Preparations are being made for the second annual Tulip Mania Auction to be held March 26, 2010 in the Memorial Events Center. This auction includes both Silent Auction items and Live Auction items. Due to some confusion in the way that the auction worked last year, we thought it would be helpful to inform the school community of how it will proceed this year.
How do I donate?
Donations can be given by bringing an item to the school office no later than March 12, 2010. Donations can also be given via the school’s website at www.manhattanchristian.org – just follow the link for the tulip mania auction. You will receive a receipt for your donation. If you would like to donate, but do not want to be acknowledged as the donor, please state it on the form, and we will make sure to leave your name off the item.
What can I donate?
Creativity is the key to fun donations. We are looking for both big ticket items and small. Big items may include, frequent flyer miles, overnight stays, ski trips, condos, dinners, artwork, etc. Smll items may include garage items, car items, jewelry, blankets, quilts, class parties, antiques, cookware, gift cards, hams, toys, etc. The sky is the limit – if it is something you would love to purchase at an auction – it would be a great item!
If you would like to just give financially to the auction, there will be a donation bucket available that night.
Why do the donations need to be in so early?
It is important for donations to be in early so they can be properly advertised in local media, and the community before the auction. There are handouts given which include all of the auction items, so you can know ahead of time what you would like to bid on. These handouts will also include which silent auction area they are in and what time that area closes. Finally, many of the items are put into baskets together to make up one item for sale, and when items come in at the last minute, it is difficult to make a good presentation with them. There are volunteers who will be wrapping these silent auction baskets in the week before the auction, so please get the items in early! There are also description cards made about each item, and it is too difficult to do that with late items. Late donations will still be accepted, but they will not receive advertising, and will be placed in the fourth silent auction area.
Tell me about the Silent Auction.
A silent auction is a fun activity! All donations (except the larger items for the live auction) are sorted and placed into themed baskets. The themed baskets are then placed into different silent auction areas. This year there will be four color-coded silent auction areas. Each one of these areas will be open for a certain amount of time. We try to include similar type items in each area of the auction, however, that is not entirely possible, so be aware of where the items are. Everyone has an opportunity then to go into the areas and write down your bid for the item. (Bid numbers will be given to all who are participating – no names) If you are set on receiving the item, keep a close watch, as others may try and bid you up! The final bid on the sheet when the area closes will receive the item. Once an area is closed, a list will be made up of the winning bid numbers, you can check at any point during the evening to see if you have won. If you are ready to leave, just pay for your item at the pay table, and bring the receipt to the area’s workers and they will get the item for you.
How do the closings work during the silent auction?
The closing times of each area will be listed in the auction information. It will also be announced 30 minutes and 15 minutes prior to closing in both the Event Center and the eating area in the old gym. In the Event Center, the score clocks will be used to countdown the final 30 minutes to the closing of the area. When the horn sounds, the auction area will immediately be closed off and bid sheets taken away. If there is an item you would like to bid on, please be aware of the closing time of that area.
This year three of the areas will close before the live auction, and one area will close 10 minutes after the live auction.
Why is there a minimum bid and minimum increments?
Many of the items received have a certain value. The minimum bid is often underneath that value, but gives a starting point for bidding. More valuable items will have higher starting bids.
Increments are used to keep the bidding fair and to avoid confusion, we will set an increment bidding amount. This amount will be usually in the $2 - $10 range, depending on the item. Remember this is a fund-raiser – not a bargain hunt! J If you bid under the minimum bid, your bid will be scratched from the bid sheet.
What are Opportunity Tickets?
Opportunity Tickets can be purchased at any time during the evening for the opportunity to win a prize.
Where did the name "Tulip Mania" come from?
Tulip mania was a period in the Dutch Golden Age during which contract prices for bulbs of the recently introduced tulip reached extraordinarily high levels.
Tulip mania reached its peak during the winter of 1636-37, when some bulbs were changing hands ten times in a day. The zenith came early that winter, at an auction to benefit seven orphans whose only asset was 70 fine tulips left by their father. One, a rare Violetten Admirael van Enkhuizen bulb that was about to split in two, sold for 5,200 guilders, the all-time record. All told, the flowers brought in nearly 53,000 guilders.
The term "tulip mania" is often used metaphorically to refer to any large economic bubble. Come join us for a fun evening! Eat great food, yummy desserts, and bid to your heart’s content!
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