As you know our 9th Annual Tricky Tray and Auction will be held on Saturday evening, February 11th at the hall in St. Joseph’s Church in Maplewood. Please mark your calendar and save the date. You won’t want to miss this incredibly fun event. Reservation forms will be sent out in early January.
Last year we raised almost $26,000 at our Tricky Tray/Auction and this year, of course, we want to do even better! The money raised at this event each year has been responsible for major purchases including playground equipment, rock climbing wall in our gymnasium and a complete audio/visual renovation of our auditorium.
WE ARE NOW COLLECTING PRIZES AND WE NEED YOUR HELP.
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DONATE?
We also rely heavily on you to help us collect prizes. Here are some ways you can help:
START WITH YOUR EMPLOYER
In recent years Clinton parents have donated items such a Tiffany bracelet, Cirque de Soleil tickets, books, electronics, clothes and accessories. Some companies are willing to donate merchandise and others are prepared to offer a sizable discount. If this is the case, please let us know. In the past we have used a Clinton parent’s employee discount at Macy’s to purchase a slew of great prizes. Prizes in the electronics category are always a big hit, so if you have any connections in that area, please let us know. We have a letter than can be used to solicit donations. Let us know if you’d like a copy.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR SKILL?
Turn it into a prize! Some ideas: If you’re an accomplished tennis player, offer a one-hour private lesson. If you can bake, a decorated birthday cake would be a fabulous prize, if you are a fabulous cook, you can prepare and deliver a meal for four.
DO YOU LIKE TO ENTERTAIN?
How about throwing a theme party? You pick the date, time, and theme, and we’ll auction off the invitations. Have you always wanted to host a Mystery Dinner? Mystery guests will make it all the more fun! Do you make a mean margarita? How about putting together a Cinco de Mayo party? The possibilities are endless for this prize—and oh so much fun!
THERE’S NO SHAME IN REGIFTING
Did your child receive two of the same Wii games for his birthday? Instead of letting one collect dust, donate it to the Tricky Tray. Did someone give you a gift card you’ll never use? Someone can use it.
WHO DO YOU KNOW?
An autographed script or backstage tour is always a popular prize. A few years ago Clinton parents starring in Broadway productions of Hair, Wicked, and The Little Mermaid offered backstage tours. A Sopranos script signed by all the featured actors brought in big bucks another year.
WEEKEND GETAWAYS
Do you have a time-share or vacation home that you can spare for a weekend? Is there a hotel you stay at frequently that might offer a sizable discount? Please let us know!
The possibilities are endless and no prize is too big or too small. Contact Cecelia Cancellaro by email or phone 973-763-1730 if you have a prize to donate or if you are willing to be a part of our Tricky Tray committee.
