FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Where can I attend Dinner in the Woods?

We'll be hosting Dinner in the Woods on our Bainbridge Island campus, and online. As an online guest, you can watch the event on a computer, phone, smart TV, or tablet from wherever you can access WiFi! As an on-campus guest, you can join us on our Bainbridge Island campus for a reception, dinner, and s'mores. You can even opt for an overnight stay on Saturday on our Bainbridge Island campus, along with a kids camp for children ages 5-14. However you choose to participate, we are thrilled to have you!

What is the dress code for the in-person dinner event?

Attire for the dinner event is casual - no gowns and tuxedos here. (Unless that's what you're most comfortable in!) Our trails will be open for exploring, so wear some comfortable shoes!

What are the dates of the auction?

You can begin browsing and bidding on silent auction items on April 27. Bidding on "super-silent" auction items opens on May 2. Bidding on the handful of live auction-only items will close during the broadcast program on May 2. Both online and on-campus guests will use mobile bidding to participate in the online auction. Bidding on the live auction-only items will be done using bid cards for in-person guests or by requesting a proxy-bidder if you're a virtual guest or unable to attend the event. Contact philanthropy@islandwood.org to learn more about proxy bidding, or fill out our proxy bidding form here.  Be sure to register your account with a credit card so you can participate in the action!

What is the cost to attend the event?

There is no cost to attend the event as an online guest. You can participate in the auction or watch the program from anywhere with internet capabilities.

For on-campus guests at IslandWood, dinner tickets are $250/person and include reception, dinner, dessert, and drinks. Kids Camp tickets for children ages 5-14 are $50/child and include on-campus nature activities, games, dinner, and dessert.


You can also stay overnight on our Bainbridge Island campus on Saturday for $250/lodge room. Each room accommodates up to six people and includes breakfast on Sunday.

How do I register for the event?

Click the button "Purchase Tickets" to register for the event. There is no cost to register for the online auction and virtual program, but you'll be asked to enter a credit card number to participate in the auction. Registration is required to bid in the auction, make a donation, or contribute to Raise the Paddle. If you'd like to purchase optional on-campus tickets, tables, or lodging, select the "Purchase Tickets" button and follow the text/email prompts to complete your account set-up.

*Online Guests: don't forget to click "Sign in or Register" or "Purchase Tickets" before the event. You must create an account to bid in the auction and watch the program.

What if I have an account from last year's Dinner in the Woods?

If you created an account when registering for last year's event, click the green "Sign in or Register" button in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. Enter the username and password assigned to your account. If you have forgotten your login information, click "forgot username or password" and follow the prompts to reset.

Why is my credit card required when I register?

Your credit card information is optional if you are registering as an online guest. The credit card information that you enter at registration allows you to bid on auction items, donate, or participate in the Raise the Paddle. When the auction begins, your credit card will be on file and will only be charged if you make a donation or complete self-checkout. Auction items, Click to Donate, and Raise the Paddle bids will go into your "cart." You can choose to pay for your cart in-person at the Welcome Center check-out station, online using self-checkout, or by contacting us at philanthropy@islandwood.org to pay with another method.

If you would like to recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund, please do so for donations such as Raise the Paddle that are not tied to event participation or goods or services. We can split payments if you'd like to pay using multiple payment methods!


How do I let you know my preferred payment methods and how is payment handled?

If you prefer another method to be used, please email us at philanthropy@islandwood.org, or let your portfolio manager know.  Credit cards are run the Wednesday after the event, and we do receive and process alternative payment directives the day of the event at check-out, via email,  and over the phone up until the date of payment processing.    As mentioned above, we can split payments across multiple payment methods. Over a third of Dinner in the Woods payments are processed using another method, please let us know how we can assist!


How do I view my purchases, or see a receipt?

You can view your purchases and registrations at any time. First, sign in to the site using the information you entered during registration by clicking "Sign In" in the upper right of the page. Once signed in, you will see MY INFO at the top of the page on the white navigation bar. Click on MY INFO to view your activity, your receipt to date, your credit card on file (if any), tickets, and more.


How do I view or change my preferred payment method for auction purchases and donations?

Guests are required to enter credit card information when purchasing tickets or lodging during registration, but you can use a different payment method for auction bidding and donations to IslandWood. If you wish to remove your credit card, follow the steps below, and we will confirm your preferred method after the event:

a. Click "Sign In" at the top right of the event website, or if you are already signed in, click on MY INFO on the top white navigation bar.

b. Click on "Add Card on File."

c. To delete a credit card, click "remove" listed in red next to the credit card number.

d. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at philanthropy@islandwood.org.

How do I bid in the auction?

All silent auction bidding will take place online via your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Click Here to watch a short How to Bid video. If you don't feel comfortable with mobile bidding/bidding online, we have proxy bidders available to help! Please let us know if you would like to reserve a proxy bidder by reaching out to philanthropy@islandwood.org or fill out our proxy bidder request form. GiveSmart also has an auto bid feature that allows you to set your maximum bid, and the software will automatically bid on any silent auction item for you, up to your maximum, and notify you when you have been outbid.

If I'm a Dinner in the Woods Corporate Sponsor or interested in becoming one, where can I find more information?

If your business is sponsoring the event and you need more information, have questions, or are interested in becoming a Dinner in the Woods sponsor, please contact Chris Bean at chrisb@islandwood.org or view our Sponsor Benefits here.


Have questions about registering for the event, attending as an on-campus guest, or anything else?

Contact us at philanthropy@islandwood.org with all your questions! We're here to help.