Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone participate in the Online Auction?
The auction is open to everyone 18 years and older. We encourage you to share the link with your friends and family.
To participate in the Auction from the convenience of your home, you just need to register on www.MLAJA25.givesmart.com. Bidders will be responsible for paying immediately upon winning. All gift certificates can be mailed to the winning bidder unless pick up arrangements are made. Shipping may be provided on some items, with shipping costs paid by the winning bidder. However shipping will NOT be available for some items (this will be noted in the item description.) Instructions will be sent to the winners after the auction closes.
May I pay by check or other methods of payment?
Upon registering, you will be asked to provide credit card information. Bidders will need to authorize their winning bid charges to that credit card immediately after the auction closes. Any remaining balances will be charged to your card on file on Monday, March 10, 2025.
While use of a credit card is strongly encouraged, alternate forms of payment can be arranged. To do this, please contact Carey McCulloch at 916-804-4040 prior to Monday, March 10, 2025, to set up another type of payment. You may also send an email to mlajaauction@gmail.com.
How do I pick up my items or have them shipped to me?
To receive your items, payment must be received in order to coordinate delivery/pick-up of your item. (If you are attending the in-person event, you may pick up your items after the close of the silent auction.) Within the week following the closing of the auction, we will contact you regarding your preference for shipping versus in-person pick-up in Sonora, CA. Please note that shipping is NOT be available for some items.
Pick-up of items will be available after the event by individual request.
For delivery, we will add any shipping costs to your balance on GiveSmart for you to authorize payment. Once we have received payment confirmation for the shipping costs, we will package the item and choose the mail carrier at our discretion. If you would like to add insurance for the shipment, please let us know and we will add the incremental charge to your GiveSmart card on file.
**If MLAJA is not contacted by 5/1/25 for (pick-up, delivery or shipping) on an item, the item will be forfeited and will be used again to benefit MLAJA.**
Can I still donate an item to the auction?
Thank you for your interest. We cannot accept auction item donations after February 24, 2025 for the 2025 auction. If you would like to donate something for next year, please let us know.
How do I start and continue my bidding?
Browse the Silent Auction and start bidding on your favorite items! Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired, and GiveSmart will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid.
How can I keep active and know if I am outbid or have won an item?
You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving the text messages, make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the silent auction closes, you will also receive a text message if you won any items.
I've mistakenly placed a bid. What do I do?
Please ask for assistance from our team by emailing mlajaauction@gmail.com. Or call/text 916-804-4040 for assistance.
I'm having difficulties using GiveSmart. Are there steps I can follow to make sure I'm able to bid?
Please see GiveSmart video on the home page to view instructions for registering and making auction bids.
Thank you for your support of Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy.
For all other questions, please email mlajaauction@gmail.com.