AUCTION HOW-TO

By attending the auction or raise-the-paddle, each guest agrees to the rules below. Important information related to purchases made at the auction (e.g., no refunds or warranties on auction items as well as information related to tax deductions and waivers) is available by clicking on this QR code: 

Authorizing payment: By providing a credit card during event registration, you authorize Vashon Schools Foundation to charge that card for your winning bid or purchase of an item.

Bidding: Upon entry to the gala, you will be given a bid card. To bid in the live auction or to donate during the “raise-the-paddle,” hold your bid card up high with the number visible to the auctioneer. The auctioneer and the Vashon Schools Foundation reserve the right to add or withdraw items from the auction without prior notice. A bid acknowledged by the auctioneer constitutes a legal contract to purchase the item. 

Claiming your item and receipts: You will receive receipts for your items by email after the event and do not need to wait in line to pay for your purchase. If you do not take your item home from the auction, please claim it at Vashon Sotheby’s on Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm or Sunday, November 23 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

LEGAL NOTICE

No refunds or warranties: Reservations for vacation rentals, private dinners, events, and services must be arranged according to the item’s instructions. Refunds will not be provided for cancelled tickets or accommodations. The cost of your item will not increase if its value increases beyond its stated value. If the cost or value of an item decreases, you will not be issued a refund. Vashon Schools Foundation has made every effort to accurately describe and catalog auction items. All items are offered in their current condition. Vashon Schools Foundation does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of descriptions, authenticity, or condition of the items. No statements made in the catalog, at the auction, or elsewhere shall be construed as warranties for tax or fair market value purposes. Unless otherwise noted, auction items have not been appraised. 

Tax deductions: The IRS has recognized Vashon Schools Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Contributions to Vashon Schools Foundation may be tax-deductible as allowed by law. In general, you may deduct as a charitable contribution the amount you pay above the fair market value of an item. Please consult a tax professional to identify specific guidance on deductibility.

Waivers: Guests assume all risks and hazards related to the auction and the items purchased. By attending the auction, guests agree to hold harmless Vashon Schools Foundation, its officers, employees, event organizers, vendors, auctioneer, emcee, sponsors, and volunteers from any liability arising from the gala and auction.

Single purchasers only. Per IRS regulations, auction items will be awarded to a single purchaser only. The auctioneer reserves the right to reject bids that represent only minimal fractional advances over the prior bid. The top bid amount for an auction item cannot be split among individuals who may have agreed to share the cost.