A WarmWelcome
from the Head of School
Dear Charles Wright Families, Alumni, Colleagues, & Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 Spirit Auction: A Charles Wright Masquerade! It’s wonderful to have so many members of our community gathered together for what promises to be an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re here for the fantastic company, the excitement of the silent and live auctions, or to simply enjoy the magic of the night, your presence and support means so much.
While we may be behind masks tonight, what’s on full display is the heart of our community coming together. This evening is about connection, celebration, and supporting a school we all care so deeply about. Every dollar raised tonight directly supports Charles Wright students, from their first curious days in the Beginning School to the moment they confidently cross the Commencement stage. Together, we are inspiring active, joyful learning, leading with excellence, and ensuring each student is known and valued.
Thank you for being part of tonight’s celebration. Whether you’re bidding, mingling, or just soaking it all in, you are making a difference. I hope you enjoy the mystery, fun, and community spirit of the evening!
Thank you!
Rachel Rippl P’31 Head of School
Welcome to a Charles Masquerade!Wright
Dear members of the CWA community,
On behalf of the Spirit Auction Committee, I’m delighted to welcome you to the 2025 Spirit Auction: A Charles Wright Masquerade! Tonight’s event transports you to the heart of Venice, to experience the lively markets and an elegant masquerade. Behind every mask and every smile, we come together as one community to celebrate and support a place that means so much to all of us. Charles Wright Academy is where our children are cared for and inspired to grow into thoughtful, confident young leaders by their amazing teachers.
As we enjoy the magic of the evening, glowing lights and laughter, let’s take a moment to appreciate the strong, connected community we are building together. This night is about fun and celebration, but most importantly, it’s about coming together to support and protect the things that make CWA so special.
So tonight, as we raise our glasses (and bid cards), let’s celebrate this extraordinary place we call CWA, the friendships we share, and the bright future we’re creating for our children, together.
Cheers to an amazing night!
Molly Raybuck-Chacón P’11 ‘34
2025 Spirit Auction Committee Chair
2025 Auction Leadership
AUCTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• Molly Raybuck-Chacón P’11 ’34 (Chair)
• Maribel Arias P’32 ’34 ’34
• Rebecca Blaine-Niazi P’21 ’25
• Anna Crosby P’34
• Emily Gessel P’32 ’35
• Michele Jones P’34
• Tammie Perreault P’34
• DeMeSHee Pye P’32
• Nicole Stice P’24 ’27 ’29
• Cassandra Will P’24 ’27
• Michael Otter-Alvarado (Staff)
• Michelle Verkooy (Staff)
CLASS ART PROJECTS
• Christina Bertucchi P’33 ’38
• Christopher Hoppin
• Jennifer Keeney
• Timothy Kroe
• Megan Schowalter
Guidelines for Tonight’s Mission
Be respectful, kind, and have fun!
Land Acknowledgment
Charles Wright Academy acknowledges that we reside and are gathered on lands traditionally of the Puyallup, Steilacoom, Nisqually, and Coast Salish peoples. Visit Native-Land.ca to learn more about the traditional land on which you reside.
Dinner Menu
First Course
Pesto Orzo Salad
Cherry Tomato, Mozzarella Pearls, Spinach, Balsamic Glaze
*nut free, vegan
Entrées
Braised Short Rib
Mascarpone Polenta, Mushrooms, Crispy Onion, Bordelaise Sauce
*nut free Steelhead
Stewed Mixed Squash, Bell
Pepper, Onion, Green Pea Puree
*gluten-free, nut free
Quinoa Stuffed Squash
Mushrooms, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Kale, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis
*gluten-free, nut free, vegan
Dessert Dash
Dessert Dash
The more your table pledges as a whole, the better your chances are of claiming the dessert of the table’s choice.
Each person will fill in their donation on the card placed at your dining table for the chance to dash first and snatch the sweet treat your table has staked out. Every table will receive a dessert, but you want first choice, so pledge high!
During the live auction, every table sends a runner to the front of the room. The top 10 tables who have pledged the most will be called by number for their runner to collect the dessert of their choice…then watch out, here comes the crowd!
