Auction FAQs

How do I register to participate in the auction?

You can register when you first visit the website, under "Sign Up to Participate" button on the main screen. You will be asked to enter your details so we can contact you if you win an auction item.

How do I place a bid?

Click on "Items"  in the top menu, scroll through the list, and tap on the item you want to bid on. Beneath the photo and description you'll see the current winning bid and the next minimum bid you need to make. Enter your bid amount into the field at the bottom of the page and click Place Bid (if you are not registered you will need to register your details). Credit card information is required before placing your first bid.

How do I know if I've been outbid?

You can click on the Items Tab, and then the gold "My Activity" tab on the top right. From here, you can see your activity and all of the items you are interested in, currently winning, or have been outbid on. You will also be sent a text and email notification if you have been outbid.

Can I bid if I am not attending in person?

Yes! Our online auction allows remote bidding.
Please note that you or a friend will still need to pick up any won items in person during our designated pickup time at The Interstate Center on Sunday, November 23, from Noon-2pm.

When does bidding close?
Bidding closes at 8pm on Saturday, November 22. There is a countdown clock on the item page showing how long is left until the item closes. Winning bidders will be notified via email or text.

How do I know if I won an item?

When the auction closes, your credit card will automatically be charged only if you have won an item and/or made a donation. You will then be sent a text and email notification with a confirmation of your payment.

Do you ship auction items?
No. The Baby Fold is unable to offer shipping for auction item winners. Tree delivery is available for ONLY for Large Trees (6-7') within a 50 mile radius of the Interstate Center. All other items must be picked up in person at The Interstate Center on Sunday, November 23, from Noon-2pm. Winners of both Large trees and other items must still pick up their smaller items in person.

Where and when do I pick up the item(s) I won?

All auction items must be picked up from The Interstate Center on Sunday, November 23, between Noon and 2 p.m. Auction items cannot be picked up before or after Sunday, cannot be delivered (with exception of Large 6-7' Trees, which receive free local delivery), and cannot be shipped. If you are unable to pick up your item(s) on Sunday, please send someone to retrieve your item(s) for you. Any items not picked up by 2:00 pm on on Sunday become sole property of The Baby Fold.

What if I can't pick up my items during the designated time slot?
If you are unable to pick up your items during the designated pick up time (Sun. Nov. 23, 2025 from Noon - 2:00 pm at The Interstate Center), we ask that you send someone in your place. Items that are not picked up during the designated pick up time will become property of The Baby Fold. We are unable to arrange alternative pick up dates, times, and locations; and are unable to deliver Festival of Trees items to employees.

How do I make a donation?

Click on "Donate" in the top menu, and select one of the options to donate. For general donations, enter the amount you want to donate into the field at the bottom of the page, and click Donate. As with bidding, you will need to be registered on the system and have a credit card on file. 100% of proceeds and donations support the life-changing work of The Baby Fold!

Can I edit my profile?

Yes, you can change any of your contact details at any point. Click on the circle icon with your initials at the top right of your screen to access your account, select "Profile", make your changes, and click Save.

What are the rules of the auction?

Each bid is a legally binding contract. Bids cannot be rescinded after being placed.

Please do not bid on auction items to donate back to The Baby Fold. If you wish to support The Baby Fold, please feel free to make a monetary donation.

All auction items must be picked up from The Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive in Bloomington, on Sunday, November 23, between Noon and 2 p.m. Auction items cannot be picked up before or after Sunday, cannot be delivered (with exception of Large Trees (6-7 foot trees), and cannot be shipped. If you are unable to pick up your item(s) on Sunday, please send someone to retrieve your item(s) for you. Any items not picked up by 2:00 p.m. on on Sunday become sole property of The Baby Fold.

Auction 'fine print': The Baby Fold has attempted to describe and catalog all items correctly, but all items are offered "as is, where is." In the event that a winning bidder is unable to be contacted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the item(s) become property of The Baby Fold. The Baby Fold neither warrants nor represents, and in no way shall be responsible for, the correctness of descriptions, genuineness, authorship, provenance or condition of the items. No statement made in print or orally shall be deemed such a warranty, representation or assumption of liability. The Baby Fold is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization. Your payments are tax deductible only to the extent provided by the law.

Who can I contact for help/questions?

Please contact The Baby Fold at festival@thebabyfold.org or call (309) 524-8411 with questions. We are happy to assist you!

Event FAQ's

Is there an ATM available?
Yes, an ATM is available on site inside of the event.

Are group discounts available?
No, group discounts are not available.

Is there a senior discount?
No. Tickets to the Festival of Trees are not discounted, however seniors can enjoy coupons at the Cookie and Coffee shops on Friday November 21. Festival of Trees tickets may be purchased online beginning October 1 and onsite during regular Festival of Trees hours.

Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. If you are unable to attend, you may give your ticket to someone else.

What special activities are available for children?
Kids can enjoy complementary Santa visits, holiday crafts, temporary tattoos, and face painting at the Festival of Trees.

Additional tickets can be purchased for the child-centered Family Dance Party, happening on Saturday from 6 - 8pm. Please make sure that children are always supervised by an adult. 

What food is served at Avanti's Family Night?
This ticketed event includes delicious Avanti's mostaccioli pasta mixed with marinara sauce; a garden salad; bread; and a beverage (soft drink or water). Tickets for Avanti's Family Nights can be purchased online beginning October 1 or on-site on Friday, November 21.

What are the Honor/Memorial and Adoption Trees and how can I participate?
The Honor/Memorial tree is a tribute to loved ones during this holiday season. The Adoption Tree celebrates the loving choice of adoption. With a $100 donation, an ornament with your loved one's name will be placed on the tree of your choice. You can donate online or purchase an ornament at the event. 

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is fully accessible with wheelchair-friendly ramps and pathways.

Do you provide wheelchairs and strollers?
No, we are unable to provide wheelchairs and strollers for guests at this time. Although the venue is fully accessible, please plan ahead and bring any wheelchairs, strollers, or other items you may need with you. 

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are welcome. Pets, however, are not permitted.

Is parking available?
Yes, free parking is available on-site next to the entrance off of Market Street.

Is there designated parking for people with disabilities?
Yes, accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance.