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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why does our school have an auction?
A: Just like other private schools, the tuition for each child does not cover the true cost of education. Along with the Annual Fund, the auction helps to offset the operating budget for our school and your participation is important in both fundraisers. The auction is also the biggest party on campus, bringing together alumni, friends and parents of children of all ages within the larger community—in support and celebration of Valley Catholic School.
Q: What happens to the proceeds from the auction?
A: All proceeds from the auction go directly to the operating budgets of Valley Catholic School: the Early Learning Center, Elementary, Middle, and High. The school uses the funds raised for operating expenses that make many of our programs possible. As the Annual Fund grows, our goal would be to have proceeds from the auction cover projects that are over and above operational expenses.
Q: Who is invited to the auction? Can I invite people from outside the VCS community?
A: Invitations are mailed (or emailed, upon request) to all current parents, alumni in Washington and Oregon, all attendees from the past two years, sponsors, and other VCS friends and supporters. We encourage you to bring friends who are enthusiastic about Catholic education, or those who are interested in supporting our school or attending our school. If you would like us to mail an invitation, please let us know.
Q: When and where is the auction?
A: The auction will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010 in the Valiant Athletic Facility, which talented parents transform into an elegant banquet room. The event begins with our Silent Auction at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the Live (Oral) Auction. The evening will conclude with the raffle drawing for a 2010 Toyota Prius sponsored by Beaverton Toyota.
Q: What happens at the auction?
A: At 5:00 p.m. the silent auction begins in the Eagle Gym. We will have three sections that will close at: 5:45, 6:15, and 7:00. Guests will enjoy bidding and socializing while enjoying beer, wine, or a signature drink and live music performed by VC high school student jazz band, the Greg Hanley Trio. A lovely
dinner will be served in the Valiant Gym and guests will again be treated to the musical talents of VCS students, the Kingsmen, a men’s a cappella vocal group. The live (or oral) auction will be kicked off with the drawing of the “Golden Ticket,” for which chances will have been sold throughout the evening. The winner of the Golden Ticket may choose any package from the live auction before any bidding begins! Immediately after, the auctioneer will kick off lively bidding on exciting trips and exclusive experiences, plus our always-charming and popular class projects, created by the students in grades K to 8. All guests will also have an opportunity to contribute to financial aid by raising their paddles to pledge their financial support. The live auction lasts until about 9:30 or 10:00, and culminates in the drawing for the lucky winner of a 2010 Toyota Prius!
Q: What are class projects?
A: Each PreK-6 classroom works together under the leadership of parent volunteers to create a one-of-a-kind project. In past years, projects have ranged from a handmade tiled mirror to a decoupage dresser. Students help put their own creativity and artistic abilities into these incredible, highly-sought-after class projects.
Q: What is an auction “package?”
A: A package is a group of items that have been combined to create a basket, amazing trip, or experience that enhances all the items in the package. All offerings at the auction, both silent and live, are referred to as “packages.”
Q: How do I bid in the silent auction?
A: Each package has a bidding sheet next to it with a series of lines, each with a bid amount and a space for a bid number and name. When you arrive at the auction, you will receive a bidder number. This is what you write, along with your last name, on the line next to the amount that you would like to bid for the package. The package goes to the highest bidder at the time of the closing.
Q: What is a “guaranteed” bid?
A: All packages have a required minimum bid, and a few will also have a guaranteed bid. If a bidder writes their number next to the guaranteed bid, then all bidding stops and that bidder has won the package. The guaranteed bid is usually over the valued price of the package.
Q: How do I bid in the live auction?
A: Our professional auctioneer will lead the bidding orally by announcing price points. When you hear the amount you want to bid, you raise your auction paddle so it can easily be seen. The auctioneer will gesture toward you and announce your bid to the audience. The package will be sold to the highest bidder.
Q: I want to bid on something, but I can’t attend. Is there still a way to bid?
A: Yes! Download our proxy bid sheet, fill it out, and submit it prior to the start of the auction. A staff member will be assigned to bid for you, up to the maximum amount that you indicate. You may submit proxy bids for items in both the silent and the live auction.
Q: Are my purchases tax-deductible?
A: Amounts paid over the listed value of a package are tax-deductible. Your
auction receipt will itemize the price you paid and the value of each package you
purchased.
Q: Will there be anything there that I can afford?
A: Our auction committee works hard to ensure that there are packages with a variety of values. Guests can spend anywhere from $15 to several thousand dollars. Plus, there are always deals to be had by alert bidders in the silent auction.
Q: We really can’t afford to spend anything, but it sounds really fun. Is it okay for us to attend?
A: Absolutely! Our auction is the biggest party on campus, and we encourage all parents to attend. To make our live auction exciting, we need to fill the room with lots of energetic supporters as well as participating bidders. Don’t miss this great party because you think it’s too fancy—this event does not have an “elitist” feel at all.
Q: How can I help? I work full-time and don’t have much free time to spare.
A:There are SO many different ways to contribute your time to this event. Can you stuff envelopes at home after the kids are asleep? Are you able to pick up donations from local area businesses on weekends? Will you offer your time and energy to help with decorations or set-up on auction day? Or can you lend some muscle power to our transportation team?
For a list of volunteer tasks, click here. If you still aren’t sure, contact:
Jessica Senecal, Auction Chair
Tania Chatterjee, Volunteer Chair
Danielle Tomich, Auction Coordinator