Spring Auction

What is the Edison Spring Auction & Gala?

• The Edison Spring Auction & Gala is the PTA’s biggest annual fundraiser with two ways for everyone to participate and get involved:
  • The Online Auction: Friday, March 13, 2026, 8:00 PM - Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1:00 PM.
  • The Gala: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 6:00 PM at the Alameda Hotel Ballroom, featuring:
    • Drinks and light refreshments
    • Live Auction
    • Dancing
• Both will be ‘off the hook!’

What is the purpose of this event?

• The Edison Spring Auction & Gala is the PTA’s biggest annual fundraiser, bringing in more than half the annual PTA budget for key educational programs. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to help cover expenses like our garden science programs, assemblies, field trips, technology education, and art supplies. The Spring Auction & Gala is also a great community-building event for families to meet and have fun while supporting our school and students.

How can I get involved?

• The success of the Auction is dependent on the participation and generosity of our Edison Otter community. We need all paws on deck!
  • Make a Donation: We rely on donations of goods, services, gift cards, or tickets of value. If you or your friends have something to donate, please reach out to auction@edisonpta.org. Examples: vacation rentals, event tickets, luxury items, gift certificates for services, experiences, etc.
  • Become a Sponsor: Know a local business looking for exposure among an active group of Alameda parents? Sponsorship of the Spring Auction & Gala allows companies to have their logo displayed on our PTA and auction websites and signage throughout the Gala. If you or your friends have a company looking to sponsor, please reach out to auction@edisonpta.org.
  • Host a Party: One of our most popular auction categories is Hosted Parties! Edison parents host gatherings at home or around town and auction off tickets to join the fun. From cozy get-togethers to splashy celebrations, the possibilities are endless. Interested in hosting or want more details? Email Jody Moore to learn more. 
  • Edison Eats: Share your culinary talents with Edison Eats by donating a homemade dessert, appetizer platter, or signature meal! Simply sign up to prepare your favorite dish—it’s a delicious way to help our school! Sign up (or learn more about how it works) here. Questions? Email Julia Kripke.
  • Help with your child’s Classroom Art Project: Each classroom will create a collaborative art project to be live-auctioned at the Gala. Art Docent parents in each class are needed to develop a plan, assist students in creating art, and curate the final art piece which will be part of the live auction’s centerpiece of excitement. To get involved, please contact Jocelyn Douglas.
  • Volunteer to help put on the event: We need volunteers to help with the Gala setup, check-in, take-down, and other activities. If you’re interested in helping out, please contact Tessa Cafiero.

When and where is the Gala?

• The Gala takes place Saturday, March 21, 2026 6-10 PM at the Alameda Hotel Ballroom, 1415 Broadway # 40, Alameda, CA 94501. This is an adults-only event and tickets are required.

How do you get tickets to the Gala? 

• Gala tickets will go on sale Wednesday, January 21. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door. Tickets are $75 per person for this adults-only event. Everyone is welcome and there is a confidential pay-what-you-can option.

Will tickets to the Gala sell out?

• We want as many people as possible to attend but the Alameda Hotel Ballroom has occupancy restrictions. The gala is designed to accommodate as many people as possible while creating a safe and fun experience. Buy your tickets early to make sure you can join in the fun!

Who can attend the Gala?

• With tickets being limited, we ask that tickets be kept for only Edison students' parents and guardians. Edison staff and teachers may join us as well! Please note that this is an adults-only event.

Is there food & drink at the Gala? 

• Your ticket includes delicious apps from a local caterer.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available by optional donation.

What is the Online Auction?

• The Online Auction features an online bidding process, where you can bid on items from the comfort of your own home. You can participate in the Online Auction even if you are not attending the Gala!
• The Online Auction goes live on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM. Visit this link to start bidding: Edison Online Auction Link
• The Online Auction closes on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Make sure you get those last-minute bids in!
• The online auction offers goods, services, and gift cards in a number of different categories donated from Edison families, Alameda businesses, and other California businesses and institutions. The categories generally include camps & classes, entertainment, family fun, food & drinks, gifts from the heart (donations from our Edison teachers), goods & services, home decor, hosted parties, homemade meals and sports & fitness.

What is the Live Auction?

• The Live Auction will take place during the Gala at the Alameda Hotel Ballroom on Saturday, March 21, 2026. It will begin at 6:45 PM. Tickets are needed to attend this event. The Live Auction generally includes the classroom art projects and other exciting items like: Dads' Club for a Day, and Breakfast with the Mayor. Please stay tuned for more information!

What are the auction rules?

• All sales are final, sold as-is, and there will be no refunds or exchanges unless otherwise noted.
• Payment in full is required by Monday, March 23, 2026.
• Items must be picked up by Thursday, March 26, 2026 (unless another arrangement has been made with auction organizers).
• Auction winners must check out to pay and claim their items at the end of the online auction on your device. All payments will be processed at the end of the evening. 
• Auction winners must claim their purchases by presenting a paid receipt (can be a paid confirmation on their mobile device) at the pick-up locations (for location see below).
• Reservations for all trips, meals, and overnight accommodations, use of homes, and private catering must be mutually arranged between the donor and the successful bidder unless otherwise specified. The auction winner on the use of a private dwelling may not sell or give this privilege to a third party without the permission of the donor.
• All gift certificates and services must be used by the date specified. Other restrictions are indicated on the certificate.
• Auction winners should retain the auction receipt for their records. Values listed on the receipt are as estimated by the donor, where available. Please consult your tax advisor on specific IRS regulations.

How/when can I pay for my items?

• You will pay for your items via a credit card at the end of the auction on Sunday, March 21, 2026, when you check out via your mobile device, computer, etc.
• After paying for your items, you will receive a payment confirmation emailed directly to your email address on file.

Where can I pick up my items?

• Winners of artwork can take home winnings from the Gala or arrange to pick up on Monday, March 23.
• Winners of all auction items and everything else will be contacted via email for pick-up locations.

Do you have a cheat sheet on how to bid for the online & silent auction?

Here’s a link.