Bullis Gala

Gala Auction Rules

The Bullis Gala Auction is a vibrant fundraising event that embodies the spirit of the Bullis School community. This much-anticipated annual auction unites parents, alumni, family, and friends, offering a diverse array of unique items and experiences up for bid. By participating in this exciting event, you not only have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes but also contribute meaningfully to the school’s mission. Join us for an unforgettable evening and help enhance educational opportunities for our students. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

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General Rules

  • You are assigned a bid number when you register for the Gala. Couples will be assigned one bidder number to facilitate payment.
  • All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds on auction items or services are permitted. Everything shall be sold “as is.” Please read all specifications and restrictions carefully.
  • The Gala Committee reserves the right to lower bids, modify closing times, and withdraw any item from the sale prior to bidding or to remove a silent auction item and close it out with a mini live auction, if deemed warranted.
  • Upon purchase, the buyer waives any claims for liability against Bullis School, any individual connected with the auction, or the donor of the property or services. None of these parties are responsible for any injuries or damages to property that might result from the utilization of property or services sold.
  • Unless otherwise specified, all auction items and services must be used within one year of auction date. Unless otherwise specified, dates and times are to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the winning bidder and the donor.
  • Trips and vacations require advance reservations and are on a space-available basis. Visits to resort and private vacation homes are to be scheduled with the donor, and stipulations regarding size of the group to use facilities and restrictions of children and pets are to be strictly adhered to as set by the donor. Adults must accompany minors.
  • Restaurant offerings may require advance reservations and, unless otherwise specified, do not include alcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity.
  • Cashiers will open for CHECKOUT for all auction items immediately following the close of the Live Auction. Please do not request an earlier checkout, as the final auction reconciliation will not be complete. Unless you have your credit card registered with OneCause, payment for auction items must be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), check, or cash at the cashier station on event night.
  • Buyers are responsible for removing all purchases at the end of the evening. If the actual item is not displayed, the winning bidder will receive a gift certificate.

Bidding Procedures for the Silent Auction

  • Silent auction categories will close at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7.
  • You will use your smartphone to bid.
  • A personalized text message link from OneCause will be sent out before the Gala to all registered attendees with a cell phone number on file.
  • You can use this personalized link to bid before the event.
  • You will also receive this link upon checking in at the event.
  • Since your personalized link is connected to your personal information and credit card on file, please do not forward it or share it with anyone who is not authorized to bid on your behalf.
  • Once you have submitted a bid on an item, you will be given the choice to enter a Max Bid. Upon doing so, OneCause will automatically bid on your behalf, by increment, whenever you are outbid, up to your Max Bid amount.

Live Auction Rules

  • The auctioneer reserves the right to announce conditions of sale at any time. The auctioneer also reserves the right to open bidding at a minimum price and reject any bid that, in her opinion, is not commensurate with the value of the item.
  • To enter a bid, the bidder will signal by raising his bid number to the auctioneer.
  • The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute, the auctioneer shall determine the successful bidder, by re-offering and re-selling the item or withdrawing the item.

Tax Information

  • Your receipt includes a good faith estimate of the value of the item offered for auction. Values have been estimated as closely as possible to fair market value; however, we are not professional appraisers and are not responsible for the accuracy of such valuations.
  • The charitable tax deduction for the purchase of items is limited to the amount, if any, by which the payment exceeds the fair market value of the item.

Applicable Taxes on Auction Items

  • The state of Maryland requires nonprofit organizations to charge 6% sales tax on all alcohol sold.
  • Statements itemizing your auction purchases and Gala contributions will be mailed in April. Please save this for your records and consult your tax professional regarding your potential tax deductions.