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Columbia Community Foundation's 2010 Fall Gala Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I have forgotten what meal I ordered on my RSVP card so what meal did I order?
A: All attendees will have a name card with their meal selection indicated on it so that the servers are aware of whom gets what meals.
Q: I cannot be there at the starting time of the event so may I come late to the event?
A: Yes, anybody who has sent in their RSVP card with payment may show up and leave at any time during the event.
Q: If I can only arrive after the meal has been served, may I take my meal home with me?
A: Yes, the Columbia Community Foundation has made arrangements with the host to individually package up all meals that have been ordered, paid for, and not consumed.
Q: If I can only arrive after the meal has been served, may I pay a discounted rate for the event?
A: No, at this time the Columbia Community Foundation's fundraising event does not have a discounted rate.
Q: May I bid on either the live and silent auction items, if I am not able to attend the event?
A: Generally, no, however if you have family or friends in attendance at the event who wish to bid on your behalf and provide either cash or check payment at the end of the event for any winning items, then yes.
Q: What types of payment are accepted for auction items that I am the winning bidder on?
A: The foundation can only accept cash and check payments at this time, because we do not have credit card processing functionality. We apologize for any inconvience that this cause, however, credit card transaction rates and monthly fees are quite expensive for the amount of transactions that the foundation would potentionally be making.
Q: If I am a winning auction item bidder, when must I pay for an pick up the item?
A: All auction item winners must pay for their winning items before leaving the event, and then upon payment being received, the item may immediately be taken home with you.
Q: How does the auction bidding process work?
A: Each attendee who wishes to bid either on a live or silent auction item must first sign in on the bidder's sign-in sheet in order to receive a Bidder Number. This number will be your unique number that you may use throughout the night when bidding on live and silent auction items.
Q: How does the silent auction bidding process work?
A: After you have received your unique Bidder Number, then you may browse the various silent auction items available upon the auction tables where each one will have the item on display, a sign describing the item in detail, and a silent auction bidding sheet. If you are interested in bidding on this item and you are the first bidder, then you must bid the minimum amount stated on the sheet and sign for that particular item. If you are not the first bidder, then you must make a bid in increments stated on the sheet and sign for that particular item. You may always bid at a higher increment if you wish, but you may not bid at a lower increment or at a lower bid than has already been written in by another bidder.
Q: How does the live auction bidding process work?
A: After you have received your unique Bidder Number, then you may browse the various live auction items available upon the auction tables where each one will have the item on display and a sign describing the item in detail. Throughout the event, the auctioneer will interrupt the entertainment at the event to auction off a few live auction items at a time. He will open each live auction by asking for a bid using the minimum amount stated on the sign for that particular item. After he receives a minimum bid, then he will start asking for increased bids at his discretion. There will be additional foundation board members assisting the auctioneer in spotting attendees who raise their hands to bid on that particular item so that hopefully no bidder is missed. Bidders must raise their Bidder Number Card when bidding on live auction items so that the auctioneer can see it. A winning bidder will be determined when the auctioneer makes a final call for an increased bid and none is received, then the last bid received will be determined the winning bidder for that particular item.
Q: Who resolves disputes in the live auction bidding process?
A: Since this is supposed to be a enjoyable fundraising process and event, the foundation hopes that there are never any disputes or issues, however, if there are questions raised, then the ultimate determination will be made by the foundation's president in consultation with the other foundation officers and the auctioneer.
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