FREQUENTLY ASKED AUCTION QUESTIONS

Auction 101:

Do I have to dress up?
The event is casual cocktail attire, as we are on the field this year, dress for a festival. Be comfortable, be festive and most important, wear flat shoes.

Does everything I purchase go towards my fundraising goal?
Yes!! Everything you purchase at the auction will count towards your fundraising obligation. Dinner tickets does NOT count towards your fundraising obligation, but everything else will be credited 100%.

Do I have to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy myself?

No! There will be items, packages, and sign up events to fit every budget. Auction Night is a great big party filled with food, friends, and fun. Use it as an opportunity to shop for gifts for others...money you'd spend anyway... think Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc.

Why do I need to attend this auction in person? Can I just donate money instead?

As much as we appreciate your generosity, we strongly encourage you to join us at the auction. It is truly a community event, and you will enjoy the company of many others that share the same passion for education. However, if circumstances prevent your attendance at the auction, you can donate cash or items.

If I volunteer on Auction Night, can I bid on items?
Yes, we hope you do!!  When you arrive on Auction Night, you are encouraged to “Check-In” to get a Bid Number. This gives you freedom to bid and purchase just like our guests.

What is mobile bidding?
You will place bids on the silent auction items via your Smart Phones (make sure you bring them charged!) It makes the auction experience easier for you, as it lets you mingle more throughout the evening without missing out on the packages you want.  The week before the auction you will receive text messages on how to register and get familiar with the system. (Only people who purchase a ticket will be able to bid).

Do I get to preview the items before the event?
Yes! We will be highlighting some of the fun and interesting items on the school Social Media pages during the weeks leading up to the auction. You will also be able to view items on the mobile site as they are added, so you can begin planning your bidding strategies. There will be no printed catalog this year.

What if I have no one to sit with?
We will take care of you! We will do our best to sit you with families from your grade level, and that will give you an opportunity to get to know the people you interact with every day. Everyone leaves as friends!

I'm new to the school and feeling overwhelmed after reading this!

It's okay. We've all been there...being the new kid on the block. The Auction is simply an awesome party and a way for us to raise money for the school. The Auction Chairs are the Party Planners and they need help to pull it off.

Start brainstorming about what you'd like to donate...think about your network and contacts...would someone you know consider donating something awesome to help raise money for our school?

Consider when you'd like to volunteer and your schedule.
If you want to help or donate…just ask…we are here to help each other!

Donation 101:

How can I help, make a donation or purchase advertising in the Auction program?
All contributions are most welcome and even the smallest donation is of great importance in making the auction a success.

• Make a donation – Many items are needed for the auction.

• We are looking for donations for the Live & Silent Board Auction. Do you have a vacation home that you can offer for a week? Do you have sporting game tickets or a suite you can donate? Perhaps a service you can offer?
• Become a Sponsor– This event relies on the generous support of local businesses, SSJ families, and community.

I just donated something worth $100; do I get fundraising credit for that?
You do not receive fundraising credit for donations, but all donations are tax deductible.

Can we get creative with our donations?

We love creative ideas. If you have a great idea that you've seen at other auctions or something you'd like to see offered at ours, tell us about it. If you have a wild and crazy idea for a package or item, we want to hear it!

If you're still not sure what to do next, simply email us and say, "Help, I'm new!" We understand and are happy to help you navigate your way.

I have connections, but don’t want to approach my contact…can you do it for me?
Yes, we can! We have a group of parents that are ready to call! All you have to do is give us the information!

I don’t have connections, and don’t have anything to donate, but still want to help. Do you have suggestions?

Yes, we do! An easy way to help is by donating a gift card of some kind…or a bottle of wine for the Wine Wheel. Any bottle of wine worth $20 or more, any value of gift card…we can package it with other items!

If you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out to the Auction Committee at: auction@ssjschool.org