About the auction
This year's auction will be 100% online. Items will be available to view online beginning May 1st, and bidding will open at 8 AM on May 6th and end at 10 PM on May 13th. You must register to participate in bidding. This auction is available for everyone to bid on, so please invite your friends, family, and neighbors to help support our school.
Why should I participate in the auction?
Our annual auction is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Cottage Lake PTA. Programs like art docents, gardening, staff appreciation, teacher grants, classroom magazine subscriptions, events, and celebrations, would not exist without PTA fundraising. The PTA actively works to produce creative fundraising activities like the auction to generate money for these programs. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!
What is the Online Auction?
The Online Auction runs from May 6-May 13th. The Online Auction features donations from parents, our community, teachers, and staff. There are over 75 items to bid on!
What is the Wrap-Up Party?
On Friday, May 13th we will have a 21+ wrap-up party at 20 Corners. At this event, you can see some of the items in-person. This event is free for all attendees and dressing up in our auction theme "Business On Top, Party On The Bottom" is highly encouraged! Drinks and light appetizers will be served. You can RSVP at www.cleauction.givesmart.com.
What kind of items are there to bid on?
Vacations, hot air balloon rides, weekend adventures, kid activities, grade-level baskets of fun, summer camps, wine tasting, restaurants, massages, golf, and more!
Who can bid on items?
Everyone can participate and bid (including family, friends, neighbors).
How do I register to bid on an item?
To bid on an auction item, you must log in to the online bidding site at www.cleauction.givesmart.com and click on "Register to Participate" to create an account using your name and mobile number. All auction Bidding will begin on Friday, May 6th, 2022, at 8 AM and close at 10 PM on Friday, May 13th.
Is there an app that I can download to bid on items?
No, you must log in to the online bidding site to bid on items. You can use a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Why do I need to enter my credit card number?
The GiveSmart software we are using requires that a credit card is entered before you can place any bids. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any alternative method of payment.
How do I bid on an item?
You can bid via text or on the website:
Text
Once the auction is live you will receive a text message with a link to the auction page. Select your item of interest and enter the set amount or bid higher. Click "bid." If your bid was accepted, a congratulatory box will appear.
Online
Once the auction is live you will receive an email message with a link to the auction page. Select your item of interest and enter the set amount or bid higher. Click "bid." If your bid was accepted, a congratulatory box will appear.
How do I know if I have been outbid?
You will be notified via text if you have been outbid.
Can I view items before deciding if I want to bid?
Yes! Starting on Sunday, May 1st, you will be able to click "items" at the top of this page and preview our fabulous auction items.
What is a "Buy Now" item?
If an item is listed as "buy now," the item cannot be bid on, only purchased at the listed value.
How will I receive my item?
All items will be available for pick-up during specified windows (TBD) on Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th. Some items will be qualified to be emailed or mailed to your home.
When will my credit card be charged?
The auction will close at 10 PM on Friday, May 13th. The winning bid will be charged as soon as the auction closes.