PTA, said 426 bidders registered and 355 meals were ordered for Saturday pickup. The meals were catered by local caterer CFY. Many sponsors donated their meals to teachers, and there was a raffle as well that benefitted teachers. Mrs. Darakshani stated, “Donating meals and taking care of as many teachers was a big goal for me and well as keeping as many sponsors as we have in the past.”
Some of the top auction items this year included:
- 30a Condo donated by Lisa Cannon
- LES parking spots (front and back)
- Mrs. Douglas’s Class basket date night which included dinner for 4 at Bishop and wine pairing and a night stay in Central Station downtown
- Mrs. Townsend’s basket of gift cards
- Tony Brown and Justin Hunter- former UT/ NFL players football training for 6
- In home wine tasting with Wine with Wee
- Nutrition Spot teas/shakes for a year
The Kroger Wine Library was a big hit, with wines up to $150 a bottle in value, as well as lots of great and rare wines and the $20 wine pull.
Rachel Goss, Room Parent Coordinator for the PTA, along with a whole team of volunteers was instrumental in helping to pull off this event. How the funds raised will be used will be determined in the group’s summer meeting. Monies raised at last year’s auction were used for playground shade coverings, new curtains in the cafeteria, and an interactive gym floor.
