2025 Auction & Giving Drive FAQs

For new families, the flurry of activity around the Mann Community Benefit & Giving Drive can raise a lot of questions. Hopefully these Q&As will get you excited to attend and participate! If you need more information, just ask...we are happy to help!

Q: What is the Mann Auction? 

A: The Mann Community Auction is the main PTA fundraiser and raises money for personnel and programs at Mann. Most classrooms have two teachers, in part, because the PTA raises money for those second teachers. The Mann Benefit is really fun—and you should participate! It’s a chance to meet new people in the Mann Community, donate for a good cause, and come home with some amazing items! This year’s Auction theme is “Mann at the Movies - A Night with the Stars” and will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025.

Q: Will the Benefit and Giving Drive be person? What is the Online Auction?

A: The in-person Benefit is April 5, 2025. The Online Auction is a chance for you to bid on items in advance of the in-person event and it will open March 29.  This is a great opportunity to bid on parties and family-created items, summer camps, restaurant gift cards, services by local businesses, homemade items, even vacation getaways!  There are items for bidding at every price point. 

Q: How can I help?

A: The Benefit can only be a success with YOUR help! We need every family to participate. We are asking for each family to aim for donating one (1) item for auction. You can solicit donations from area businesses and restaurants, camps, gyms, etc. Ask your hairdresser to donate services, ask a favorite store to donate an item, or consider donating your talents! Have extra bottles of wine? Donate them to the Wall of Wine!  

Q: Do I need to donate expensive things to participate in the benefit?

A: Absolutely not! Mann Families are encouraged to use their creativity for donations. Some families choose to donate "sign up parties" such as a “movie night” where they host a few kids at their home, or a park play date or nature walk. Also do not be afraid to ask local businesses to help.

Q: How do I keep track of what is going on?

A: Read the emails with Benefit in the subject line. The Centaur Weekly Newsletter will also have information about the upcoming Benefit!

Q: In summary, what are my next steps?

A: Here are the ways you can contribute to the Benefit’s success!

Be sure to read the auction emails

Solicit donations for the Live and Online Auctions

Contribute items to the Class Auction Baskets (you'll receive more information from the room parents)

Consider donating a bottle of wine for the Wall of Wine (details forthcoming)

Log on and bid on items available on the Online Auction (opens April 1)

Get a ticket and attend the Auction on April 5

It is critical that we reach our goals to ensure we continue to provide the amazing education that our children get each day at Horace Mann!