How to Bid
THE LIVE AND SILENT AUCTIONS as well as raffle items will be available exclusively at the in-person event at the Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma. Party dashes will open during the silent auction and be offered first to attendees at the in-person event. Remaining Party Dash spots will be available for purchase online after the in-person event ends.
In addition to the Silent and Live auctions, there is a separate ONLINE AUCTION that will use Greater Giving online bidding. You can bid using your smartphone or tablet on items that can only be found in the online auction. You can easily track packages by “following” the package activity. The online auction closes on Tuesday, April 22 at 5 p.m. PST.
Bidding Rules
• Buyers are responsible for checking all terms and conditions on each and every item. Auction packages are not refundable.
• In accordance with laws of the state of Washington, a bid in Greater Giving, CWA’s online bidding platform, is a legal contract to purchase the item that is bid upon. By bidding in the auction, each bidder agrees to abide by the auction rules stated here.
• You must register a credit card in order to place a bid. If you wish to pay with another method, please contact the Office of Development at auction@charleswright.org or 253-6208875 to make arrangements. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, all auction winners will be charged in full during the week of April 21.
• All purchases are FINAL. There will be no exchanges or refunds on items either at Charles Wright or at the donor’s place of business, unless specifically stated otherwise.
• Under no circumstances are bidders allowed to approach donors to request a duplicate item from the auction. Certain duplicate items may be offered by request from CWA’s Office of Development (most often including buyit-now options and certain trips). Items that are allowable for duplication will be governed during the bidding process by CWA’s Office of Development.
• The auctioneer reserves the right to settle any and all disputes, complaints, misunderstandings, errors, and sales at his discretion. The auctioneer is the final decisionmaker on all live auction activities.
• The Auction Leadership Committee and/or CWA Office of Development reserve the right to add or withdraw, without notice, items to or from the auction.
• Any item not receiving the required minimum bid may be removed from the auction.
• Please pay attention to all conditions, restrictions, and expiration dates on items and services. Restaurant certificates do not include liquor, tax, or gratuities unless otherwise indicated. Except where noted by the donor, all services, tickets, certificates, etc., must be used within one year of the auction and are subject to mutually agreed-upon times and dates. CWA assumes no responsibility for travel arrangements. No refunds will be made for canceled tickets and accommodations.
• The Auction Leadership Committee and CWA Office of Development have attempted to catalog and describe all items correctly, but all items are sold “as is.” CWA and the committee neither warrant nor represent, and shall not be responsible for, the correctness of description, genuineness, authorship, provenance, or condition of the property’s donor-stated value. No statement contained in the catalog or made orally at the sale or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. Items have not been appraised unless so noted in writing.
TAX INFORMATION
• Event guests must be 21+. You must be 21+ to bid and win packages or experiences that include alcohol. All purchases are tax-deductible as provided by law. Your tax-deductible contribution is limited to the excess of the contribution over the value of the auction item. Please consult your tax advisor regarding tax laws and items purchased. You will be provided with a receipt stating the value of your items for tax purposes.
• Charles Wright Academy is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization.
Federal Tax ID # 91-0673111.
FundA-Need
Fostering COMMUNITY SPACES
At Charles Wright Academy, community is at the heart of everything we do and stand for. It’s in the way our students gather to share ideas, celebrate milestones, and support one another. It’s in the smiles exchanged in the hallways, the quiet conversations over a shared project, and the friendships made that will last a lifetime. CWA builds meaningful connections, and this year, we have an exciting opportunity to refresh the spaces that our students, faculty, and families use to share in community every single day.
This year’s Fund-A-Need is all about fostering community by investing in updates to key gathering spaces across CWA.
In the Beginning School,
Your generous support will directly fund thoughtful improvements that enhance how Tarriers of all ages come together each day.
we hope to install awning(s) outside the Madrona and Atelier classrooms, creating all-weather outdoor learning spaces. We also plan to refinish the playhouse, preserving a cherished space for imaginative play.
In the Lower School,
we’d like to provide the Commons area with a refresh in an effort to enhance the experience for events, town meetings, and extended day programming. The addition of infographics, new furniture, and storage will help the space to feel more organized and inviting for our community.
