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Frequently Asked Questions – 2022 Auction


What is the Auction?

A dress-up evening of socializing, dining, and fun with both silent and live auctions, games, raffles and dancing…all of which reveal the many talents and interests in our community. The Auction has been a tradition since 2000.

Why do we have an Auction?

1. Fundraising. Money raised from the Auction (spring) and Annual Appeal (fall) support the operational expenses and CHA’s school tuition assistance program. Fundraising covers the gap between tuition and the full cost of education and formation allowing more who want a CHA education to be able to attend.

2. Fun. To enjoy all facets of our community (parents, teachers, staff, alumni and religious)--from the Early Montessori program up through grade 8 and beyond-- together. Your presence on April 30 helps to most accurately reveal us as a school family, and the collaboration of volunteers working toward a common goal in advance of April 30 generates fun and friendships.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your reservation includes everything: drinks, hors d'oeuvres, gourmet dinner, and entertainment.

I see lots of options for ticket purchases. Please explain.

First Option: Table Sponsorship- Entire tables are available for purchase for a premium. Your group will receive perks depending on the purchase level: Lords & Ladies ($5000) or Sirs & Dames ($3000). Table sponsorships can be purchased by a single person (10 tickets included) or shared (2 tickets as part of a group of 10).

Second Option: Individual Ticket- A guest can purchase as many individual tickets as they wish. If there is a group of 10 individuals who all want to sit together, please submit as a table of 10.

Once I’m at the event, what costs are there?

None, unless you choose to bid on and win items in the silent or live auctions, or purchase raffle tickets.

What do I wear?

We hope you will embrace the spirit of our theme and the gorgeous setting of the Winchester Mystery House and strive for formal attire from the early 20th century. We have partnered with Natasha's Attic, Campbell's exclusive costume shop. Check out the Upcoming Events tab to learn about a CHA Ladies Night Out where you can get outfitted for the Auction. 

Where do I sit?

If you purchase a table sponsorship simply fill in who will join you at the table. If not you are welcome to plan out your table and once you arrive at the Auction select your table with your friends.

Does my dinner have wine with it?

Yes, there is an open hosted bar throughout the event.

What if I cannot attend on April 30?

We will have online bidding for the Silent Auction. Those who are unable to attend will be able to bid (advance registration required) on those items along with those in attendance. ONLY the Silent Auction is included in online bidding.

What about everything else?

Sign-up parties, Heads or Tails, Dancing with the Stars, Live Auction and Last Person Standing will be handled at the event. If you are not attending the Auction and wish to register for Sign-up parties, bid on Live or make a gift to Last Person Standing, an absentee bid contract will be required. One is included in the program.

When will I receive the Auction Program?

CHA parents and children have a lot of fun perusing the Auction Program, reading the write-ups on the auction items and noting who wants what! Volunteers are working hard with the expectation that you will have the program sent home in your child's backpack on April 14!

When does the Silent Auction begin?


The Silent Auction will go live on Wednesday, April 27 at noon!


When can I sign up for the coveted Sign-up parties?


Sign-up parties are fair game when you arrive at the Auction. The sign ups will be on the front lawn area. 

How does online bidding work?

Our silent auction this year will be online, meaning that you can bid from your electronic device as long as you are registered and have a bidder number. The process is integrated with your registration. Please note that Sign-Up Parties, Heads or Tails, Dancing with the Stars, Live Auction and Last Person Standing are not available to online bidders. Should you wish to participate in those, please submit an absentee bid contract from the program.

How can I get involved?

The auction committee needs and appreciates all kinds of help from the CHA community. No matter how much or how little help you can give, all is appreciated! Please click the “Volunteer” tab or contact arube@chamail.net.

What is Heads or Tails?

Purchase pearl necklaces during the cocktail hour. Before the auctioneer flips a coin, choose your call… hands on your head or hands on your “tail.” If your position matches the tossed coin, continue playing. If not, off comes one necklace. The game continues until only ONE winner is left. See the FUN-draising tab for more details. This year Heads or Tails is being sponsored by PHO #1.

What is Last Person Standing?

Stand tall for Canyon Heights Academy and remain standing as long as you are able! Every dollar donated will support CHA families who need tuition assistance to attend our wonderful school. Your generosity will enable us to share the benefit of a Canyon Heights education with many families.

I want to nominate friends for Dancing with the Stars. What happens?

Purchase a nomination which covers the couple (or two or three). You will be contacted by the Auction Committee for the name of the couple or couples you want to see in the dancing competition. This couple will be contacted right away and provided with information about the CHA community Waltz lesson that is free to them to attend, the song to which they will be waltzing, and the opportunity to have further instruction with Arthur Murray Dance Center should they wish it. All nominations are requested by April 7 so participating couples have time to practice and attend the CHA lesson. If the couple you're nominating has already been nominated you will be given the opportunity to nominate a different couple, place the cost towards beads for Heads & Tails, or offered a refund.

I'm confused. There's going to be a waltzing competition at the Auction?

There will be ONE dance for our waltzers to compete in. Stay close to the dance floor and cheer loudly for the competitors in this dance!

Will I get a receipt for my purchases?

CHA is a non-profit institution. All guests of the event will receive an invoice itemizing the items purchased along with fair-market value. You will receive a complete acknowledgment letter after the event. If you donated to the event, you will receive a donation acknowledgment letter for the value of your donation. Please refer questions regarding tax implications to your tax professional.

I have questions. Who are the Auction Chairs? Who can I ask for more information?

Contact Adrienne Rube (arube@chamail.net) or the Auction Chairs, Laura Murphy and Danielle Holman for anything you need!