This Chemin de Fer guide is provided for our parents to answer questions you may have about the Academy of the Sacred Heart’s annual dinner auction. Should you need additional information, please contact the Advancement Office, one of the Chemin chairs, or browse our auction website at ash1818.org/chemin.
Advancement/Heather Locker — hlocker@ash1818.org
Emily Perez — emilyotr@sbcglobal.net
Jerry Perez — Jerald_perez@sbcglobal.net
Madeleine Boschert — maddieboschert@yahoo.com
Donny Boschert — fundway3@cs.com
What is Chemin de Fer?
Chemin de Fer [shuh–men duh fair] is our annual benefit auction, held this year on May 7. Chemin de Fer, the French word for “railroad,” got its name 45 years ago when a parent of alumni set our fundraising train in motion. The idea of a casino auction was a bold new venture. Chemin de Fer was also the name of a casino game played on the French Riviera.
This year Chemin de Fer will be Paradise in the Pacific!
What was once an evening of casino games and lavish hors d’oeurves in the old gymnasium has grown to an event with stunning décor, silent auction items in the White Center and a fabulous sit-down dinner and auction in Rauch Memorial. Chemin de Fer is the Academy’s largest fundraiser.
How Does It Work?
To begin the evening, Mass is offered in the Shrine at 4:30pm for the convenience of our guests and volunteers. The silent auction, located in the White Center, begins at 5:30pm. Guests stroll from table to table looking at a variety of items. When you decide to place a bid, simply look up the item on One Cause and place a bid. One Cause is a mobile bidding app that eliminates paper bid sheets for easy and fun bidding. At registration, guests will receive a text message to their iPhone/Android that will be pre-loaded with every auction item – item description, bid increments, photo and donor information. Guests can browse items in person and on their personal device.
With OneCause, you will be able to:
- Bid from anywhere at anytime
- Place maximum bid amounts
- Receive outbid alerts and notifications of items won
- View items with no bids and watch favorite items
How do you get so many items for auction?
Donations, donations, donations!! We have a committee of individuals who solicit local businesses. Each class asks for a small amount from each family and the room parents select a gift. In addition, we have gift gathering parties that support Chemin.
You may also send in a donation at any time. A donation contract is included on the Chemin de Fer website. Complete the contract and send it to school along with your donation. Feel free to peek at our Amazon Wishlist that has pre-selected items for the auction. All items are greatly appreciated- including any talents or services that you can provide. If it is something you would like, more than likely, others will want to bid on it as well. Cash donations are always welcome. All donations are tax deductible.
Do I need to organize my own table?
You may, but it is not required. We will do our best to honor your request to sit with parents from your child’s class. Smaller parties will be seated together as reservations are received. We are requiring payment for your group be made in full when sending in your RSVP. We cannot hold seats based on partial payments.
What do people wear to Chemin?
The evening will feature and elegant dinner and decorations. Themed cocktail attire is suggested.
How can I volunteer?
There are several areas in which you can contribute your time and talent. You are sure to find at least one committee that suits your interests. In addition to helping with preparations of Chemin de Fer, you can serve as an auction volunteer the night of the big event. For more information on how you can support Chemin de Fer please contact Heather Locker, hlocker@ash1818.org
Are there other ways that I can show my support?
Absolutely! We count on the support of businesses, parents, family and friends to help defray the expenses incurred. A variety of options exists, such as sponsorships and auction program advertising.
We hope this helps to explain some of our Chemin lingo. It is a special night that is filled with great food, an open bar and fabulous shopping opportunities. Most importantly, all money raised goes to support the education of our children, and that is cause for celebration!