In the Middle School,
we’d like to update the main lobby and reception area to create a more welcoming environment for students and families to connect, study, and socialize. Additionally, new wraps/murals around the pillars in the grades 5 and 6 kid pits will make this area feel more vibrant.
And In the Upper School,
we’d like to add more communal, social, and study spaces in the LAPAC Atrium that add value to US student life and create a more welcoming environment to those who are attending events and our performing arts program.
These are just some of the places where our community comes together to share stories, spend time in, and make lasting memories.
With your help, we can liven up and modernize the spaces that inspire active, joyful learning while nurturing and challenging our students to develop the character, creativity, and skills to successfully navigate the future with confidence.
RAFFLE DRAWING
Secure your raffle tickets before time runs out from our student volunteers!
We are excited to bring back a time-honored CWA tradition in having Upper School Seniors volunteer at the Spirit Auction! Restrictions:
PARTY DASHES
Get the first pick to secure your spots at fabulous parties and activities!
A CWA signature offering, hosted by families, faculty, staff, and alumni as a way to bring our community together in fun and unique ways. Spots are sold exclusively at the in-person event first, so be sure to get your name added before parties fill up! After the in-person event, any leftover spots will be offered up for sale via the online auction site.
Thank you to
Visit: corareuterphotography.com
Contact: cora.reuter@gmail.com
Our children are the reason why we come together as a community to support the stellar education that our Tarriers receive at Charles Wright Academy. Special thanks go to Cora Reuter Photography P’25 for capturing the magnificent student portraits available for purchase at tonight’s event!
What Sets Us Apart
At Lee & Associates, we deliver world-class service to an array of regional, national, and international clients. Our professionals combine the latest technology, resources, and market intelligence with their experience, expertise, and commitment to superior service to optimize client results.
What We Offer
Our team of qualified individuals is dedicated to fostering an outstanding culture for both our professionals and our clients. We aim to provide comprehensive coverage of the Puget Sound Region across all market areas in commercial brokerage.
LIVE PACKAGES
1 Tacoma Rainiers Private Suite Experience!
Enjoy a baseball game in a private suite for up to 20 guests at Cheney Stadium to cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers!
The suite includes baseball tickets for 20, a ballpark meal with sides, snacks and beverages of soft drinks, bottled water, beer and wine.
Terms Choose your game from a list of available dates which will include weekends, spring, summer or fall.
Donor Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
2 Star in a Titus-Will Commercial!
Lights, camera, ACTION!
Get the unique opportunity to have your child appear in a Titus-Will commercial and be the next screen star!
Terms Only available to families & students who have not previously won a Titus-Will commercial spot. Consent form must be signed. No guarantee of speaking part. Estimated time of filming TBD.
Donors
Titus-Will Automotive Group & The Will Family, ’65 ’93, P’24 ’27
3 Name the Loop!
Honor a student, business, or someone you love and name the CWA Loop for the 2025-26 school year!
Savor driving by a personalized message or your student’s name any time you drive onto campus. Don’t miss this truly unique opportunity!
Terms CWA will work with the winner after the auction to come up with a mutually agreed-upon sign for the loop. Loop sign will be displayed during the 2025-26 school year. Sign cannot include images, slogans, or taglines.
Donor Charles Wright Academy
4 3rd Grade’s Nisqually Valley Wood Laser Cut
Third Grade began this process by looking at indigenous trees of the Nisqually Valley, tying into their overarching theme of the watershed.
Every student in third grade contributed one tree to make up this beautiful forest surrounding the river coming directly from Mt. Rainier.
Upon each tree - you can in fact see each student’s initials carved into them!
Donors CWA 3rd Graders & Timothy Kroe
5 4th Grade’s
Forest Scene Ceramic Vase
Fourth grade was able to go into the ceramics studio with Mrs. Schowalter and contribute their own designs to a large indoor vase, carving into the vase itself!
Students each carved a scene of what one might find in a forest, an ode to the 107 acres that CWA’s campus and forest spans.
Within the studio they carved into the vase, and then it was glazed and fired.
Terms Vase is not suited for the outdoors.
Donors CWA 4th Graders & Megan Schowalter
6 5th & 6th Grade’s Octopus Mosaic
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our 5th and 6th graders worked hard on this unique mosaic that features hand-cut glass tiles arranged in a mesmerizing pattern to create a stunning octopus mosaic!
