"The Fine Print"
Governing Rules of the Auction
Important note about tickets:
The Gala & Auction, the general reception and any post function receptions are all ticketed events. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the event. We regret that we cannot accommodate walk ins. Tickets are not refundable but may be transferred to another individual by contacting the Gala Committee in writing (gala@bishopoconnell.rog) no later than January 20, 2025.
1. In order to participate in the February 1, 2025 auction, you must register with the GiveSmart website. You will receive a bid number at "check in" - please note that you must register a credit card to place bids, make donations or to complete purchases.
2. All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds on auction items are permitted. Everything is sold "as is." Please read specifications and limitations carefully in the individual item descriptions.
3. By his/her purchase, the buyer waives any claims for liability against either Bishop O'Connell or the donor of the property or services. Neither Bishop O'Connell nor the donor is responsible for any personal injuries or damage to property that may result from the use of property or service sold.
4. Unless otherwise specified, all auction items must be used within one year. Dates and times are to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the buyer and donor.
5. All resort and private vacation homes are offered to adults and minors accompanied by adults. No pets allowed.
6. The preferred methods of payment are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover, checks are also accepted by prior arrangement with the O'Connell Advancement Office. Payment in FULL is MANDATORY the night of the gala.
7. All purchased items must be picked up the night of the auction. Bishop O'Connell High School. Bishop O'Connell staff and volunteers are not responsible for anything not taken by buyers from the property at the conclusion of the Gala. Items will not be shipped.
8. All bidders will receive an electronic version of a receipt at the end of the night. Please check your statement and your packages to ensure that you leave with all of the correct items. Bishop O'Connell High School cannot replace lost merchandise.
9. The Silent Auction officially opens at 9:00 a.m. on January 20, 2024 and will close at 8:00 p.m. on February 1, 2025 unless the Gala Co-Chairs determine to keep an item open. All bidding in the Silent Auction will be entered electronically through GiveSmart, the official O'Connell auction service and all bids placed on GiveSmart are considered binding.
10. Once you have registered, you will receive a text message. Click the link in the text message to access your personal bidding site, browse items, and place bids in the auction. Once accepted, all bids are final.
11. After you have bid on an item, GiveSmart will send you a text message if someone outbids you. You can also place a maximum bid and the auction software will automatically raise your bid to keep you in the lead until your maximum bid has been met or the silent auction ends.
12. Charitable organizations are required to provide their contributors with detailed tax information in connection with charitable contributions, including amounts paid for items offered at events such as this auction.
13. Remember that your charitable deduction for the purchase of items at the auction is limited to the amount, if any, by which your payment exceeds the fair market value of that item. This is true even though the item was donated to the school for the auction.
14. Your statement includes a good-faith estimate of the value of the item offered in the auction. O'Connell staff and volunteers are not professional appraisers and are not responsible for the accuracy of such valuations.
15. The tax ID number for Bishop O'Connell High School is 54-0629316. Please consult your tax professional to determine the whether or not a donation or purchase associated with the February 1, 2025 Gala and Auction may qualify as a deductible item.