The 2025 annual NEF Lighthouse Auction will be held on Saturday, November 8th from 6 – 9:30 pm at Newburyport City Hall. The most important fundraiser of the year for the Newburyport public schools, the NEF Auction consistently raises over $100,000 allocated to supporting critical learning initiatives throughout the Newburyport educational system and in 2024 exceeded $150,000. Live Auction guests are invited to arrive at 6 pm to enjoy cocktails, tasty bites and live music by, Better Things Band and bidding on 20 exclusive items will begin at 8 pm. Please note that the auction event bar will accept chash and Venmo only.
The success of this community-wide fundraiser can be attributed to its broad participation from a huge quantity of individuals and businesses. Always an exciting evening, the NEF Auction is made possible by the collective effort of many volunteers who generously donated their time, services. The NEF invites everyone be join in this critical community wide effort, “Bid for the Kids.”
The NEF Auction is really a wonderful opportunity to Shop Local! Auction items are donated mostly by local businesses and individuals passionate about supporting our local schools. The NEF Lighthouse Auction features an amazing selection of over 200 silent auction items, whether your looking to treat yourself to something special or need a unique gift, we highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the auction items. Online bidding for the silent auction opens at 6 pm on November 1st and closes on November 8th at 8 pm.
If you’re planning to attend the live auction make sure to purchase live auction tickets in advance. The Lighthouse Auction will be hosting a large silent auction that both party attendees, as well as those that can not make the actual event, can bid online.
Did they say VIP….Support Local and kick off the 2025 NEF Lighthouse Auction as an NEF VIP! Purchase a VIP Package which includes: one ticket to the live auction, one exclusive NEF wine glass, a Farm+Sea candle, a split of wine, a speciality olive oil or vinegar from Affamata, two drink vouchers, an assortment of Swiss chocolates and one raffle ticket for the MK Benatti Shopping Spree.
Local jeweler and exceptionally generous NEF Auction Sponsor, M.K. Benatti will once again be host a raffle drawing for a shopping spree at their downtown store. The first prize winner will be treated to a $3,500 shopping spree, with second and third prize winners getting $1,000 and $500 to shop for their jewels. M.K. Benatti raffle tickets can be purchased online. The drawing will be held at 5 pm on Sunday, November 9th at M.K. Benatti and winners will be notified after the drawing.
The Newburyport Education Foundation is a non-profit organization created to offset the financial pressures put on the Newburyport School System. These pressures include rising operating costs because of government mandates, technology needs and rising special education costs.
Please enjoy some of our photos and videos from prior years live auction events.
