This event simply would not have been possible without the wonderful support we received from local businesses and the Riverside Community. We truly appreciate your generosity and know that we are very lucky to have wonderful folks who are so supportive of Riverside and the important work we do!

I would also like to extend a BIG thank you to the 2011-2012 Fundraising Committee: Kim Flannery and Bindiya Stancampiano, Co-Chairpersons, Meghan Lynch, Annie White, Kaiti Taylor, Sue Haggie, Amy Williams, and Cara Nelson for working to make the event successful. And, of course, thank you to all of the INCREDIBLY TALENTED AND HARDWORKING staff of Riverside who pulled together to make “Lights, Camera, Auction” a success! I especially thank you for creating and donating items for the auction and generously volunteering your time and energy!

A special thank you to Kim Flannery & Sue Haggie for going above and beyond to ensure that the auction went off without a hitch! I would also like to thank our administrative intern, Michelle Murdock, for all of her help
completing and organizing the enormous amount of paperwork necessary for the event. Finally, our gratitude goes out to Kevin Spector for serving as our auctioneer! Kevin, we can’t thank you enough…you were simply perfect for the role!

When and where is the Auction?
The Auction will be held at the Riverside Children’s Center this Saturday, March 10, 2012 in the “Big Room”. Stay tuned for more details including the action catalog and schedule of events for the evening….

What is the dress?
Casual

What is the auction and why is it so important?
The Annual Spring Auction is Riverside’s largest social event and fundraiser. Over the years, the Auction has raised much-needed monies for various programs and projects around Riverside, including the Infant and Toddler Playground, the Discovery Room bathroom, Teacher Professional Development, Parking lot repairs, and more.

The Auction is a wonderful way to have fun and socialize with your fellow Riverside families and supporters of Riverside. Delicious appetizers and drinks will be available for you to enjoy throughout the evening.

What are the goals for the auction?
Our two main goals are:
1. Raise Money – The money we raise each year is of great benefit to Riverside. Without the auction, many of the wonderful improvements we have made over the years, simply would not have been possible.
2. Community – The auction allows Riverside families and staff to come together for an evening out to celebrate our center, the RCC community, and the common goal we share of providing the best care and education possible for our children.

How do I know what items are available?
The auction catalog will be distributed early next week. Last minute items are added daily and will be included in the final auction program the night of the event.

We will have a wide variety of items available for bidding in categories such as: Night Out, Day Outings, Family Fun, Overnights, Children’s Classes/Birthdays, Sports Tickets and Memorabilia, Health and Beauty, and Miscellaneous. Historically, winning bids for generally items have ranged from $5 to over $1800.

Teacher Items are also available – This is where teachers have gotten involved to donate their time and energy toward making unique silent auction items. Donations include special outings with the children, gift baskets, babysitting, and more! Historically winning bids for teacher items have ranged from $15 to over $1000.

Finally, Children’s Items – This is the extra fun part! The children have worked hard to create one-of- a-kind items for the auction. Historically, these items are the “hottest items” and winning bids have ranged from $30 to over $2500. The Live Auction of children’s items will be held on the stage and beginning at 9:20 pm.

What if I do not win the items I bid on, but I still want to help the school on auction night?
You are welcome to make cash donations at the end of the evening. Every cash donation is a direct charitable donation.

What is Split-the-Pot?
Prior to the auction, families and staff are asked to sell tickets ($20 per ticket) to friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. Additional tickets will be available for purchase the auction. During the auction three lucky winners are drawn: third place wins $50, second place wins $100 and first place wins ½ the pot (you do not need to be present to win)! Historically, “split-the-pot” has raised at least $3,000 to be split between RCC and the lucky winner!

What if I want to bid on an item, but I cannot make it to the auction?
If you wish to participate in the auction but are unable to attend, you can place your bids for the silent auction on the bid sheets Thursday afternoon or you may bid by proxy for silent or live items the night of the Auction. Proxy bid forms are available in the school office or in your child’s classroom. Please fill one out completely for each item you are bidding on and return it to the school office. A staff person will act as directed on your behalf, or you may assign the proxy to a person of your choice.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, the amount of your purchase that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is limited to the amount that is over the estimated values of the items purchased. Riverside Children’s Center, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Please refer to your tax advisor for details.

Please join us…with your help, we can have fun and raise much needed money for the benefit of our children!!

More information coming soon. Questions…just ask!

Saturday, March 10, 2012 – 7 p.m.

Join us for Riverside’s BIGGEST social event of the year…Silent/Live Auction, Split-the-Pot Raffle, and much more! This event is “adults only” so book your babysitters now!

More information coming soon!

Save the date for Riverside’s 1st Annual “Winter Carnival”. Saturday, February 4!  The schedule of fun events is:

8:30-10:00 ~ Pancake Breakfast

8:30-10:30 ~ Arts & Crafts, Games, Family Photos, Face Painting, Bake Sale, Sensory Activities, Child I.D. Event, and more.

10:30-11:15 ~ Featuring “A Rockin’ Sing-a-long” with singer/songwriter Scott Kepnes – Delighting audiences with his funny blend of funky folk, rock tunes, and stories, Scott Kepnes has b een entertaining for children and family audiences throughout New England and beyond for over 20 years.  Scott’s performance is sure to be a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, sing-a-long, dance-a-long rockin’ good time!

Fun for all ages, $25 per family!

We hope to see you there!

At Riverside, one of our top priorities is to ensure that every child and family has the best experience possible. If there is any thing we can do to enhance your time at Riverside, please let us know.  When you have ideas, please share them.  If you have questions, please ask them! Together we can create and foster an exceptional experience for all!

• easily update, add and delete content from the web site
• provide @riversidechildrenscenter.net email addresses for staff

we’re very excited about it!