The Admiral Auction: Home Edition is a one-day, online fundraising event for the parent association of Severn School. Proceeds from the event support a variety of programs for students, faculty, and parents, and in “normal” years, the event is held in person. Looking to not only raise funding for future programming, the auction sought to build connections among parents, students, faculty, and alumni alike in a time of hybrid learning models, parents not being allowed on campus, and other restrictions. The multi-faceted event included selling “tickets” for an online gourmet party box to be used at home; sponsorship of similar “teacher” boxes; a Keep 'Em Busy kids box to provide activities for younger students/free up time for parents; online bidding for silent and live auction items through BidPal; a showcase the evening of the auction, featuring the talents of students and faculty messages; a live host and alumni who interacted with the audience between pre-recorded videos and other live portions; promotional videos of class auction items created by involving as many students as possible and featured into high quality showcase videos; sponsorship opportunities and recognition online and in the party box; program book advertising opportunities; musical performances by student Jam Band and A Capella groups; and an aggressive marketing and promotional campaign to explain the new and first-ever virtual event.
