Auction Buy-in Party

Each year, a variety of buy-in parties are offered at the Southmoor Auction. These are events that parents, or a group of parents, agree to host for as many people as they find appropriate for the specific activity/party. Attendees can be adults, kids or a combination of the two. The hosts cover all expenses of the party and people purchase tickets to attend these parties through Southmoor’s online auction for a fixed, per-person price. 100% of the funds raised by the event benefit our school.

Buy-in Parties are essential to the success of the Auction. They are fun, extremely popular, and some of our best-selling items and a large source of revenue supporting our school. They are also a great opportunity for community building! Whether you host a party or just sign up to attend one, you are sure to have a fabulous time mixing and mingling with other Southmoor families.

Check out our FAQs below for more information and party ideas.

Auction buy-in parties must be received by March 25, 2026, to be listed on our online auction site. 

Questions? Email the auction committee at southmoorauction@gmail.com.

Buy-in Party FAQs

  • 1 - Plan any type of party, activity or get-together for any number of adults, families or kids in the Southmoor community.

    2 - Recruit your friends as co-hosts – it makes throwing the party much easier, cost-effective and a lot more fun!

    3 - Plan (with your co-hosts) to cover all of the costs of the party as a (tax-deductible*) contribution to the Auction.

    4 - Finalize your basic party info: how many guests, where/when, etc. and fill outthe online form.

    5 - We’ll auction off admission to your party during the Online Auction. All proceeds will go to support Southmoor!

    6 - Throw your party… meet some people, have a blast!

  • Anything you, your friends, or your family enjoy! The possibilities are endless. Review the “Party Ideas” lists below, be creative and have fun planning!

  • In a nutshell, yes. However, many people will co‐host a party with one or more individuals to have more fun, share labor, and offset costs.

  • No. Your efforts to organize and host the party are your volunteer donation of time to Southmoor. Your costs are managed/reduced by the effectiveness with which you procure and share costs with others, if you are able to co‐host. However, any costs you have may be tax‐deductible. Please consult a tax professional.

    SPiE (Southmoor Partners in Excellence) is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 73-1687071

  • The number of guests depends on what you are going to do, how much space you have, and your budget. Use this information to determine a maximum number of buy-in slots available for the party you are hosting.

  • Consider what you are offering at the party and set the cost appropriately. All guest slots should be a minimum of $25. We’re happy to help you price your event, reach out to southmoorauction@gmail.com

  • Parties can occur any time of the year, even in the summer! They can be indoor, outdoor, at night, or in the morning. However, once a date is set, it cannot be changed. All events should be held within one year of auction; if at all possible, events should be schedule before the end of the current school year.

  • Anywhere! A party can be held at a home, restaurant, community center, museum, pool, theater, field, park, etc.

  • Usually everything is included. However, if there is something particular you will not be supplying, we can put a "prerequisite" on the party. For example, if you plan a day of fishing, you can say a fishing license is a prerequisite.

  • Yes they are, up to the fullest extent allowed by the Internal Revenue Service and based on what you have contributed.

    SPiE (Southmoor Partners in Excellence) is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 73-1687071

  • Reach out to southmoorauction@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help!

Party Ideas

(These are only examples! Be creative and pitch us your idea!)

  • • Backyard Campout

    • Kids Game Night and Pizza Party

    • Minecraft Pizza Party

    • Kids Costume Movie/Sing-a-long Movie Night

    • Beading Party

    • Make and take playdough

    • Chinese New Year Party

    • Kids Dance Party

    • Pasta Making Night

    • Fancify Yourself! (Face Painting, Tattoos, Mani-Pedis and Braids)

    • Pizza and Movie Night

    • Harry Potter Movies and Slumber

    • Star Wars Movie Night

    • Halloween Costume Making

    • Art and Craft Project night

    • Rocket Making

  • • Mountain Bike Ride

    • Pizza and Movie Night Out

    • Beach & BBQ at the Reservoir

    • Kids Camping Night

    • Urban Scavenger Hunt

    • Ice Skating and Hot Chocolate

    • Urban Hike

    • Kids Bowling and Pizza Outing

  • • Themed Parties (Oscars, Kentucky Derby, Mardi Gras, Super Bowl, Final Four, 80s, Rocky Horror Picture Show, 50s/60s, Great Gatsby/Roarin’ 20s, Vegas, etc.)

    • Martini Party

    • Game Night (Poker, Board Games, Bunko, etc.)

    • Themed Dinner Party

    • Mom/Daughter Day (Manicures, stylist, fashion fun, etc.)

    • Pool Party

    • Fishing or Hunting Excursions (For small groups of people, should include plans for transportation, equipment or gear necessary, help with/information on acquiring necessary licenses, etc.)

    • Chili Cook-Off Event

    • Food and Wine Tasting Party

    • Bourbon Tasting Party

    • Champagne Tasting Dinner

    • Beer Tasting and Beer Games!

    • Dads or Moms Golf Day

    • Father/Son Camping Trip

    • Host a special person party (chef/celebrity/speaker/sommelier)

    • Chocolate Tasting Party

    • Mom's Night Out and Karaoke

    • Wine Tour

  • • Monthly Tamales Delivery

    • Home Beer or Kombucha Brewing Workshop

    • Mixology Workshop

    • Jam Making Lessons

    • Jewelry Making Workshop

    • Knitting or Sewing Lessons

    • Chess Lessons

    • Music Lessons

    • Charcuterie Workshop

    • Cookie Baking/Decorating Workshop (cupcakes, cookies, cakes, etc.)