The juxtaposition of vibrant colors and sleek lines creates a visually stunning masterpiece that captivates the eye!
Donors 5th & 6th Graders & Christopher Hoppin
Committed to our cultures and our communities
RBC Wealth Management is here for our community We are proud to support The Charles Wright Academy.
Learn how we’re investing in our community and the lives of our clients and colleagues at us.rbcwealthmangement.com/seattle.
Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value
© 2024 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/ SIPC. All rights reserved. 22-SE-00867 (03/22)
7 Upper School’s Peach Tree Window
Glass-on-Glass mosaic is a wonderful art form that gives you the translucency of a traditional stained glass panel with the intricacy of a mosaic.
Upper School students cut down large sheets of colored transparent glass and created their own mosaic tiles. The glass tiles were thoughtfully laid out to create a peach tree orchard scene, a nod to Peach Acres, the property’s name that preceded CWA before its founding in 1957. The whole project was grouted to secure the glass and accentuate the light. This glass piece was also made on a refurbished antique window frame!
Donors Christina Bertucchi’s Upper School Spring Glass Class
Receive 10 reserved front-row seats to 12th Grade’s commencement ceremony!
You and your family have worked hard and have waited a long time for this very special day! Cheer for your graduate from the best seats in the house!
Donor Charles Wright Academy
Terms June 7, 2025
For the first time ever, win this item to receive 6 reserved front-row seats to CWA’s 8th grade Promotion Celebration!
Donor Charles Wright Academy
Terms June 12, 2025
10 One-Week Maui Stay + Airfare for 2!
Treat yourself to a relaxing Hawaiian escape with a one-week stay in a gorgeous ocean view studio condo in Wailea on the island of Maui.
Perfect for a couple’s retreat or a solo getaway, this cozy and comfortable space is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. With seamless indoor-outdoor living, you can enjoy ocean breezes as you unwind with a good book, dine al fresco, or savor a cocktail while watching the vibrant colors of a Maui sunset.
This beautiful vacation rental is conveniently located just a short walk from the resort pool, offering the perfect home base whether you’re looking to explore the island, relax by the water, or even work remotely in paradise.
Also included are two $500 Alaska Airline gift certificates to help get you there!
Terms Dates to be mutually agreed upon with the generous donor.
Donor The Murray Family ’71, P’02, GP’38
11 Moctezuma’s Chef Dinner and Tequila Tasting for 6!
Enjoy a fabulous tequila tasting dinner at Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar in Gig Harbor/Tacoma location.
You and five of your closest friends will enjoy an exclusive Maestro Dobel tequila tasting and food pairing by a Certified Tequila Expert.
This professionally guided tasting of four different varieties of tequila will be accompanied by plates specially prepared by Moctezuma’s Executive Chef, Marcos Alegria to complement each variety!
Terms Must be 21+ to bid, purchase, and redeem tasting.
Donors Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, the Arias Family P’32 ’34 ’34
Thank You, Sponsors
MISSION SPONSOR
• Gensco
TARRIER STRONG SPONSOR
• Titus-Will Automotive Group
• Oral and Facial Surgery Centers of Washington
• Attorney Darrell Cochran
MARTLET IN FLIGHT SPONSOR
• CWA Board of Trustees
PARTY WITH CHARLIE SPONSOR
• Animal Care Clinic
• Pease Construction
CELEBRATE SPIKE SPONSOR
• Tacoma Baseball Club
• Heritage Bank
MOBILE BIDDING SPONSOR
• Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services
COMMUNITY SPONSOR
• Timberland Bank
• Goldman Sachs
• Brightview Landscape
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL SPONSOR
• HIVE CO.
SPORTS BOOSTER SPONSOR
• Crozier Insurance Agency
Where Thanks Are Due
AUCTION ITEM DONORS
• 907 Snapshot Photography
• A La Tarah Photography
• Alaska Weathervane Scallops P’17 ’21 ’21, GP’30 ’32
• Alderbrook Resort
• Ascend Gymnastics
• AV8RS, LLC P’32
• Bliss Small Batch Creamery
• Browne Family Vineyards
• Cactus Restaurants
• Calypso Glass Co.
