On January 27, 2018 the local business leaders and philanthropists gathered at the Hotel Bellwether, raising over $375,000 in support of St. Paul’s Academy. The theme for 2018 auction was Deep Roots, Strong Branches, reflecting the tight-knit community that is a hallmark of St. Paul’s Academy.

This year’s Student Art project creation, featuring a leaf made by every student from preschool – 8th grade.

Guests were reminded that it  takes the support of a large community to create a solid base from which to grow a successful independent school. The proceeds from our auction raised by you, our generous donors (deep roots) provide the resources needed to grow strong branches (teachers and families) crowned by a vibrant canopy: our students.  We are ever grateful for the amazing support and participation from the greater Whatcom County community. It was a fabulous night filled with good friends, great fun, and lots of bidding!  Please visit the Grand Cru Auction Website for more photos.

Photo Gallery

Many thanks to the wonderful planning committee members who devoted countless hours ensuring that our guests would have an evening full of fun.  Our Money Tree centerpieces came to life through the efforts of Liz Walker and Kara Crotty.  The live plant centerpieces and beautiful art from kids and volunteers brought a breath of spring to the late-January gloom.  Zeina Evans and Ever After Events helped bring our theme to life with the addition of bare winter trees dramatically draped in crystal strands, and a rustic yet elegant greenery chandelier that enhanced focus on the green of the centerpieces and framing the stage.  Nadia Boulos, Sue Day, and Rebecca Reddin were steadfast supporters helping to brainstorm and source our live and silent auction packages.  Cheryle Figgess jumped right into volunteering on her daughter’s first day at the school, and took on the intense job of data entry and management.

The week leading up to the auction is always exciting, and this year was no exception.  So many volunteers turned up to sort, wrap, write, proofread, cut, glue, clip, plant, and complete any task asked of them!  Our load-in and load-out days went so smoothly – we were set up and packed up much more swiftly than in some past years.  

Thank you for your help and support for this year’s auction, whether you donated a bottle of wine, whatever cash was in your pocket on Fine Wine Friday, came to help on set up day, or were a major event sponsor, we truly could not be successful without you!

~Heather Carter & Sarah Kaiser Brand
Auction Co-Chairs