AUCTION TIPS
First, you must register yourself for the event. After that, you are able to place bids on any auction package available. GiveSmart has developed a short video (under two minutes) which explains the bidding process in detail. To view the video, click here. Please note: Values set forth opposite items being auctioned are donors' estimates and are not warranted by the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center.
Bidding will begin at 12:01 am CST on Monday, November 23, 2020 and close at 8:00 pm CST on Friday, December 4, 2020.
Please read carefully all the specifications, restrictions, and expiration dates for each item listed in the description. Unless otherwise specified, all auctioned services must be used no later than December 11, 2021. The Buyer agrees to contact the donor to arrange for services. Please contact all experience, travel, or "mutually agreed upon date" donors as soon as possible so that both the buyer and the donor can arrange their schedules.
CHECKOUT INFORMATION
Checkout will begin at 9:00 pm CST on December 4, 2020.
PAYMENT
What payment options do I have available?
- Credit Card payment - you may pay by credit card within the GiveSmart platform. To do this, login to your account on this site. Once logged in, click the My Info page and select "add card on file". Enter the credit card information and select Add Card. You do have the ability to change the card on file up to 9:00 pm CST on Friday, December 4.
- Cash - you have the ability to pay with cash at the Bong Center beginning Saturday, December 5. If electing to use this option, please contact the Bong Center before 9:00 pm CST on Friday, December 4.
- Check - you may pay with a check made out to "Bong P-38 Fund Inc" at the Bong Center beginning Saturday, December 5. If electing to use this option, please contact the Bong Center before 9:00 pm CST on Friday, December 4.
- Donor Advised Funds - some donors have chosen to contribute to the donation appeals using Donor Advised Funds. If electing to use this option, please contact the Bong Center before 9:00 pm CST on Friday, December 4.
Split payment among these options - we recognize that some participants may want to pay in various ways. For example, a person may want to pay for auction and purchase items with a credit card on file but provide their donation towards the Chairman's Challenge with a check or donor advised fund distribution. The Bong Center is able to work with you to make this type of arrangement. Please contact the Bong Center at (715) 392-7151 before 9:00 pm CST on Friday, December 4 to put this arrangement in place.
After the event closes, Bong Center staff will put together all of the items that you won and contact you regarding pickup or delivery of items. All items must be picked up on or by Friday, December 11 at 5:00 pm CST.
TAX DEDUCTIBILITY
The following is provided for the benefit of our auction guests: under ruling 67-246 of Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Service Code, only that portion of a charitable contribution which exceeds fair market value of a "premium" or other substantial benefit given to the donor in exchange for a contribution is considered to be a gift and is therefore deductible. Fair market value is the amount the item or benefit would be worth as sold to the general public. With respect to the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center auction this means:
Auction Purchases-the amount paid in excess of the stated fair market value of the item may be considered a contribution.
Member Bidding
Bong Center employees, volunteers and board members have contributed many of the items and financially to the event. They are allowed to bid and win items in support of the Center.