Introducing Bids on Babcock

For years, Friday Night Lights, an all-school parent event and fundraiser hosted by the Panther Club, brought Poly families together for school spirit and an evening on campus. This year, the Panther Club is reimagining the event as Poly Spirit Weekend, with the Bids on Babcock parent party as its centerpiece. The goal is to bring together parents from kindergarten through 12th grade for an all-school celebration, whether or not their children participate in Poly Athletics.

For Panther Club Chair Jeanette Zamora P ’26 ’29, the change reflects a larger priority for the organization: strengthening connections across divisions. “To me, it’s all about building community and connection across all divisions together,” she says. That spirit is at the heart of Bids on Babcock.

“We’re taking a specific turn away from making it feel like it’s for athletic families only,” says Bids on Babcock co-chair Aaron Cohen P ’27 ’29. “We’re hoping that parents will see this as the seminal event for the year, where they can interact with parents of all grades.”

The evening is designed to make that easy. With an ’80s and ’90s theme, a DJ and dance floor, a photo booth, an auction managed through an app, and a festive food and bar experience, the party is meant to be as much about having fun as it is about fundraising.

Co-chair Joe Shuster P '31 first became involved with Panther Club when he was tapped to organize the annual three-on-three basketball tournament. For him, it all comes back to the students.

"I found it really meaningful creating experiences for students through the three-on-three tournament," he says. "Even the parent party we're planning now—it's ultimately about serving the students. These events pay for the senior banquet and everything else we do. That's what makes it all worthwhile for me."

The party also offers a chance for families at different stages of the Poly experience to connect.

“Parent parties are grade-specific,” Aaron says. “You can get to know the other parents in your grade, but if you don’t have two kids at school, you’re not really getting to know parents in other grades. This is a great opportunity for that kindergarten parent to talk to the 10th-, 11th-, or 12th-grade parent and say, ‘Any tips for me?’”

Bids on Babcock’s co-chair Yessenia Tseng P ’27 ’30 joined Panther Club in part because she wanted to contribute to the community while getting to know more families. After moving from Houston two years ago, volunteering has been a meaningful way to build those connections.

“It’s a great way for me to meet other parents, not just parents from my boys’ grades,” she says. “We have a common goal, and we try to volunteer for the school. It’s just a great way to make friends.”

That enthusiasm is shared by the more than 40 parent volunteers working behind the scenes to bring Bids on Babcock to life. The group has brought plenty of energy and creativity to the process, with some ideas already being saved for future years.

For Jeanette, the work is ultimately about reminding families what Panther Club makes possible.

“Panther Club not only spreads school spirit by running the Panther Store with merchandise,” she says. “We provide free snacks to students, give out spirit T-shirts to the entire school community, produce senior banners, and provide free banquets for all Middle and Upper School athletic teams. The funds raised go back to the students and our community.”

The Panther Club is also hosting a full day of sports and activities for the entire family. On Saturday, September 26, you’re invited to ‘Pack the Haus Fall Spirit Day,’ where you can cheer on Poly athletes, participate in the Family Walk & Run at Caltech, or compete in the Pickleball Tournament. You’ll find all the details for the Poly Spirit Weekend here.