By Karyn Brooks Event Coordinator
There are many variations, however I’ll review here the basic format of those held locally. Minor difference
may exist from one event to another.
Quarter Auctions are fundraisers sponsored by a local charity or non-profit. They
can
be held once for that non-profit or, be set up to repeat on a quarterly
or monthly basis. The auction items are anything from jewelry, candles,
skin care or cosmetics, sandals, soaps, kitchen products, food lines,
gift cards and baskets. Most of the auction
items are provided by the participating vendors however, the charity can
also secure in-kind donations to be used for their auction.
As
a quarter auction participant, you’ll want to arrive at doors open time
– bring a supply of quarters and
your friends! I recommend a couple rolls of quarters. The number of
friends is up to you – if you have a group of 6 or more, let me know and
I’ll reserve you a table!
When
you arrive, you’ll first rent your bid paddle (or 2 or 3 – depending on
how you want the odds to work
for you!). The paddles are generally $3 each or two for $5, but you’ll
find events that will roll the cost of a meal and your first paddle into
one price. When you rent your paddle(s), a poker chip matching your
paddle number will go into a draw container used
to draw winning numbers throughout the event. Paddles are returned at
the end of the event to be used in future quarter auctions.
You
will also have an opportunity to buy 50/50 tickets and visit the
individual vendor tables to register
for door prizes. The vendors will also have cash and carry items for
sale, so you can get a little shopping in too! There will likely be food
and beverage to purchase as well. The paddle rental money, half the
50/50 ticket sales, quarters bid on the charity’s
auction items and any revenue from food sales all go to the charity! The
exception to that may be if the event is held at a venue that provides
the food – then that revenue would go to the venue.
When
the auction begins, each auction item will be presented and auctioned,
one by one. You will use your
quarters and paddles to bid, but no fear! You do not try to out-bid
others, but rather bid the requested number of quarters (typically 2-3)
on the item for a chance to win that item! The retail value of the item determines
the number of quarters required per paddle to
bid. For example, 2 quarters for an item with retail value of $20-$34, 3
quarters for retail of $35-$50, and anything over $50 retail value is 4
quarters or an old fashioned paper
dollar! This can vary occasionally, but generally speaking, this is the
schedule followed.
Once
you deposit the required number of quarters per paddle to bid (quarters
are dropped into bowls on the
table and collected) you raise you can raise your paddle in the air. The
announcer will begin drawing numbers from the chips matching the rented
paddles. If the announcer calls your number and you had placed the bid,
you win! If the number called wasn’t played,
numbers continue to be pulled until a number is called for a someone who
had bid and had their paddle in the air! Then on to the next auction
item.
Usually
there are 2 auction rounds with a break between 2 rounds – to make sure
you’ve registered for the
door prizes and get another refreshment. 2 auction rounds, a door prize
round, and a drawing for the 50/50 winner. Good, clean fun for those 18 and older, that don’t require a lot of money to play!
Karyn Brooks - My
events include quarter auctions as well as fashion
shows, ladies nights, open houses, networking, luncheons and other
events that are conducive to promoting locally owned businesses. It is
my mission to work with local businesses, individuals and charities to
promote each, in an environment that provides a
professional atmosphere. My goal is for events that are profitable and
beneficial to all, and to build a resource pool of professionals who
offer support and encouragement to one another. Contact Karyn at 239-281-2539
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