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from the Head of School
Dear Charles Wright Families, Alumni, Colleagues, and Friends,
It is my honor to welcome you to the 2026 Spirit Auction: Back to the Future! As I look around the room tonight, I’m reminded once again of what makes this community so special. The joy in your conversations, the familiar faces reconnecting, the excitement building as we come together with a shared purpose. It all reflects the heart of what makes our CWA community so special. Being here with you fills me with gratitude and pride to be a Tarrier.

Throughout the year, I have the privilege of seeing our students learn, grow, and challenge themselves in many ways, big and small. I see Beginning School children exploring the forest with curiosity and confidence, reminding us to notice the world with wonder and purpose. I see Lower School students racing across the playground, inventing games only they could dream up, showing us how innovation flourishes through play. I see Middle School students giving their all on the field and court, discovering what it means to persevere through healthy challenge and how to collaborate within a team. And I see Upper School students pursuing their personal interests and stepping into leadership roles that will help to prepare them for their bright futures ahead.
The student experience at CWA is truly one of a kind. One that is only possible thanks to our talented faculty and staff who show up for our kids every day. It is also in part thanks to the financial support that we receive from our generous community during times like the Spirit Auction. Ultimately, thank you so much for being here, for supporting our students. We are immensely grateful to have you as part of our community as we step into the next chapter of Charles Wright Academy.

Rachel Rippl P’31 Head of School


Dear members of the CWA community,
Welcome to the 2026 Spirit Auction: Back to the Future! We’re so glad you’re here with us tonight. As fellow CWA parents, we know how busy life can get, so the fact that you are here and are leaning into a night of 80s fun with us means a lot!
The theme may take us back to the days of mixtapes and neon windbreakers, but what really matters is the reason we’re all gathered. Just like Marty McFly learns on his time‑traveling adventures, the best moments are the ones where people come together and look out for each other. That’s exactly what this community does. When we show up for CWA, we’re showing up for the teachers, the experiences, and really the place that helps our kids grow into who they’re becoming.
As parents, we see every day how much this school gives our children: confidence, curiosity, friendships that stick, and a sense of belonging that means everything. Tonight is our chance to give something back. Every bid, every laugh, every moment we share helps keep CWA strong and moving forward.
So enjoy the neon lights, the music, the bidding, and all the totally rad 80s vibes. Know that by being here, you’re helping propel our school into a bright future — maybe not at 88 miles per hour, but with plenty of heart and momentum.
Thanks for being part of this community and for making tonight such a blast.
Cheers to an amazing evening!
Your Spirit Auction Committee Co‑Chairs
Cassandra Will P’24 ’27 & DeMeSHee Pye P’32

• Cassandra Will P’24 ’27, Co Chair
• DeMeSHee Pye P’32, Co Chair
• Maribel Arias P’32 ’34 ’34
• Rebecca Blaine Niazi P’21 P’25
• Stacy Broadmante P’38
• Amanda Horstman P’30
• Michele Jones P’34
• Molly Raybuck Chacón P’11 ’34 ’40
• Annie Salonen P’39
• Bay Stemp P’27
• Michael Otter Alvarado (Staff)
• Michelle Verkooy (Staff)
• Christina Bertucchi P’33 ’38
• Christopher Hoppin
• Jennifer Keeney
• Timothy Kroe
• Megan Schowalter

Be respectful, kind, and have fun!
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.







Asparagus & Pea Salad
Roasted Asparagus, Fresh English
Snow Peas, Shaved Fennel, Torn Romaine, Lemon Tarragon Dressing, Parmesan, Marcona Almonds
*Vegan, Gluten Free
Apple Braised Short Rib
Braised Short Rib, Celeriac & Pear Puree, Bavarian Braised Chard, Root Vegetables, Apple Braisage, Gremolata, Apple Chip
*nut free
Chicken Breast
Chicken Breast, Smoked Potato Puree, Artichoke Barigoule, Thyme & Garlic Jus, Bacon Jam, Crisp Potato
*nut free
Parisian Gnocchi
Parmesan Dumpling, Sage & Basil Pesto, Confit Garlic, Winter Mushrooms, Brown
Butter & Sage Sauce, Chili & Fennel
Pangritatta
*nut free


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 grab their most desired dessert. 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!


THE LUCKY LOCK BOX, SILENT, ALMOST LIVE, AND LIVE AUCTIONS will be available exclusively at the in person event at LeMay America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA.
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 concludes.


• 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 253‑620‑ 8875 to make arrangements. Unless other arrangements are made in advance, all auction winners will be charged in full during the week of March 23.
• 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 buy it 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 decision maker 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.
• 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.

Tarriers! Let’s come together and elevate our program!
A strong athletic program builds more than winning teams—it develops DISCIPLINE, builds CONFIDENCE, strengthens TEAMWORK, and inspires lasting PRIDE throughout Charles Wright Academy.
Elevating Athletics is an investment in creating a more competitive, well-supported environment where our student-athletes can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.







