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Welcome to Simply MSB: A Celebration of Light

Whether this is your first MSB auction or a beloved annual tradition, we want you to feel confident, comfortable, and excited to participate. Our annual auction is designed to be welcoming, joyful, and meaningful—a night to celebrate our community while supporting the programs that help our children thrive.

Below, you’ll find an overview of what to expect and how you can participate, whether you’re attending in person or joining from home.

Looking for tickets to this year's event? You can purchase them here.

What Is the MSB Auction?

Our annual auction is part celebration, part fundraiser. This year’s event is an elegant, adults-only evening that brings our community together to celebrate:

  • The light our children bring
  • The teachers who guide them
  • The community that supports their growth

The funds raised directly support the daily life of the school: ensuring that our educators and staff are supported in delivering an exceptional Montessori experience, maintaining and improving our campus, replenishing classroom materials, and covering administrative and operational costs that keep MSB running smoothly.

What to Expect on Auction Night

When you arrive, expect an atmosphere that feels festive rather than formal:

  • Music, games, and a photo booth
  • Time to mingle with fellow MSB families, alumni, and friends
  • Remarks from our Head of School
  • A live auction and paddle raise

You’re welcome to participate as much—or as little—as you like. Some guests bid enthusiastically, while others enjoy the evening as a night out with friends. All levels of participation are valued and appreciated.

What to Wear

The dress code is elegant evening, with the theme colors navy and gold. Dress in a way that feels celebratory and comfortable—you’ll see everything from cocktail attire to creative interpretations of the theme.

Are Children Allowed?

While MSB is centered on children every day, the annual auction is designed as a grown-ups-only evening. This allows our community’s adults to better enjoy the evening, connect with one another, and fully engage in the fundraising activities that directly support our students and teachers.

Do I Need to Buy A Ticket To Attend the Event?

Yes—tickets are required to attend the in-person auction. We offer individual, couples, and table tickets, so you can choose the option that best fits how you’d like to participate. Purchase your tickets today!

Ticket sales help cover the real costs of hosting the event—such as the venue, food, and entertainment—so that funds raised through the auction itself can go directly toward supporting MSB programs, students, and teachers.

Understanding the Auctions

Silent Auction (Online)

The silent auction takes place online before the event, making it easy for everyone to participate—even if you can’t attend in person.

  • Browse items and place bids online
  • Bid at your own pace over several days
  • Open to the entire MSB community

While we reserve some of our most exciting items for the in-person event, the silent auction offers wonderful experiences, gift cards, and community favorites.

Live Auction (In Person)

The live auction happens during the event and features a curated selection of items and experiences. The classroom art projects (designed and made by each class with parent volunteer support) are often the stars of the show!

  • Fast-paced and energetic
  • Led by a professional auctioneer
  • No pressure to bid—many guests simply enjoy watching

Paddle Raise

The paddle raise is a collective giving moment focused on supporting a specific need or initiative at MSB.  In 2026, our paddle raise goal is to build an observation deck and community garden to allow students to engage more richly with our beautiful campus.

  • Guests raise their paddle to indicate a donation amount
  • Participation is optional
  • Every gift, at every level, makes an impact

How Bidding Works

All bidding on silent auctions will take place through our online auction platform. During the live auction, you will receive a designated auction card that you'll raise to indicate your bid.

  • You can bid from a dedicated app or a web browser on any device
  • Easy-to-follow instructions are provided
  • Our team is happy to help if you’re new to the platform

All transactions, whether for the silent or live auction, will be processed through our online auction platform.  

Not Able to Attend? You Can Still Participate

We know not everyone can join us in person. You can still support MSB by:

  • Participating in the online silent auction
  • Donating an auction item
  • Contributing to the paddle raise
  • Helping us connect with sponsors or local businesses

Who Plans the Auction?

Every year, parents and staff join together to bring the auction to life.  The auction team works together to plan the party, secure donations, and coordinate logistics to ensure that our community enjoys the evening and our fundraising efforts are successful.  Many hands make light work, and we are so thankful for the dedication and commitment of our auction volunteers each year.

We’re Here to Help

Questions? Not sure how something works? Curious but hesitant?

We’d love to hear from you. Our goal is to make Simply MSB feel accessible, inclusive, and joyful for every member of our community.

📧 auction@msb.org

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the light that makes MSB such a special place.