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.
