uploaded to Flickr by Sam Howzit
Did you get a tan last weekend? Or perhaps a bit of a burn on these 80+ degree days? For you gals, there’s another opportunity to get dressed up and bare some sun-kissed skin. Guys, this time of year you can’t go wrong with light colored shirt and a linen or seersucker suit, tan or not.
The Montessori Program at Watkins Elementary hosts their second annual auction this Saturday, April 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the North Hall of Eastern Market. There will be tasty hors d’oeuvres, live music by Side Dish, a silent auction with tempting goods and services, and a live auction featuring authentic auction-speak from one of the area’s most in-demand auctioneers. And, there’s the requisite open wine/beer bar, to lubricate those bidding paddles.
I’m amazed that the businesses on the Hill don’t suffer auction-fatigue and have the enthusiasm to pony up for the plethora of springtime events, but they’re clearly commited to the schools in the neighborhood. This auction features gardening services, martial arts and yoga classes, lots of gift certificates for restaurants, bars and theatres as well as number “Night Out on H Street” packages. There are also homeade pies, scones and pork buns (that’s a first) as well as tickets to Disney World, babysitting, canning lessons, sports tickets and hotel stays. Buy a raffle ticket and you could win a weeklong stay at a three-bedroom condo on Smith Mountain Lake.
The auction raised $20,000 last year; the organizers are shooting for $30,000 this year to fund Montessori classroom materials well as an affordable, quality aftercare program, currently not supported within the DCPS budget. If you’re feeling especially enthused about the 21-year old montessori program, you can bid on “day in the life” of your Montessori student photo package, a Montessori makeover for your home or “principal for the day” privileges for your child with the school’s principal.
To make this night out complete, the organizers offer babysitting for a fee at the Family Room. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at http://watkinsmontessorischool.org/auction-action/.