COY 2021 - Chicago

For our Annual Ignite Inclusion Gala - Celebrating Champion of the Year

Best Buddies Illinois - Chicago 

Friday, October 22, 2021

7:00 - 11:00 PM

The Old Post Office 

433 W. Van Buren, Chicago, IL

7PM - Doors Open (you must show a vaccine card or negative COVID test within 72 hours of event)

7-8PM - Passed H'ors d'oevres, three food stations, open bar, silent auction

8:00PM - Program Starts

8:30 - Silent Auction Ends

8:30 - Live Auction Begins

9:00 - Bid from the Heart

9::25 - Raffle winner announced

9:55 - GRAND Champion of the Year Announced

11:00PM - Event Ends

Champion of the Year unites and recognizes the community's most active leaders in the name of inclusion.  By devoting their passion, talents, and networks to Best Buddies through a philanthropic competition, our Champions lay for the foundation for transformative change in their communities. Through raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies, our Champions will generate countless opportunities for friendships, jobs, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Online Bidding FAQ  

How do I participate on GiveSmart?

You must register to place bids, purchases, or a donation. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit this event campaign site.
2. Click Register to Participate.
3. Enter the required information.
4. Click Create my GiveSmart Account

How do I bid on silent or live auction items?

1. Once you are registered - Click the blue link within the Welcome
text or personal link button from within the Welcome email.
2. Choose item - From our Home page, click "Items" , browse then select an item.
3. Choose amount - Use the pre-populated minimum bid or enter a
higher amount. You can also set up Auto bid.
4. Click Bid

How do I know if I have been outbid?

You will be notified via text message if you have been outbid. If you are not receiving text messages make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile. 

How will I know if the auction has closed?

We will provide the date and time of when the auction is closing during the event. You will be notified leading up to the closing via text message. Once it closes and you have won an item you will receive a text message about your win! 

I really want an item! How can I better my chances? 

That is great news! To keep from being outbid too often, you can set an Auto Bid. The software will automatically bid by your predetermined increment until your max bid has been met or the silent auction ends. Keep an eye on your favorite items throughout the night to make sure you continue to bid! 

How do I receive my items if I win? 

Congrats! You will receive a text notifying you that you won item(s). You are required to make the payment for your items prior to receiving them the night of the event. You will then receive an email with instructions on receiving or picking up your items. 

Please note: All bids are final and binding. There will be no exchanges, alterations, or refunds on items. Please note any restrictions or expiration dates stipulated by the prize donor as noted in the item description. We are not responsible or liable for any discrepancies. All items are "as is".