Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate in the auction?
Get started online through the auction page. Just hit the 'Register Now' button towards the top of this page and enter your name, phone number, e-mail. Credit Card information is required to bid.
How does the silent auction work?
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.
How does the live auction work?
The live auction will take place during our event on Saturday, April 24. Our auctioneer will describe each live auction item during the CLEF 2021 Gala, and bidding will occur online.
Can anyone participate in the auction?
The auction is open to everyone 18 years and older. You must be 21 years and older to bid on any alcohol-related auction package. We encourage you to share the link with your friends and family.
To participate in the auction, you just need to register online at CLEF2021.givesmart.com. Bidders will be responsible for paying immediately upon winning, and must cover shipping costs or coordinate pick-up of their items/certificates from CLEF. Instructions will be sent to the winners after the auction closes. (Only domestic shipping can be provided.)
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 Saturday, April 24, 2021.
If you would like to make an alternate payment method please contact suelorr@clefchicago.org prior to Saturday, April 24, 2021. CLEF accepts cash, check, stock and bank transfers. Please send check payments to CLEF 861 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL 60106.
To pledge your donation for alternate payment, please call 630-595-9310 for assistance.
How will I pay for and collect my winnings?
Auction winners are required to make payment the night of the event from their card on file, which will be automatically charged if you have won an auction item. Please note that you will be asked to pay credit card fees. Auction items that are certificates will be mailed to the winner. Auction items that are any larger than a certificate, will need to be picked up.
All auction items are currently being stored at the CLEF office and we will have the following scheduled pick-up days:
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 from 10:00AM-4:00PM or
Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 10:00AM-4:00PM
at CLEF, 861 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL. Certificate items will be mailed the following week after the event.
*If these dates and times are not feasible for your schedule, please call the office at 630-595-9310 to arrange a pickup.
**If CLEF is not contacted by 5/31/21 for (pick-up, delivery or shipping) on an item, the item will be forfeited and will be used again to benefit CLEF.**
For delivery, we will add any shipping and handling 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.
Can I still donate an item to the auction?
Thank you for your interest. We are accepting auction item donations for the 2021 auction. If you'd 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 clef@clefchicago.org.
I'm having difficulties using GiveSmart. Are there steps I can follow to make sure I'm able to bid?
Please see GiveSmart information below for registering and making auction bids.
Thank you for your support of the CLEF 2021 Scholarship Virtual Gala.
Please check back for updates. For all other questions, please email suelorr@clefchicago.org.
How To Bid With GiveSmart from GiveSmart by Community Brands on Vimeo.