Buy your key(s) during the Silent Auction Reception and try your luck at the Lockbox for a chance to win free school lunch every day in the 2026-2027 school year for your student or a friend’s student at CWA! Only 4 lucky guests will be able to open the first box, then during the dinner program, we’ll invite the lucky 4 on stage to try and open the second box to determine the grand prize winner!


Terms: For the 2026 2027 Academic School Year. Your student will receive food worth the allotted daily amount per school day. Credits will be loaded to your student’s account on a monthly basis.
Special Thanks To Elior Independent School Dining



Estimated Value
$1,350








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!






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Step into the action! These two Pitchside seats in the West Section put you right on the field for the Sounders vs. Vancouver FC match on August 16, close enough to feel the energy, hear the players, and be part of the moment!
Get the VIP experience with in‑seat service, 2 entrees, unlimited drinks and snacks, and VIP Parking in the North Lot!
Terms Game date is August 16, 2026. CWA will connect winning bidder with donor to transfer tickets.
Special Thanks To The Blakney Family ’00, P’32 ’33


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. Mutually agreed upon date. Not valid on holidays. Gratuity not included. Expires March 21, 2027.
Special Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant
Thanks To & Tequila Bar and the Arias Family P’32 ’34 ’34.







Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our 7th and 8th 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!





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.
In collaboration with Christina Bertucchi, 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 replicate a scene of Ruby Beach in the Olympic National Park! 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!
Special Thanks To Christina Bertucchi and her Upper School Spring Glass Class





Receive 10 reserved front‑row seats to CWA’s 2026 4th grade promotion and 2 reserved parking spots for the day!
You and your family have worked hard and have waited a long time for this very special day! Arrive to campus with ease and cheer for your student from the best seats in the house.
Special Thanks To Charles Wright Academy




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 preferred game from a list of available dates which will include weekends, spring, summer or fall.
Special
Thanks To Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation









Settle into resort‑style living at its finest with a full 7‑night stay in a two‑bedroom villa at the iconic Arizona Biltmore
This spacious, family‑friendly villa blends luxury and comfort, giving you room to spread out, relax, and savor every sun‑soaked moment.
Enjoy the best of the Biltmore—sparkling pools, world‑class dining, lush grounds, and endless desert sunshine—while having the privacy and ease of your own villa. With extra space, elevated amenities, and access to all the resort’s signature experiences.
A full week of warmth, relaxation, and unforgettable memories awaits!
Terms Stay will be determined between winner and donor to find mutually agreeable dates. Ideal 2027 occupancy dates must be submitted by July 15, 2026.
Special Dobler Management Company Thanks To (’77), (’79, P’18), (’84, P’18)


Third Grade began this process by looking at indigenous trees of the Nisqually River, 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!
Special Thanks To CWA 3rd Graders & Timothy Kroe


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!
Special Thanks To 5th & 6th Graders & Christopher Hoppin







Honor a student or someone you love and name the CWA Loop for the 2026‑27 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 2026 27 school year. Sign cannot include images, slogans, or taglines.



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
© 2025 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/ SIPC. All rights reserved.


Discover pure island serenity with a 7‑night stay for a family of four at Salterra Resort & Spa in South Caicos!
This ocean‑view retreat sets the tone for a week of effortless relaxation and elevated island living.
At Salterra, remote tranquility meets breathtaking beauty—where clear turquoise waters wash onto white‑sand beaches and dramatic bluffs rise into vibrant tropical landscapes. Every moment is enriched by personalized concierge service, curating rare and captivating experiences that reveal the vivid colors, flavors, and rhythms of South Caicos.
A full week of luxury, discovery, and island magic awaits.
Terms Blackout dates include: Thanksgiving, Christmas to New Years, MLK Jr Day, Presidents’ Day Week, Spring Break, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Special 58 Stars Travel & Thanks To The Will Family ’93, P’24 ’27







MISSION SPONSOR
• Mitsubishi Electric
TARRIER STRONG SPONSORS
• Attorney Darrell Cochran
• Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Washington
• Titus Will Automotive Group
MARTLET IN FLIGHT SPONSORS
• CWA Board of Trustees
• Pease Construction
PARTY WITH CHARLIE SPONSOR
• Animal Care Clinic
CELEBRATE SPIKE SPONSOR
• Dermatology & Allergy Specialists of Olympia, PLLC
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
• Goldman Sachs
• Hive Co.
• Light Dental Studios
SPORTS BOOSTERS SPONSORS
• Crozier Insurance Agency
• John L. Scott – Tacoma North
• Tacoma Baseball Club













•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 25 Molly Raybuck Chacón P’11 ’34 ’40


2026 Spirit Auction is presented by: