❓ Silent Auction Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. How do I place a bid?

All bidding is conducted digitally through GiveSmart. Once registered, you can browse items on your smartphone or computer, select an item, and enter your bid amount. You can also set an Auto-Bid amount, allowing the system to automatically bid up to your designated limit in pre-set increments.

2. When does bidding open and close?

  • Bidding Opens: Online bidding opens at 8:00am on Thanksgiving Day on GiveSmart.
  • Bidding Closes: Silent auction bidding will close promptly at 9:00pm Saturday, December 5, 2026. Winning bidders will receive a notification text message and email summarizing their winnings at the close of the auction.

3. How will I know if I've been outbid?

GiveSmart automatically sends instant text message (SMS) and/or email notifications whenever you are outbid. You can click the link in the notification to increase your bid immediately.

4. How do I pay for items I win?

When the silent auction closes, winning bidders will receive an electronic invoice via text and email. You can pay directly through GiveSmart using a credit card. All items must be paid in full before being claimed or transferred.

5. How do I claim my physical auction items or gift certificates?

  • At the Event: Paid items can be claimed at the event checkout table at Sunnybrook Estate at the end of the evening.
  • Digital Vouchers: Gift certificates and electronic vouchers will be delivered digitally or mailed.
  • Physical Items: Physical merchandise and baskets must be claimed or coordinated for pickup through our regional coordinators (Big Bear, Inland Empire, or Los Angeles).
  • Note: Any items left unclaimed after 30 days without prior arrangements will be re-allocated to support the foundation.

6. Are my auction purchases tax-deductible?

Purchases made through a charity auction are tax-deductible only to the extent that the purchase price exceeds the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the item acquired, in accordance with IRS rules. BBSEF will provide formal charitable donation receipts detailing purchase amounts and estimated item values for your tax records.

7. What happens if an item is left unpaid?

All balances must be paid in full before winning items can be collected. Items left unpaid after seven days may be offered to the next highest bidder.


📜 Official Auction Rules & Legal Terms


1. Binding Agreement & Bidding Terms

  • All bids placed on the GiveSmart platform are binding legal agreements to purchase the item at the specified bid amount if declared the winning bidder.
  • Bids cannot be canceled, reduced, or retracted once submitted.
  • The highest bidder recognized by GiveSmart at the close of bidding shall be the buyer. In the event of a dispute,BBSEF reserves the right to make the final determination or re-offer the item.

2. Item Descriptions & "As Is" Disclaimer

  • All items, packages, experiences, and certificates are auctioned "AS IS" and "WITH ALL FAULTS." Neither BBSEF, SSRT, GiveSmart, nor the item donors make any warranties, representations, or guarantees-express or implied-regarding the value, quality, merchantability, safety, or fitness for a particular purpose of any item.
  • Estimated retail values stated in the catalog are provided by donors or compiled from public retail information and are not guaranteed by BBSEF for market value or tax purposes.
  • Please carefully review all item restrictions, blackout dates, expiration dates, and conditions before placing a bid.

3. Gift Certificates, Stays & Experience Packages

  • Expiration dates, blackout dates, seating limits, and redemption conditions set by the donor are strictly enforced.Unless otherwise stated on the voucher or certificate, all experiences and gift certificates expire one year from the date of the event (December 5, 2027).
  • Experience packages, vacation rentals, and travel stays are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be redeemed for cash value.
  • Winning bidders are responsible for coordinating dates, reservations, taxes, resort fees, or additional costs not explicitly included in the auction package description.

4. Payment, Title & Finality

  • Full payment is due immediately upon the close of the auction.
  • Title and ownership pass to the buyer upon full payment. BBSEF reserves the right to re-sell any item if payment is not secured within 48 hours following the event close.
  • All sales are final. No refunds, returns, exchanges, or price adjustments will be issued by BBSEF or event sponsors.

5. Limitation of Liability

By bidding in the Think Snow Gala Auction, each bidder waives and releases the Big Bear Ski Educational Foundation (BBSEF), the Snow Summit Race Team (SSRT), event organizers, officers, directors, volunteers, venue hosts (Sunnybrook Estate), and item donors from any liability, claims, losses, damages, or injuries arising from or related to the purchase, possession, or use of any auction item or participation in any experience package.


🏢 Non-Profit Organization Information


The Big Bear Ski Educational Foundation (BBSEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All auction proceeds directly support youth ski racing athletes, equipment, travel, and scholarships.

  • Organization: Big Bear Ski Educational Foundation (BBSEF)
  • Operating Program: Snow Summit Race Team (SSRT)
  • Tax ID / EIN: 95-3179353
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 1384, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
  • Auction & Inquiries Contact: Ben Ballentine (benjaminballentine@gmail.com)