Auction

2023 Salmon Bay Auction: DISCO MADE ME DO IT

Our first-ever hybrid auction!
Online experience: April 19-28
In-person experience: April 28

This year, we’re keeping some of the most popular parts of our past in-person auctions, as well as some of the best features of our 2021 and 2022 virtual auctions. Plus, we’re making a few updates to create a fun, new auction experience that will still feel familiar.

  • Keeping: mobile bidding from anywhere at any time; auction sign-up party experiences at all different price points and group sizes; a split-the-pot raffle; a wacky, in-person event for our adult community
  • Removing: pre-COVID potluck, sit-down tables
  • Adding: appetizers instead of dinner, a new event venue, and YOU!!!!

More details at fosbauction.org. Follow the auction on social media: @SalmonBaySchoolAuction on Facebook and Instagram.

Questions? Contact our Auction Chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FOSB auction?
The FOSB auction, held each spring, is one of FOSB’s largest fundraisers of the year. It’s not like other fancy charity auctions you may have been to . . . Salmon Bay knows how to put the “fun” in “fundraiser”! Our adults-only auction is a fantastic way to connect with other Salmon Bay parents, strengthen our sense of community, support our school, and enjoy a great night out! Your support of our auction will help us go beyond the funding that is provided by the school district.

What do I bring to the auction?
You don’t need to bring a thing!

What do I wear to the auction?
Our auction is always come as you are, or you can dress to fit the theme. Costumes and creativity are highly encouraged!

What is a Fund-a-Need?
At each Salmon Bay annual auction, our community raises their paddles to fund a special initiative within the school. These fund-a-needs have provided much-needed funds for scholarships, classroom supplies, counseling services, teacher mini-grants, and more.

What does the income from the auction support?
All income from the auction supports the FOSB budget for the next school year. Did you know FOSB funds:

  • community building activities for students and families
  • committee work that fosters diversity, inclusion and education within our school community
  • a generous annual grant to Salmon Bay school that helps to close the gap in funding between what the district provides and what it costs to staff the school, purchase supplies and enhance curriculum  
  • scholarships to ensure that every student has access to our school’s unique programs such as WEP (Winter Enrichment Program), camps for every grade level, and co-curricular field trips that extend classroom learning
  • yearbooks for all students
  • complimentary staff tickets for our annual auction
  • and so much more!

Does the auction have sponsors? 
Yes, we accept sponsorships that support the mission of Salmon Bay K-8. Auction sponsorships may be offered by a business or individual. For businesses, sponsorship levels start at $750. Contact our Auction Chair for information. 

Who plans the auction? Can I help?
The Auction Committee works nearly year-round to create the auction experience. We develop the theme, find the venue, hire professional vendors, brainstorm strategic fundraising opportunities, test and tweak our bidding technology, create decor, and look for ways to embrace the wacky fun spirit of a Salmon Bay Auction to make it a unique experience for our community. Each year, the team is comprised of many lead roles including, but not limited to, procurement, decor, sign-up parties, bar planning, food support, signage, data entry, copy editing, photography, hosting item pick-up events, graphic design, procured item pick-up, and fundraising game development. And, in every year, we need more volunteers! In short, we are a vibrant team that has a great time meeting as needed and we welcome all interested Salmon Bay adults to consider being a part of the team. If we don’t have an established role for you, we’ll find a new one that fits your interest and the time you have to give (no matter how small or large). Please contact Auction Chair Shelby Reynolds with questions or to express interest in joining the Auction Committee. 


Note: The information below applied to our pre-COVID auctions.

What happens at the Salmon Bay auction?
Our auction has a different theme each year and typically features a silent and live auction, potluck dinner, games, an opportunity to sign up for our traditional auction parties and experiences, bars featuring two signature cocktails, a ‘Split the Pot’ raffle, dessert dash, mingling and fun for all! (In 2021 and 2022, our auctions were held virtually.)

What do I bring to the auction?
The Salmon Bay auction is a potluck! Please bring your contribution to the meal when you arrive. We welcome family recipes, favorite entrees, take-out or items picked up from the drive-thru! (But no desserts, please…our Dessert Dash is separate from the potluck.)

What do I wear to the auction?
Our auction is always come as you are, or you can dress to fit the theme. Costumes and creativity are highly encouraged!

What can I expect at the auction?
6:30 p.m.: Cocktail hour, silent auction
8:00 p.m.: Potluck dinner, live auction

Doors typically open at 6:30 p.m. and, after dropping off your potluck item, you’ll join cocktail hour. There will be games to play and mingling to do. Raffle tickets will be sold for $20 each, with one winner taking half of the earnings. The bar will open, featuring two signature cocktails, as you have the opportunity to bid on some exciting silent auction items while saying hi to friends.

Next, we’ll enjoy a potluck dinner. Seating is open with plenty of opportunity to meet someone new or connect with old friends. You’ll also have time to participate in our wine game (everyone’s a winner!), bid on gift cards in Restaurant Row, and sign up for parties and experiences with Salmon Bay staff and families. As always, our live auction will open with our community favorite, Salmon Bay organic eggs, and continue with elementary classroom projects, vacation getaways, and other exciting items. Let’s see how fast your table can run as we finish off the evening with our Dessert Dash!