Walter and Kimberly Besse Fundraiser

Bring Your Fundraising Ideas to Life

What The Heck Is A Quarter Auction?

 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.