Grand Auction

Our beloved annual gala — running since 1984

2026 Grand Auction — Woodside Island

Theme: Woodside Island

Item donation deadline: March 11, 2026

Ticket sales open: March 26, 2026

Online catalog available: Mid-April 2026

Online Auction opens: 5:00 pm, May 7, 2026

Online Auction closes: 10:00 pm, May 14, 2026

Live Gala: Saturday, May 16, 2026

5:30–7:00 pm — Cocktail reception

7:00–11:00 pm — Dinner, live auction & after-party

About the Grand Auction

The WSF Grand Auction is one of the most anticipated events on the Woodside school calendar. Each spring, more than 300 guests gather for an evening of cocktails, a sit-down dinner, and a spirited live auction featuring extraordinary experiences, travel packages, art, and more.

The event has been a cornerstone of WSF fundraising since 1984 — over four decades of community celebration. Proceeds go directly toward the programs that make Woodside Elementary exceptional: music, art, language, technology, and more.

The Auction Catalog

Every year, WSF produces a full printed auction catalog distributed to more than 350 households in the Woodside community. The catalog features every item available in both the online silent auction and the live gala auction, giving bidders the chance to plan their bids in advance.

The online auction opens approximately one week before the gala, allowing community members who cannot attend in person to participate in the bidding.

Count-Me-In (CMI) Parties

One of the most beloved features of the Grand Auction is the Count-Me-In (CMI) party format. CMI parties are hosted by Woodside families and staff — intimate gatherings ranging from wine tastings and cooking nights to outdoor adventures. Anyone can join by bidding a fixed "count-me-in" price, making them a fun and accessible way to get involved even without attending the gala.

Student Art Contest

Each year, a student art contest is held in connection with the Grand Auction. Student artwork is featured in the auction catalog and displayed at the gala. The winning piece is used as the signature artwork for the event — a cherished tradition that puts students front and center in the celebration.

2026 Key Dates

March 11, 2026
Item Donation Deadline
Last day to submit auction item donations for inclusion in the 2026 catalog.
March 26, 2026
Ticket Sales Open
Tickets for the Live Gala go on sale to the Woodside community.
Mid-April 2026
Online Catalog Available
The full digital auction catalog is published and distributed to 350+ households.
May 7, 2026 — 5:00 pm
Online Auction Opens
Bidding opens online for silent auction items, allowing the whole community to participate from home.
May 14, 2026 — 10:00 pm
Online Auction Closes
Online bidding ends. Winners of online items will be notified.
May 16, 2026
Live Gala — Woodside Island
5:30–7:00 pm cocktail reception; 7:00–11:00 pm dinner, live auction, and after-party.

Past Themes

Each year's Grand Auction is anchored by a creative theme that shapes the decor, entertainment, and catalog design. Recent themes include:

  • 2025: Wild Wild WES
  • 2026: Woodside Island

Event Code of Conduct

All WSF event attendees are expected to follow our Event Code of Conduct.