FAQ
When is the Auction?
February 8, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency, Downtown Bellevue
Attendance of the auction is not mandatory but you will miss out on some amazing deals, great food and a great time. When you go to the auction, you are able to nourish existing relationships with parents, teachers and staff and have an opportunity to meet some new faces. The auction is our schools biggest fundraiser of the year. Attending the auction makes our school a better place.
At the Auction, do I have to buy anything?
There are a large variety of items at all price levels, which makes the auction affordable for everyone. That said, purchasing items at the auction is not mandatory
How can I be involved in the Auction if I am not attending the dinner?
We always welcome additional help on the night of the auction. Let us know if you would like to help. We have plenty of opportunities to be a part of the auction. If you aren't able to give your time, you may consider helping to underwrite the cost of the auction with a cash donation.
How to Proxy bid?
If you are unable to attend, please consider Proxy bidding. Contact Claire Smith for a bid number and ask a friend to bid on your behalf.
How much is a ticket for the Auction?
Tickets will be available soon. You can also help to underwrite the cost of the auction by “Showing Your Heart”. A Show Your Heart donation includes two dinner tickets, two drink tickets and a gift of recognition. There are three donation levels: Platinum $1,000, Gold $500 and Silver $350 and will be available online during auction registration.
The price of the ticket helps to offset the costs of putting on the auction (most notably the venue, food and beverages).
Can I sit with friends at the Auction?
Yes, you can request seating with friends or family. Tables comfortably seat 10 guests. When you register, request your table partners in the special accommodations field on the registration page or email with your special requests.
What if I don't know who to sit with?
Our main goal is to make everyone feel welcome and wanted, because you are! We will work with you to find the perfect spot with really fun, friendly and welcoming people. We know it can be uncomfortable if you are new to the school or just don't know where to sit. We can seat you with parents who have children in the same classes. We also have a few “ladies” or “gentlemen” tables. If you are not sure about attending because of seating arrangements, please give it a try. We are confident you will have a great night.
What should I wear?
The theme of the Auction is Hearts in Havana, so fluorescent colors and tropical, festive outfits are encouraged!
What time should we arrive?
The doors open at 5:30PM. The pre-ballroom time is packed with many fun activities including over 150 silent auction items, teacher experience packages, raffle sales, a chance to win a great bottle of wine and a close-up look at the amazing classroom art projects. It's also a chance to share a drink and conversation with the Sacred Heart community.
What is the bar situation?
This year there will be more bars available for pre-dinner cocktails. Cash and card only. A bar will also be set up in the ballroom during dinner, cash or card only.
More information about wine upgrades will be coming soon!
How does the Silent Auction work?
Donated items will be displayed on the tables in the lobby outside the ballroom. In front of each item will be a bidding sheet listing the approximate retail value of the them, the minimum starting bid, and the acceptable bidding increments (e.g., increases of $5, $10, $15). If you wish to bid on an item, print your name on the sheet, your bid number and the amount of your bid. The next bidder must offer a higher amount, increasing their bid by the posted acceptable increment amount. If you really want an item that you bid on, be sure to check back before the bidding closes to make a final or guarantee bid. When the bidding closes, the last person who placed a bid gets the item for the amount of their bid.
What is a teacher experience?
The teachers have many gifts to offer the children and they also have many interesting specialties that they will be generously sharing with our children to create wonderful Sacred Heart School memories. There will be a specific table during the silent auction to bid on these amazing, one-of-a-kind experience.
How can I buy a classroom Auction project?
These amazing projects done by your student and their class will be displayed in the lobby at school prior to the auction and displayed in the silent area the night of the auction. When the Live Auction starts be ready to raise those paddles to bring home your child's project. Your child has worked very hard on the project and you as parents should be very proud.
What is the process for raffles?
Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. They will be sold starting two weeks prior to the auction via parking lot sales and parish sales. On the night of auction additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase. We will also been selling Best of Live two weeks before the auction and the night of. There are only 100 Best of Live tickets available for $100 each. The winner of the Best of Live raffle drawing has the opportunity to choose one of the live auction items prior to the start of the live auction (must be present to wine and some restrictions apply).
How does the live auction work?
You will receive an auction catalogue listing all the LIVE auction items the week of the auction. Please be sure to go over this before you arrive that night. We will also be providing weekly sneak peeks in Thursday's From the Heart emails. During and after the auction dinner, the auctioneer will describe each item. Those interested will begin to big with their bid numbers (these will be at your seat). The auctioneer will start the bidding at a certain amount and if you are interested in paying that price you will raise your bid number up. The highest bidder wins!
How do I get my items that I win?
If you were the highest bidder, your account will be charged and your items will be brought to your table during the live auction. Oversized items that do not fit in delivery bag will be available for picked up at check out or at SHS the week following the auction.
When is the party over?
More details coming soon!
What are the options if we do not have a designated driver in our party?
We want everyone to have a safe ride home from the auction so be sure to download Uber or Lyft apps so that you are prepared to be driven to and from the Hyatt.