• Charles Wright Academy
• Christina Bertucchi P’33 ’38
• Christopher Hoppin
• Coach Cheney ’16
• Coach Rue
• Compass Rose
• Corporate Condo Collection
• David Kangas
• Domino’s Pizza
• Expand Yoga P’34 ’36
• Faithful Friends Photography
• Gig Harbor Gondola
AUCTION VOLUNTEERS
• Grand Cinema
• Happy Duo Cafe P’27 ’32
• Ice Cream Social
• JD & Co. P’29
• Jennifer Keeney
• John Long ’64
• Kenmore Air
• Lexington Independents
• Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
• Megan Schowalter
• Melissa Champlin Morrill ’76
• Merissa Humes Photo
• Metropolitan Market
• Michelle Verkooy
• Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar
• München Haus
• Museum of Glass
• New Habits Consulting
• Patrick Good, LMP P’29
• Rachel Metzgar P’29
• Red Star Taco Bar
• Seattle Aquarium
• Seattle Mariners
• Seattle Seawolves
• Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston
• Slidewaters in Lake Chelan
• Symphony Tacoma
• The Arias Family P’32 ’34 ‘34
• The Blakney Family P’32 ’33
• The Clark-Gamble Family P’32 ’34
• The Cochran Family P’17 ’19 ’31
• The Hoots Family P’33
• The Murray Family ’71, P’02, GP’38
• The Pla Family P’24 ’29 ’31
• The Raybuck-Chacón Family P’11 ’34
• The Richardson Family P’29
• The Stice Family P’24 ‘2
• The Will Family P’24 ’27
• The Williams Family
• Timothy Kroe
• Wilco Farm Store
• Woodland Park Zoo
A heartfelt thank you to all of the CWA faculty, staff, and students who volunteered as bid spotters, student portrait sellers, and check-out runners! Thank you to the members of our CWA community who assisted in event set-up and tear-down!
PAST SPIRIT AUCTION CHAIRS
• 1988 Signe Twardowski
• 1989 Signe Twardowski and Pam Emmons Smith
• 1990 Pam Emmons Smith and Sandra Hamilton
• 1991 Sandra Hamilton and Buzz Folsom
• 1992 Buzz Folsom and Barb Young
• 1993 Barb Young and Sally Will
• 1994 Sally Will
• 1995 Steering Committee: Sue Ellen Foss, Sandy Jasper, Shirley Bourdeau, Martha Bargren, Wendy Phillips, and Joan Arnold
• 1996 Joan Arnold and Zari Semerdjian
• 1997 Shirley Bourdeau
• 1998 Lynne Murphy Badgley
• 1999 Lynne Murphy Badgley
• 2000 Linda Stocker and Gayle Hampton-Smith
• 2001 Gayle Hampton-Smith
• 2002 Sheri Shull and Kim Nelson
• 2003 Kat Stoker
• 2004 Kat Stoker and Liz White
• 2005 Kathy McGoldrick and Casey Gibson
• 2006 Casey Gibson and Kathy McGoldrick
• 2007 Casey Gibson and Cindy Grady
• 2008 Cindy Grady and Emily Dienst
• 2009 Emily Dienst and Kendall McGuire Leith ’90
• 2010 Emily Dienst and Laura Reynolds
• 2011 Manuel and Chiarina Iregui
• 2012 Manuel and Chiarina Iregui
• 2013 Chiarina Iregui and Kathy Hinz
• 2014 Kathy Hinz and Gretchen Griffin
• 2015 Jamie and Rajiv Nagaich
• 2016 Jamie and Rajiv Nagaich
• 2017 Jamie Nagaich and Nicole Rode
• 2018 Nicole Rode and Gina Weigel
• 2019 Cassandra and Trevor ’93 Will
• 2020 Jessica Corddry, Chiarina Iregui, Ellen Middleton, Liz Snyder, Cassandra Will
• 2021 Emily Happy, Michele Jones, Molly Raybuck Chacón, Liz Snyder, Cassandra Will
• 2022-24 Molly Raybuck-Chacón P’11 ’34
The 2025 Spirit Auction is presented
by: