Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact if I have questions or need help?

Please contact Gail at (707) 935-9566 or gail@svgreatschools.org if you have questions or need assistance. 

How do I participate in the auction? 

Sign up to participate! 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 GiveSmart 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. After you sign in to your GiveSmart account, click the "Items" button 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.  You can also choose to set an Auto Bid and have our system bid for you, up to a maximum amount.

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?

The bidding platform is very user-friendly and will walk you through the entire process. If you need help, though, please contact Gail at (707) 935-9566 or gail@svgreatschools.org

If I win, how will I get my items?

Gift Cards and Certificates will be mailed to winners. Other physical items, including wine, must be picked up in Sonoma Valley, as we are unable to ship any items. Our staff will contact you to coordinate a time to pick up your items. 

No items will be available for pick up until payment is secured.

How does Checkout work?

If you are the lucky winner of an auction lot, you will hear from us by the end of the day on Friday, September 2, with more information about closing out your purchase. A text with the link to pay will also be sent to all users with a balance after the auction has been reconciled. If you have any questions before then, please don't hesitate to reach out to Gail at gail@svgreatschools.org

Checkout directions: You can securely check yourself out from your GiveSmart user account by clicking the 'pay' button in the top left corner, and following the prompts from there. Prefer to pay by check or wire transfer? We'd love to help you set that up! Please reach out to Gail at (707) 935-9566 or gail@svgreatschools.org.

Following the closeout of your items, you'll receive more information from us about your winnings, as well as instructions for picking up your items.

Any unpaid balances will be charged to the card on file beginning Friday, September 9, 2022.

Email gail@svgreatschools.org to arrange an alternate form of payment before that time. We will mail out receipts within the next 2 to 3 weeks.