Support the kids in our community by donating to our annual McKinley-Thatcher Auction!
Our McKinley-Thatcher Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) would love your support for our annual auction fundraiser taking place on Friday, March 13, 2026! It is a fun, celebratory evening where parents, teachers & staff, and supporters of our school gather to have a night out while giving back to the McKinley-Thatcher community.
What would your donation be supporting?
Our auction is our largest fundraiser and it helps provide essential funding for our school, McKinley-Thatcher. We are a Denver public elementary school in the Platt Park neighborhood that proudly serves a diverse population. As a 2021 National Blue Ribbon Award recipient for Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing, our school fosters a love of learning through experiential education, individualized approaches, and whole-child development.
Though small with just 300 students, our impact is mighty. Our students live in Platt Park, Overland, University, Baker, Rosedale, Wash Park neighborhoods and beyond. We are also growing, which has wonderful advantages but also comes with significant funding challenges as Denver Public Schools reduces budget assistance. Without community partners like you, we face difficult decisions about cutting essential staff positions, which directly impacts our students' educational experience.
Why is supporting our auction so important?
Our annual auction fundraiser is crucial to bridging this funding gap. We aim to raise enough to:
Retain our school librarian, ensuring all students have access to high-quality literature
Maintain our nurse and school counselor, providing essential health support
Hire and retain paraprofessionals who directly enhance classroom learning
Preserve low teacher-student ratios to effectively serve our diverse student population
What kind of things should you donate?
Need ideas? Past donors have generously gifted the following items, but we are open to any type of support, so don’t hesitate to share any other thoughts!
Vacation rentals (a second home that you can offer for a weekend - or up to a week - for a McT family to stay)
Gift Cards to your business (any amount works!)
Fun interactive classes - cooking classes, knitting classes, cocktail-making…whatever highlights your expertise
Hosted events; anything from happy hours to cocktail parties, where you host a group of McT supporters
Physical products - apparel, curated gift bags, or any items that help showcase your business
What will you receive in return for your support?
The auction attracts hundreds of school families, educators, and community members who are highly engaged and passionate about our school! All donor businesses receive prominent recognition on our auction website and event materials, connecting you with community-minded local customers. As McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School PTA is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 84-6047906), your contribution is fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.
We would be so grateful for any donation you can make (e.g. gift certificate, a donated item, passes, a hosted event). All contributions, regardless of size, make a significant difference in our students' educational journey!
Know what you want to donate? CLICK HERE to fill out our donation form, or email our Auction Committee at mctauction@gmail.com.
