2025 Women United Brunch
Silent Auction & Golden Ticket Raffle Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Golden Ticket Raffle work?
Purchase a ticket (or two!) for the Golden Ticket Raffle and have a chance to win more than $1,000 in gift cards to local women-owned or women-founded businesses! Must be present at Women United Brunch on May 16 at the Madison Marriott West to win.
How much are raffle tickets and how do I purchase?
Raffle tickets are $50 each and can be paid for by cash, check or credit card on May 16 at Madison Marriott West. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase on May 16, 8:00 - 9:30 am in the Atrium at Madison Marriott West.
How does the silent auction work? Do I need to attend the Women United Brunch to participate?
We will be using online bidding for our silent auction. You will be able to use your smartphone, tablet or computer to keep up with the status of your bids and continue bidding until the auction closes. You can participate in the silent auction even if you are not able to the attend the Women United Brunch on May 16 - you can be the winning bidder from wherever you are!
Is a credit card required to participate in the silent auction?
Yes, a pre-registered credit card is required to begin bidding. If you would like to complete payment through another method (i.e. check), you can do so after the event (look for "Auction Check Out" as you exit the ballroom).
How do I participate in the online silent auction?
Get started online through the auction page at https://women4change.givesmart.com. Click the "Sign In or Register" button in the top right corner and enter your username and password if previously registered, or click "Register Now" and enter your name, phone number and email. Be sure to opt into text messages so you can stay up to date on your bids.
How do I start and continue my bidding?
Bidding for the silent auction will open on Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 am Central Time. Browse silent auction items by going to "Items" on the home page and start bidding! You must be registered in GiveSmart and enter your credit card information to participate in bidding.
You also have the option to place an auto-bid. This will automatically place a bid for you up to a pre-set amount when someone outbids you. If you are outbid, another bid will be made on your behalf up to the maximum amount that you entered. Select the "Auto Bid" tab on the item page to get started.
Some items feature a "Buy Now" option - perfect if you see something you love and don't want to risk losing it! By choosing "Buy Now," you can instantly purchase the item at a set price and skip the bidding.
When does the silent auction close?
The silent auction will close on Friday, May 16 around 10:00 am. We will give a 10-minute warning during the event.
How can I stay informed 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 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 opted out of text messages, how do I opt back in to get silent auction updates?
Text messages are the easiest way to stay up to date on your silent auction items. If you previously opted out, you can opt in by texting women4change to 76278.
When will my credit card be charged for purchases?
All purchases for the silent auction, raffle tickets and donations will be charged to your card shortly after 12:00 pm on Friday, May 16 unless you pay in-person (by card, cash or check) after the event.
How will I collect my winning item(s)?
Attendees of 2025 Women United Brunch can pick up their items or certificates after the event until approximately 11:30 am. Look for "Auction Check Out" as you exit the ballroom. If items are not picked up at Madison Marriott West, United Way staff will contact winners to make arrangements for them to pick up physical items from Anderson United Way Center or to receive gift certificates by mail.
I'm not able to attend the event, how can I pay for and pick up my items?
All purchases for the silent auction will be charged to your card shortly after 12:00 pm on Friday, May 16. United Way staff will contact winners to make arrangements for them to pick up physical items from Anderson United Way Center or to receive gift certificates by mail. Please contact womenunited@uwdc.org with any questions.
What happens if I do not pay for or pick up my winning item(s)?
All balances must be paid in full before winning item(s) can be collected. Items left unpaid after seven days will be sold to the next highest bidder. Any item(s) left unclaimed after 30 days, without prior arrangements, will be forfeited to United Way of Dane County.
Silent Auction Legal Statement
By bidding in 2025 Women United Brunch auctions, each bidder agrees to these auction rules:
All sales are final. There will be no exchanges or refunds unless otherwise noted.
All items are "as is". Women United has attempted to describe and catalog items correctly but neither warrants nor represents and in no event shall be responsible for the correctness of descriptions, genuineness, authorship, provenance or condition of the items. No statement made in this online catalog, or orally at the auction or elsewhere, shall be deemed such a warranty, representation or assumption of liability.
Silent Auction Legal Statement
By bidding in 2025 Women United Brunch auctions, each bidder agrees to these auction rules:
- All sales are final. There will be no exchanges or refunds unless otherwise noted.
- All items are "as is". Women United has attempted to describe and catalog items correctly but neither warrants nor represents and in no event shall be responsible for the correctness of descriptions, genuineness, authorship, provenance or condition of the itmes. No statement made in this online catalog, or more orally at the auction or elsewhere, shall be deemed such a warranty, representation or assumption of liability.