FAQs

What is a silent auction?

A silent auction is a fundraising event where donated items such as tickets to attractions, gift cards, gift baskets, vacation rentals, and other items are auctioned off to the highest bidder. All bids will be made "silently" using your mobile phone until the bidding closes, at which time the bidder who placed the highest bid wins! All proceeds will be donated to the Van Ness PTO to directly benefit our students.

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Will food and drinks be served?

Yes! Hors d'oeuvres, sodas, beer and wine provided by our generous sponsors will be served at the event.

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What is the attire?

We encourage you to come dressed in cocktail or black tie attire.

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How much of the ticket price is tax deductible?

$25 of your ticket price may be tax deductible.

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Can I bring my kids?

Sorry, this event is reserved for adults, 21 years of age and older only. Reserve your babysitters now!

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Is this event just for Van Ness families?

Absolutely not! We encourage future Van Ness families, Capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard neighbors and others wanting to support a great cause to join us for an evening of fun and to bid on some great silent auction items like restaurant gift cards, golf outings, attraction tickets and more!

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How will bidding take place?/What is mobile bidding?

Paper bidding is so 2016! Bidding is right at your finger tips with mobile bidding using your smartphone. Details on how to create an account on Auctria.com will be provided after you buy your tickets to the event. We would also be happy to help you create an account at the event.

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What if I don't have a smart phone for mobile bidding?

No smartphone? That's ok! Ask about how to bid on items at the event registration.

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How will I pay for the auction items I win?

When you set up an account through Auctria.com, you can set up payment directly to the Van Ness PTO. If you prefer to pay with cash or check, please let us know at registration.

 

I'm not interested in bidding. Can/should I still attend the event?

Absolutely! This event is a great opportunity to not only support Van Ness Elementary School students but also to meet and mingle with your neighbors. Participation in the silent auction is not required. You can also make a donation to the school via PayPal, credit card, cash or check.

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Do I need to bring cash?

You do not need to bring cash for bidding but we encourage you to bring cash to tip the amazing bartenders serving you at the event.

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How will the money raised be used?

Funds raised will directly benefit Van Ness students. We will hire teacher's assistants to increase one-on-one student-teacher learning opportunities and to purchase educational materials for the classrooms.

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Why does the PTO have to raise this money?

Did you know that the Van Ness PTO is the primary contributor to the school? DCPS provides a limited number of resources to Van Ness Elementary School. It is up to PTOs like ours to provide support above and beyond what is provided by DCPS to ensure our students have the best learning opportunities available to them.

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I can't attend the event. Can I still bid on items?

Some items will be available for a pre-event online auction. Unfortunately, we cannot ship any items sold (except e-voucher items which can be emailed to the winner). Items will need to be picked up at Van Ness Elementary School (1150 5th ST SE, Washington, DC 20003).
 

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