✨Ignite the Night Auction Party — Ticket Sales Start January 14, 2026! ✨
Step into the magic of the desert for Ignite the Night, MPAEF’s 2026 Auction Party at Hillview Middle School on March 21, 2026. Under glowing lights and a sky full of possibility, we’ll come together for a shared purpose that unites us all: ensuring our students receive an exceptional educational experience.
Bid on unforgettable parties and one-of-a-kind experiences, and enjoy signature cocktails and a dance floor that keeps the night glowing! This will be an evening of connection, celebration, and generosity — all in support of our local schools.
Ticket Pricing & Sales Dates:
Starting January 14, 2026, you will be able to purchase tickets for the early bird price of $225 per person.
After February 12, 2026, ticket prices will increase to $250 per person.
The last day to purchase tickets is March 9, 2026.
Why purchase a ticket to this year’s MPAEF Auction? Your ticket will give you access to the live and silent auctions, allowing you to bid on an exclusive selection of items (sporting tickets, vacation homes, the hottest parties, and more!) — and you'll also enjoy an evening with friends from across our MPCSD community.
Looking for ideas for what to wear to Ignite the Night? Check out our Inspiration Board, and let your creativity shine—literally! Step into a world where festival freespiritedness meets desert chic. Think flowing dresses, layered outfits, fringe jackets, denim shorts, cowboy or combat boots, statement hats, headpieces, bold accessories, festival braids, hair & face glitter, and jewels.
✨Ignite the Night Auction Sponsorship Opportunities ✨
The MPAEF auction team has curated an exciting collection of event sponsorship opportunities for community members who want to help make this year’s auction a success. Sponsorships help underwrite some of the costs associated with executing this annual event for more than 275 guests, ensuring that even more funds are granted to MPCSD.
CLICK HERE to view the many sponsorship opportunities available for the MPAEF Spring 2026 Auction.
Questions about the auction wish list and event sponsorship opportunities? Please contact Emily Moberg Robinson at events@mpaef.org.
🎉Great Donations Make Great Auctions - Donate Items & Parties by January 16 🎉
The success of our annual MPAEF auction depends on local businesses and families like you! We’re looking for exclusive, one-of-a-kind auction lots, experiences that money can’t usually buy. Think:
🎟️ VIP passes or tickets to sold-out shows and concerts
✨ Meet-and-greet with a local celebrity or sports icon🏅
🏢 Behind-the-scenes tour or fireside chat with an industry leader
🏡 Vacation home stays and weekend getaways
🎉 Hosted parties, tickets to sporting or cultural events, gift cards, and more!
If you can offer unique access, experiences, or items, we’d love to include them in the MPAEF auction.
👉 Ready to donate? Please fill out the short form below to tell us about your contribution:
Auction Item Donation Form: CLICK HERE
Parent-Hosted Auction Parties Donation Form: CLICK HERE
What are Parent-Hosted Auction Parties? These are parent-led gatherings that anyone can plan to support our schools. Generous hosts cover all event costs, so 100% of ticket proceeds go straight to support teacher and staff salaries and elective/specialist programs at Encinal, Laurel, Oak Knoll, and Hillview schools. These parties can be for:
KIDS (back-to-school pool party or party in the park)
ADULTS (Willows Wobble or Trivia Night)
FAMILIES (Stanford Football Tailgate Party)
Curious about buy-a-spot parties already in the works? CLICK HERE to view a list of 2026 auction parties that have been submitted. This document will be regularly updated and includes “how-to” tips about hosting a party.
Questions? Please email events@mpaef.org.
MPAEF Auction 2026 Rules & Guidelines: CLICK HERE
The document linked above is where you will find information on how to place a bid, winning bidder notifications, auction item sales terms, refunds, and how to pick up auction items you have won. Please take a moment to review before this year's auction.
Click here to go to the IRS website to read Rules on Tax Deduction of Charitable Auctions. In a nutshell, if you pay more than the fair market value of an item, the difference may be tax deductible. Few of our auction items end up being eligible for tax deduction.