Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hybrid Event?
For the first time this year, Gala in the Grove will be a hybrid event. This means we will have some people who are able to come in-person and some will attend virtually. All guest will be able participate in our online auction and view our live program on Saturday November 13, 2021.
If I attend in person, what are your COVID-19 precautions?
The health and safety of our guests is Learning Grove's top priority. Therefore, all in person attendees are required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test result administered within the last 72 hours upon entry to the venue.
Learning Grove representatives will be greeting all guests at entry to confirm this documentation. To aid in making entry to the event as seamless as possible, please submit copies of your/your guests' vaccination cards or negative test result by clicking the COVID-19 protocol button on the event's main page. If not, please have your vaccination card or negative test result readily available, upon arrival.
Since all attendees at the event will have shown proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result from the last 72 hours, masks will be optional at the event.
For more information on the safety precautions at Paul Brown Stadium, please click here.
How do I participate in the auction?
Register online! Click the 'REGISTER NOW' button on the auction homepage and fill out your bidder information. Create a password, check the boxes for terms and conditions and text messages (you will want be notified about items you bid on), and then just click 'Create my GiveSmart account!'
Or, if you already have a Give Smart account, simply click to register and log into your existing account.
Do I have to use a phone to bid or can I participate using my computer?
You can participate in the auction from a computer, tablet or phone, it's up to you! After you sign in to your GiveSmart account, click "items" to view the auction and start bidding. You can filter these by type of item by clicking the 'categories' button.
Click the item you'd like to bid on, then enter your bid in the open text field (make sure it is higher than the current minimum amount) and click "Bid". If you have opted in to receive text messages, you will receive a text if you are outbid.
Can I view items before deciding if I want to bid?
Yes! Starting on Friday, November 5, 2021, you will be able to click "items" at the top of this page and preview our fabulous auction items.
If I am attending Gala in the Grove virtually, can I still bid on Live Auction items?
Yes! If you are interested in any of the live auction items, you can set up a proxy bidder for November 13. Please contact Catie Turner at cturner@learning-grove.org for more information.
Will you need my credit card information?
Yes, a credit card number will be required to bid.
I'm not very tech-savvy, will I have a hard time participating at home?
We don't think so! The bidding platform is very user-friendly and will walk you through the entire process. If you need help or have additional question, please contact Catie Turner at cturner@learning-grove.org
When does the auction bidding close?
The auction will close on Saturday November 13 at 9:15 p.m.
If I win and am not at Gala in the Grove in person, how will I get my items?
If you win an items in the auction, we will contact you to determine how you will receive your item(s). Some items will qualify to be emailed or mailed to you, other will require you to schedule a pickup time.
If you have any questions, please contact Catie Turner at cturner@learning-grove.org
How does Checkout work?
If you are the lucky winner of an auction item, you can securely checkout by clicking the Pay tab to pay your balance at any time after the auction closes.
A text with the link to pay will also be sent to all users with a balance on file at the end of the event.
Any unpaid balances will be charged to the card on file beginning Monday November 15, 2021. Please email cturner@learning-grove.org to arrange alternate form of payment before that time.
What if I can't use my item because of COVID-19?
Funds raised through this event are critical to nuture lifelong success, so consideration of a fully tax-deductible donation in lieu of an auction item purchase would be gratefully received. When possible, we will work to extend redemption deadlines or provide replacement items or tickets
Details-
The IRS requires that charitable organizations inform contributors of the deductibility of payments and donations made by patrons for fundraising activities.
Dinner Tickets: Fair Market value of the meal is $68 per person
Cash Contributions: Tax- deductible to the fullest extent of the law
Purchased Gifts: Tax-deductible for the amount paid in excess of the fair-market value of each gift.
Learning Grove has endeavored to catalog and describe the property correctly, and all property is sold "as is." Learning Grove neither warrants nor represents, and in no way shall be responsible for the correctness of descriptions, authenticity, provenance, or condition of the property. No statements at the sale or elsewhere shall be deemed to be such a warranty, representation, or assumption of the liability.
Learning Grove reserves the right to withdraw any item prior to the commencement of the bidding of such item.
Learning Grove makes no representation as the accuracy of the fair-market value provided by the original donor of an auction item. Please consult your tax professional on all questions concerning the value and tax deductibility of your winning bids and cash donations.
For non-cash property donation, it is advised that you consult your tax-professional, since the IRS has specific requirements for filling which may apply to you.
Checkout:
- Please allow 15 minutes for processing after the closing of each table & live auction.
- Payment may be made with cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, America Express, or Discover. Checks should be payable to Learning Grove. Payment in FULL is required.
- ALL SALES ARE FINAL..
- State values of some items are estimates only & are not warranted for taxes purposes or for general value.
- Items may be claimed & removed from the auction tables only by exhibits a PAID receipt at the time of gift pick-up. It is your responsibility to claim your gifts. If you are attending virtually, Learning Grove will be in contact on how you will receive your items.
- Unless otherwise specified, all auction items & services must be used within ONE year from the date of the auction. Unless otherwise specifies, dates & times are to be arranges at the mutual convenience of & by & between the donor & buyer; To avoid disappointment, please make reservation well in advance.
- Certificates are not redeemable for cash. Tax and gratuity are not included. All expirations apply.