Frequently Asked Questions
- I've never been to an auction. What can I expect?
- What kinds of items will be auctioned?
- How do I donate an item?
- Can I bring my kids?
- Do I have to spend a lot of money?
- I can't attend the auction, but I want to bid on some items. How do I?
I've never been to an auction. What can I expect?
Thornton Creek’s auction is a festive, adults-only evening with friends, delicious food and wonderful opportunities to bid on donated items. A silent auction takes place early in the evening. You’ll be able to see the items and write your bids on bid sheets. If you want something, stay close by as the table closing time approaches. You'll want to make sure you're the top bidder! Silent auction tables will close in time for you to enjoy the delicious catered meal and find a seat for the live auction. Get ready to raise your paddle for some big ticket items, including your own child's classroom art project!
What kinds of items will be auctioned?
An ever-expanding online catalog is about to go live! When you visit, you’ll get a sneak peek at the catalog and be able to quickly browse to get a sense of what’s in each category. If you take a moment to sign in, you can access the entire catalog list, create a wish list of items you’re interested in and find easy instructions for e-mailing catalog descriptions to friends.
How do I donate an item?
You can donate items and services with our online form, a convenient way of submitting from the comfort of home. You can even e-mail a photo of the item. If you’re donating an item and not a service, you’ll need to deliver it to the auction or contact the donations chair to make arrangements.
If you’d rather fill out a traditional donation form, no problem. Just contact Erica Knowles or Anji Jarvis.
Can I bring my kids?
The auction is adults only. Off-site childcare will be available for a fee. Details
Do I have to spend a lot of money?
No. In fact, you don’t have to bid on anything. But the auction is our school's biggest fundraiser, so we hope you come prepared to bid what you can. You might reserve some of your family's dining dollars for a restaurant gift certificate or your vacation budget for an auction adventure. The silent auction offers a wide range of items, from affordable to premium. There are also “non-bidding” options, like events and experiences on the Buy-It-Now Board or raffle tickets — something fun and relatively hassle-free (if competition isn’t your thing). Either way, you’ll find purchasing opportunities for every budget. And you’re encouraged to invite friends, family and colleagues who have more spending power. In fact, egging on interested bidders is highly encouraged!
I can't attend the auction, but I want to bid on some items. How do I?
There are two options for bidding if you can’t attend.
- Ask a friend who is attending to bid on your behalf and stay within your parameters. Like previous years, the online catalog will be available for your review; in addition, a printed version of the catalog will be distributed in April to all guests who’ve registered. This gives everyone a chance to review items that will be available on auction night.
- An online silent auction before the big event that lets everyone participate from home or work. Check it out if you can't attend on May 1st or just want to sharpen your bidding skills.