Almost everything you need to know about the TDS Auction:
For those of you who have never attended the Triangle Day School Auction here are some FAQ's
Why do we have an auction?
The auction is the primary fund raising event for the year, and it is critical to the success of Triangle Day School. Last year, the evening raised over $75,000 – this translates to almost $400 per child;–money that went directly into the School’s operating budget–which, in turn, maintains our rich curriculum, extensive student services, and our qualified staff. Each year continues to build upon itself, and this year, with your help, we would like to see the auction’s profits go even higher.
When and where is the auction?
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Bay 7, American Tobacco Campus in Downtown Durham
What time does the Auction start?
The Silent Auction will open at 6:00 pm, Followed by a Sit Down Dinner, Live Auction, and Fund a Cause.
How much is admission?
Speakeasy passes are as follows:
Bootlegger Pass: $100.00 buys you one speakeasy pass.
Putting on the Ritz: $200.00 buys you two speakeasy passes.
The Big Cheese: $800.00 buys you a table.
What is included with the admission fee?
Hors d’oeuvres, wine, sit down dinner, coffee, dessert, a bidder number, and a really good time!
Can I bring my friends if they do not have children attending Triangle Day School?
YES! Bring all your friends. The auction is a social and fun event for all our guests. We also need buyers to make it a financial success. Tables seat 10, and there will be instructions on how to request individuals you wish to be seated with on the response form. We must warn you that you may meet some new friends if your table is not full.
What should I wear?
The theme of this year’s auction is Roaring Twenties! Come as a flapper or gangster. Or come as a character from The Great Gatsby!
How can I get an auction program?
In a continued effort to become more environmentally friendly, the auction program will be available on the auction website only.
How does the auction work?
There are two parts to the auction:
1. The “Silent Auction”
The auction committee is excited to announce it is bidding farewell to paper bid sheets! During registration you will be given a handheld device pre-loaded with every auction item-- item description, value, bid increments, photo and donor information. You can bid on items from anywhere and at anytime during the event. The device allows you to place maximum bids, view items with no bids, watch favorite items and you will receive instant outbid alerts! All of the Silent Auction items will be on display on the second floor. Bay 7 has an elevator for easy access between the two stories.
2. The “Live Auction”
Following the “Silent Auction”, the sit down dinner and Live Auction will begin. The Live Auction items will be on display on the first floor. At the start of The “Live Auction” you may bid on any item by raising your hand/bidder number. The order of flow is listed in the auction program. We have a professional auctioneer who starts the bidding and the fun going between bidders.
How do I pay for all the goods & services I purchase?
That night you don’t. During the live auction you will receive an invoice listing the items you have won. All items from both the “Silent Auction” and the “Live Auction” will be available for pick up at the end of the auction or slightly prior to the end of the auction. Bring your bidder number and form to the check out table. You will be billed for your purchases, with payment due within 2 weeks. We take cash, checks, Visa, and MasterCard.
How do you acquire items for the Auction?
We ask each family to donate one or more unique, unused item or gift certificate, per child, to the auction.
Think of who you know. Do they have any connections that could get us items for the auction? It doesn't have to be a complete package; we can mix show tickets, with a limo ride, and a hotel stay. Every little bit helps, but quality items with perceived value sell best.
Things that have sold well in the past, garnering high bids have been: tickets to sporting events, such as (football, baseball, basketball and hockey); sports or entertainment memorabilia, especially signed items; show tickets (American Dance Festival, Durham Performing Arts Center); a stay at someone's personal condo or vacation home; electronics (DVD players, stereos, MP3 players, etc); catering in one's home for a dinner party; works of art, jewelry, etc. The list goes on. Also, other items that sell well and can be bundled with other like items are: movie tickets; beautiful & unique handmade items; yard work, handy man, house cleaning, massage, sports lessons (golf, tennis, ski, and baseball/basketball clinics), etc.
I would like to donate tickets to a sporting event/show but the date is before the auction – what do I do?
If you have access to tickets to a sporting event – basketball, hockey, football, NASCAR or a show Carolina Ballet, Symphony, American Dance Festival, etc., we can sell them prior to the auction thru various online auction sites.
When do you need to know about items that can be auctioned?
As soon as possible! If you can guarantee delivery, we want to post it right away on the TDS website. You can go to your class's auction webpage and add the item to be donated. It's as easy as that! If you prefer to fill out a form manually, please complete the YELLOW donation form(s) and bring the form and the item(s) to the admissions office. All items must be at the school by January 25, 2012.
I'm a new parent, and I still have no clue as to what the auction is all about.
No Problem. Don't worry. All of us were new families at Triangle Day School at one time. Come to the Auction on February 25th, have fun and see what happens. Once you've experienced the auction, you'll be on board and probably chairing a committee next year. As well as being a fundraiser, this is a fun, social evening. You do not have to be an expert on the auction to be an important part of making it a success. By just attending you greatly contribute. Please note that this is an adult-only function.
Do you need volunteers for the auction?
Yes. As a matter of fact, several workers are needed to make the night a success. If you’d like to volunteer, we have an array of committees encompassing everything from the class projects to set-up and breakdown. Some jobs can be done from home with a phone and a computer, while others involve a significant time commitment. Each job provides a wonderful opportunity to become more integrated with the TDS community through meeting and working with other parents, all towards our common goal of providing exceptional education for our children. Please contact me, information below if you are interested.
I hope that I have answered many of the questions that you may have. If I missed any, please feel free to contact me. Otherwise - See you at the auction!
Grettel Cousins
Auction Chair
glcousins@gmail.com
919-942-9902
