Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Thank you for your interest in our auction!  Since this is the only the second year of our virtual auction, we wanted to answer any questions you may have. Below are a list of FAQs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at auction@deniselouie.org if there is a question that was not answered. 

When is the virtual event?
Saturday, October 9th from 5:30-6:30 PM. Online bidding takes place one week before from 10/2 to 10/9. Bidding will close on 10/9/21 at 9:00pm.

How do I participate?
Register for the event here.  Once you register, you will receive an email confirming your registration. As we get closer to the event, you will receive information on our online bidding which runs from 9/25th until 10/9th as well as the Zoom information for the live portion of the event on 10/9th.  Please check the box 'I authorize Denise Louie Education Center to use the credit card entered on the submission page at event 2021 Dinner & Auction.' or you will be asked to register to bid separately.

Why do I have to register?
You can register for the event here or you can register to bid only closer to the event. Once you register for the event, please check the box 'I authorize Denise Louie Education Center to use the credit card entered on the submission page at event 2021 Dinner & Auction.' or you will be asked to register to bid separately.


What is the menu for the catered meals being delivered?
We are partnering with a locally owned business One95 Kitchen.

- Chicken option: Bunny Chow - a South African bread bowl filled with durban style curry of potatoes and chicken. Served with carrot sambals on the side.

- Salmon option: Dry Rubbed Salmon - a Pacific Northwest favorite flavored with sugar, red pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and cilantro cream.

- Vegetarian option: Rijsttafel is an elaborate meal consisting of many side dishes served in small portions, accompanied by rice prepared in several different ways. The chef has selected fragrant coconut rice served with four side dishes. Tumisan, braised greens in coconut milk and spices, twice cooked egg in chili-tomato sauce, and bakwan.

What is the deadline for the meal delivery option?
Monday 10/2, we cannot place any additional meal deliveries after this date. 

When will meals be delivered?
Dinner and wine will be delivered on 10/9th between 9am-1pm.

What takes place on 10/9th from 5:30-6:30PM?
Virtual guests will Zoom in at 5:30 and be placed in a virtual breakout room led by one of our table captains or table hosts. The first 30 minutes will be a chance to connect with others while enjoying dinner.  Online bidding ends at 5:55PM.  At 6:00PM, you will be placed in the main Zoom with all of our other guests where you will enjoy a 10 minute program. After the program, you can continue your conversations back in your breakout room and can leave when it’s convenient for you. 

Why do I need to register with a credit card?
We recommend registering a credit card when you sign-up for the event because we want you to focus on enjoying the program and your overall experience with us. Charges will only be made with your consent. If you prefer to wait, you will be asked register separately for the online auction and enter credit card information before you are able to bid on an item or make a donation through the bidding website. You can still make a donation on our event website here or our DLEC homepage here.  Please check the box 'I authorize Denise Louie Education Center to use the credit card entered on the submission page at event 2021 Dinner & Auction.' or you will be asked to register separately to bid.

What is a Table Captain? 
A table captain chooses to pay $1000 for their virtual table. $1000 will cover dinner for 10 individuals (a maximum delivery of up to 10 households) and a bottle of wine for each household. You can get your tickets here. You will also need to have all of your virtual attendees register for a virtual ticket and put your name in the Group Name section at the top.

What is a Table Host? 
A table host chooses to take care of dinner for their guests in a different way. Some hosts are delivering meals themselves, some are ordering food and getting it delivered while others are opting to have guests take care of their own dinner. The most important part is that family and friends are in the same virtual room. . You will also need to have all of your virtual attendees register for a virtual ticket and put your name in Group Name section at the top.They can register here (you will need to register yourself as well)

May I invite my friends, family, and colleagues to join me?
Absolutely! Please have them register here and they will receive all of the information needed to participate along with you.

I am unable to attend. May I donate in lieu of attending?
Of course! You can donate to our fund-a-need for the auction here!

I would like to volunteer to help. Where do I sign up?
Every year we have many volunteers who help us make this work happen. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our volunteer page here. 

I would like to donate an item. How do I do that?
The deadline to submit auction items is 8/27th. Please complete this form if you wish to donate. Thank you for your support!

I would like to become an event sponsor. Where can I find more information?
Please contact Nikki at nhuang@deniselouie.org. Thank you for your interest.

Where is the auction website?
After you register for our 10/9th event, we will send an email with a special link to you no later than 9/25th to check out our online bidding and begin browsing the items. If you have lost your link - please email us at auction@deniseloiue.org to request that it be sent again. Online bidding begins 9/25th at 9AM and closes 10/9th at 5:55PM.  When registering, please check the box 'I authorize Denise Louie Education Center to use the credit card entered on the submission page at event 2020 Dinner & Auction.' or you will be asked to register separately to bid.

What if I lose my bidding link?
If you have lost your link - please email us at auction@deniseloiue.org to request that it be sent again. Online bidding begins 9/25th at 9AM and closes 10/9th at 5:55PM.  If there is no authorized credit card on file for you, you will be asked to register on the bidding website itself.

How do I bid?  I see “Start Bidding”
If you see a 'Start Bidding' button at the top of the page - this means you are using the preview url and not your personal url.  Please email auction@deniselouie.org to request that your personal link be sent again.  If there is no authorized credit card on file for you, you can click "Start Bidding" to register with the bidding website.

Can I bid on items from my phone?
Yes.  The auction website works with mobile devices.

How do I ensure winning the item?
Buy the guaranteed price. 

How do I see what I've bid on?
Please click the drop-down menu button ≡ in the upper left corner.  You can click 'Bids' to see your bids.  If 'Bids' is not an option - you are using the preview url instead of your personal url.  Please use your personal url.  Please email auction@deniselouie.org  if you need it to be resent.

How do I look at a specific category?
Please click the drop-down menu button ≡ in the upper left corner.  You can scroll through the Categories section and click on a specific category.

How do I flag an item to watch? (Favorites)
From the home page you can click the star in the bottom right corner of the package button.  From the package page, you can click the star in the upper right corner.  To see your favorites, click the 'Favorites' button in the upper right  of the menu bar.

How do I see which packages have no bids?
Please click the drop-down menu button ≡ in the upper left corner.  You can click 'No Bids' to see which packages have not yet been bid on.

How do I participate in the Raise the Paddle/Fund A Need portion?
Please click the Fund a Need link on the bottom from the home page or donate on the event website here. 

How will I know what I've won?
You will receive an email confirmation that you have won with pick up and delivery information some time after the auction closes. 

When will you charge me for what I've won?
We will charge credit cards on file on 10/9th after the auction closes.