Auction

LogoFrequently 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 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, all attendees from last year 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 14, 2012 at Embassy Suites- Washington Square. The event begins with our Silent Auction at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and the Live (Oral) Auction.

Q: What happens at the auction?

A: At 5:00 p.m. the silent auction begins in the Regency Ballroom. We will have three sections that will close at various times. Guests will enjoy bidding and socializing while enjoying drinks. A lovely dinner will be served in the Embassy Ballroom and guests will be treated to live music. 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 will be folllowed by a chance to dance to some jazzy live music.

Q: What are class projects?

A: Each K-8 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: 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.

Q: I can't afford a ticket to the auction, is there a way for me to participate?

A: Yes! This year all are welcome to attend the Silent Auction at no cost. If you would like to purchase items at the silent auction we will be offering an opportunity to purchase a $10 bidder number online or during the silent auction.

Q: How can I help? Do you still need volunteers?

A:Yes! We can always use new volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities with the Auction. 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? Let us know your interests and availability, and we’ll find a job for you.

Q: How do I donate to the Auction?

A: You can come to the Auction Office with your donation and fill out a donor form or you can download a donor form.

Q: What is the donation deadline?

A:  March 16, 2012.

Q: I’m interested in being an Auction Sponsor. What do I do?

A: Please contact Sharlayne Buuck: 503-718-6484/ sbuuck@ssmominstries.org or Grace Le Chevallier 503-718-6482 / glechevallier@ssmoministries.org