Tara "Boom" Houston Children's Foundation

Live, Silent & Drop-N-Draw Auctions

When planning the auctions, at any of our events, whether large or small....finding creative, out-of-the-box donations and ideas helps us grow our auctions and their appeal to all our event guests.

Truly, our auction tables are getting a pretty good reputation as some of the best! That's because with the support of our sponsors, donors, guests and volunteers we have the best! From donations to set up and display, we work hard to appeal to everyone.

At our larger events we are known to run three different types of charity auctions. The Live, Silent & Drop-N-Draw are best explained to the left for those who are unfamiliar with the format.

Having the various auction types at all of our major events allows everyone to get involved in the fun and excitement of 'winning.'

To run a successful auction requires alot of work from our volunteers as well as the great support of you that believe in our cause.

Considering an auction donation to any of our events? Thanks in advance!

Click here for a copy of our current donation request letter or feel free to contact us with regards to your offer.

Email: info@tbhcf.com

Phone: 519-631-5359

Taxable receipts can be issued for donated items with a fair market value of over $150 (proof of value or appraisal is required) on request.

What is a Silent Auction?

A silent auction is a fundraising success technique frequently used at many of our charity events. It differs from the typical auction conducted by an auctioneer who calls out the prices for items and then takes the raised hands of people as bids at a certain price. It’s a preferred means for raising money at our events because it does not detract from the entertainment provided at the event.

Usually our silent auction is conducted by setting up tables or displays of items or services upon which our guests can bid. A minimum bid may be set, especially when the item is of high value. Paper is located near each item, allowing our event guests to write down their names and bid amounts. The silent auction people a chance, during the event, to tour the different items available for auction and decide upon which items they would like to bid.

The bid sheet shows all previous bids so that our guests participating in the silent auction know that they need to bid higher in order to get the item they have their eye on. Guests also have the opportunity to revisit bidding sheets before the auction is closed if they really want something being offered at the silent auction. Closing times of our silent auction are always posted.

What is a Live Auction?

Our live auctions are an excellent way of attracting interested buyers and excitement at our events to some of the high end items that have been generously donated.

All live auction items are organized and displayed before the auction start time for guests to see. Bidding then begins.

Our auctioneer will call each item one by one. Bidders are encouraged, with a show of hand, to offer up their bids. Excitement builds. The bidding will continue on until no one wants to out bid the last and highest bid.

The item is then considered sold, going once, going twice.... gone to the bidder with the highest bid.

What is the Drop-n-Draw Auction?

Purchase a book of tickets, in our case 25 tickets per book. Browse the many exciting items allocated to this auction type.

Each item of the drop-n-draw auction has a box labeled to the specific item. Tear one ticket (or many) and insert into the box coinciding with the item of desire.

When auction is closed all boxes collected, one ticket will be pulled from the box by the emcee and item will be awarded to the winner.