Dear Reader,

🎳✨ Tomorrow’s the Big Night! ✨🎳

Our Lanes & Luxuries Auction is finally here, and we are so excited to celebrate another wonderful year at Diener with many of you tomorrow evening at Pinstripes!

Kindly review this email to familiarize yourself with the event details, including the schedule of activities and parking information.

📍 Important Event Information for Attendees

This year, all guests will have assigned tables. When you arrive, please check in to receive your bidder paddle number. Your table assignment will be listed on the back of your paddle.

⏰ Online Auction Closes Tomorrow at 8:15 PM

Be sure to place your bids before online bidding officially closes tomorrow night at 8:15 PM. We have an incredible lineup of items, experiences, and packages thanks to the generosity of our community. We’ve recently added even more exciting auction items, so be sure to check them out before bidding closes!

Highlights include:

• 🍝 Pasta Making & Wine Pairing with Ms. Katy & Ms. Laurie
• 🎥 Live Taping & Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Face the Nation
• 🧺 Themed Baskets including Family Game Night, Tailgate, Wine Basket, and more!
• 🏖️ Bay House Getaway
• ⭐ Several Teacher Features offering one-of-a-kind experiences for our students

⭐ Preview Our Live Auction Items

Don’t forget to explore the exciting live auction items previewed on the auction site!

Unable to attend but interested in bidding on a live item? We are happy to offer absentee bidding. Please reach out before the event, and we can assist you with submitting an absentee ballot.

❓ Event FAQs

Where do I park?: Parking is easy and accessible at Pinstripes/Pike & Rose. There are several parking options including a parking lot, parking garage or street parking.

What is the schedule for the evening?:

6:30 PM: Doors Open and Check-In Begins🍾

• Welcome ✨ Check in and grab your paddle number — get ready to make it a night to remember! Don't forget to check the back label for your table number!

6:30-7:30 PM: 🍸Cocktail Hour

• Indulge in an open bar and savor delicious Hors d'oeuvres while mingling with friends and exploring our Online Auction items display.

7:30 PM: 🍔 Dinner Buffet Opens in Ballroom (buffet closes at 8:20pm)

• Head to the ballroom for dinner and don't forget to check out the back of your bidder paddle for your table assignment
• Sit back, relax, and savor a delightful meal!
• And that's not all - all bars are open! 🍷🍸🥂

8:10 PM: ⏰ Last Chance to Place Online Auction Bids (Online Auction closes at 8:15 PM)

8:20 PM: ✨Buffet Closes and Live Auction Begins! (the bar will be closed during the live auction)

• Experience a warm welcome from Diener’s Head of School, Kathy Chumas
• Hear reflections from an Alumni student and insights from a Current Parent as we celebrate Diener’s past, present, and future — and the impact of your support
• Participate in our Raise the Paddle event, supporting scholarships
• Bid on fabulous Live Auction items, including:
  • Head of School for a Day
  • Washington Sports Extravaganza Package
  • The Grand Escape for Four

**Know someone who may be interested in a Live Auction item, but cannot attend? We are offering Absentee Bids on all Live Auction items HERE.

9:00 PM: 🎳 Head Over to Bowling Lanes🍷Bars Open 🍧Dessert Served at Bowling Lanes ✅ Check-out Opens 🎳 Bowling Lanes Open

• Grab a drink at the open bar
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious dessert!
• Check-out is conveniently located by the exit stairwell
• Lace up your shoes and roll into some friendly competition — the bowling lanes are open and ready for strikes and spares!

10:30 PM: ✨Event Ends ⏱ Checkout Closes

• As the event concludes, it's time to head home after an enjoyable (and hopefully winning!) evening!
• Check-out is conveniently situated by the exit stairwell. Kindly settle your bill and collect your fabulous winnings!

What should I wear?:

Lanes and Luxuries is all about mixing comfort with a touch of upscale flair. It’s not a formal night, so leave the gowns and black-tie looks at home, but still come dressed to impress. Think dressy-casual: something you’d wear for a fun night out with friends, just with a little extra polish. You’ll want to look good and feel comfortable enough to hit the lanes. Guys, opt for anything from jeans with a sharp polo to slacks and a casual button-down. Ladies, think jeans or a skirt paired with a cute top or blouse. The overall vibe is relaxed but elevated (effortless style with a hint of luxury). And don’t forget, we’ve got socks covered for bowling!

At the end of the day, the real dress code is simple: feel good, have fun, and get ready for a night of strikes and style.

Are there assigned tables?:

Yes! Please check the back of your paddle for your table assignment.

Online Auction? Live Auction? Raise the Paddle? What do they all mean?

​The Online Auction is open for bidding until 8:15 p.m. on May 14th (during the live event). You’ll love the more than 100+ items available to bid on, including teacher features, restaurants, wine and spirits, weekend getaways, kid experiences & activities, sports tickets, memorabilia and so much more! A preview of all items will be available on May 7th.

​The Live Auction will be lead by an auctioneer will take bids on 3 amazing items. We will have absentee bid forms available for those that are not able to make it on May 14th.

Raise the Paddle is an incredible chance to support our Diener community and invest in our scholarship program. Your generosity will open doors for more children to access the invaluable education provided by Diener and ensure that families in need receive the financial assistance they require. Our auctioneer will encourage you to contribute as generously as you can—it's a gift that keeps on giving.

By generously donating to our Scholarship Program, you're not just giving once, but creating a ripple effect that changes the trajectory of our students' lives. You're empowering them to learn, grow, and become active contributors to our broader community. Your contribution isn't just a donation; it's an investment in the future, making a tangible difference in the life of a child!

How do funds raised support Diener and its students?

As a non-profit, the Diener School greatly depends on the proceeds from auctions to bolster our programs. This year's Lanes and Luxuries Auction contributions will directly benefit student scholarships, staff development, program enrichments, technology upgrades, school counseling services, and numerous other vital aspects! However, the true key to a successful auction lies with you—your active involvement, generous donations, and unwavering support are what make it all possible.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Your support truly makes a meaningful impact on our students' lives!

We can't wait to have an amazing time together on Thursday!🎉

Warmly,

Laurie Aaronson, Director of Development

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS