Abington High 11th graders have coordinated more than 120 gift baskets and other items for the annual Junior Class Auction.
The auction, which takes place this Thursday on the high school side of the combined middle/high school, runs from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. It is open to the general public.
The event is the biggest fundraiser sponsored by the Abington High School Junior Class every year. It raises thousands of dollars that help underwrite the cost of the junior prom, as well as next year’s homecoming dance.
“It’s been so incredible. They’ve really jumped into this like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” said Presley Mahanna, the junior class advisor and a science teacher at the high school.
The event is a combined silent and live auction. For $5 attendees receive a numbered paddle they can use to place bids in both auctions.
Junior Class President Ava Williamson said the goal is to have 120 gift baskets, many of which are built around themes.
“We’ve been preparing for a while,” Williamson said. “And parents have been meeting most weeks, sometimes twice a week.”
Many baskets are donated from local and regional businesses. Others are built around food, snacks, and drinks. Plus there’s the usual baskets loaded with scratch tickets.
Williamson said the girls varsity soccer team donated a basket. There’s also a Taylor Swift themed Christmas tree.
The live auction, hosted by Green Wave auctioneer Shawn Reilly, features ticket packages for upcoming Celtics and Bruins games, a ski bundle, and an iPhone 14, among other items.
The silent auction will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. The live auction will start at 7:45 p.m.
Mahanna said she’s not surprised by the amount of effort the junior class has put into the event.
“They’re incredibly hardworking and persevere through whatever obstacle they’re given,” she said. “It’s really coming together so well because of the students.”
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