The Adams Elementary School Parent Teacher Association is inviting the community to a free FUNdraiser on Sat. April 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave. N.W.

Bring the kids, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors—the Adams Silent Auction FUNdraiser is the family-friendly event of Adams’ two annual auction events (a Live Auction is held Saturday, May 2). Spend the day bidding on a wide variety of goods and services generously donated by local merchants and families, and keep the kids occupied with temporary tattoos, plate decorating or earring making.

This year’s goal is to raise $80,000 for the parent teacher assciation budget for Adams Elementary School in Ballard, the only arts-integrated school in the Seattle school district. These funds support vital school programs including tutoring; technology; after-school activities; music, drama and dance programs; classroom supplies; and school improvements.

Funds raised at last year’s auction to match a Department of Neighborhood Large Project grant enabled the school to renovate the school playground this year. Construction broke ground on April 6 and a new play structure will be in place by May 1.

Raise-the-paddle funds received at this year’s live auction will support additional arts education training for the teachers.

“I am so proud to be at a school that is consistently involving the community in our activities, such as our Adams Reads the Same Book event, our carnival and, of course our community silent auction,” said Mary Jereczek, Adams parent teacher association president. “In the shadow of education cuts, I appreciate that we can approach fundraising in a way that is fun and beneficial for everyone.”

Highlights of Adams’ Live Auction, held May 2 at 5 p.m. at the Leif Erikson Hall in Ballard, include:

• Dinner for 10 in the private drawing room at Volterra restaurant in Ballard.

• A custom-painted child’s portrait by Adams parent and nationally known painter, Anne Siems (represented at Grover Thurston Gallery).

• Dinner party for eight with wine pairings by Palace Kitchen chef (and Adams parent) Sean Hartley.

• A 5-night Seabrook beach house escape for seven on the Washington coast in community of Seabrook.

• Dinner with Seattle magazine’s dining editor Allison Scheff, behind the scenes at a restaurant review.

The FUNdraiser is a free event and people that attend aren't required to bid on anything.
There will be things ranging from $5 and up, making it affordable to participate in even a small way.

How do I register for a bidder number?

Walk-ins are welcome but we encourage you to pre-register. Registration is now open online at http://adams.maestroweb.com, click “Register Now."

What happens when I get there?

When you arrive at the community center, you will check in and get a bid number. Bidding is made easy...just use your bid number for the auction items displayed on the tables or to participate in any of the activities. Here are the events and activities planned for the day:

• Four Silent Auction sections, closing at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. You may bid on all items until that section closes. You may leave at anytime with the items you’ve won or stay for the whole event.

• Join the wine walk for $5, $10, $15, or the $20 rounds for the chance to win a bottle of wine valued from $8 to $50.

• Participate in the children’s activity center and your child can decorate their own plate or tray, or make a pair of earrings from $5 - $15.

• Get a temporary tattoo or your face painted for $5

• Make personalized photo magnets from Jay Dotson for $10

• Buy a $5 raffle ticket with four chances to win gift cards valued at $25, $50, $75, and $100. Drawings will take place after each silent auction closing.

Will there be food?

Dante’s Hot Dogs will be at the community center with hot dogs and sausages available for purchase.

How do I pay for my purchases?

You can pay by cash, check or credit card. When you arrive, you will be offered Quick Check (to avoid standing in banking lines at the end of the day.) Credit cards will be processed shortly after each event and a statement will be mailed. We encourage every attendee to sign up for Quick Check. You are automatically a Quick Check guest when you register to attend either event online.