2025 Auction FAQs

This year’s auction is Saturday, February 22 at 6 p.m. at WES. Your ticket options are:

– Early Bird Ticket ($175, RSVP by Feb. 5)

– Regular Ticket ($185, RSVP by Feb. 15)

– Patron Ticket (Royal Patron $2,500; Canal Patron: $1,500; St. Charles: $750 – RSVP by Feb. 14)

PURCHASE TICKETS

Get ready to bring the spirit of New Orleans to life! Whether you opt for festive cocktail attire, a bold Mardi Gras look, or a nod to the Big Easy’s vibrant culture, creativity is encouraged. Think shimmering gold, rich purples, and deep greens, or go all out with feathers, sequins, and beads. Cocktail attire works just as well—just don’t be afraid to add a little flair. However you choose to celebrate, make it fun, festive, and uniquely you!

We start the evening with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres during a Silent Auction in the small gym. During the Silent Auction you can bid on items from specialized gift baskets, wine, gift cards, beauty and spa items, sports tickets, class keepsakes and many “uniquely WES” experiences including teacher outings. Then, we’ll move into the main gym for the night’s program, which includes a live auction with a professional auctioneer, our signature “Raise Your Paddle” event, then dinner and dancing with live music from The Breakaways!

Every year at the auction, we conduct a special fundraising appeal to support a major campus initiative. Past “RYP” funds have put smartboards in every classroom, created a new play space near the turf field and created an outdoor space outside the STEM room. This year’s RYP will support Educator Excellence in multiple important forms, such as:

· Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in our educators’ expertise to lead the way in innovative teaching practices.

· Classroom Innovation Funds: Empower educators to introduce creative tools, technologies, and programs that enhance the learning experience for every student.

· Educator Wellness and Support: Ensure our educators have the resources and support they need to thrive.

· Celebrating, Retaining, and Attracting Exceptional Educators: Strengthen WES’s ability to recruit and retain exceptional teachers who embody the school’s values of kindness, courage, and service.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Whether your paddle represents a commitment of $5,000, $500 or $100, your generosity affirms your belief in the transformational power of great teaching.

It’s a fun way to walk away with the Live Auction item of your choice for just $100! Purchase your ticket(s) when your RSVP or on the night of the auction. If you cannot attend, please let the Development Office know of your choice of Live item choice before 4 p.m. on Feb. 21. You need not be present to win. Only 100 tickets are available.

A week before the Auction we will send out a link to an online catalog where you can view all of the Silent and Live Auction items, the rules, acknowledgment of sponsors, patrons, Auction leadership, menu, and more.

Ridgewell’s Executive Chef (and WES Dad!)  Kashif Browne has pulled out all the stops to make our Big Easy culinary dreams come true. We’ll have New Orleans-inspired passed Hors d’oeuvres – from gumbo to muffulettas, to shrimp and more – an entrée choice of red wine- braised beef, short ribs and crab croquettes or a vegetarian option. Just indicate your choice when you RSVP. When you RSVP, you’ll also be able to indicate your seating preferences. Auction tables seat 10-12 people.

Yes! Please contact our Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Kim Bair, if you have financial concerns. Reduced cost tickets are available.

Purchase your tickets and RSVP! Then, you’ll be invited to download an app to bid on items – it’s simple, promise! Bring your smartphone to the event and you’ll be good to go! And to laissez les bon temps, rouler!