Auction Rules

1. Silent Auction bidding will begin on April 24, 2025, and all sections will close by 9:00 PM on May 4th. Live Auction bidding will occur in person only during the programmed time. 

2. All bidders must be REGISTERED with our auction platform AES to participate in the Silent and Live Auctions as well as the raffle and donation process. Only registered bidders will be recognized. Technology Staff will be on call to assist with registering during the event.

3. All auction item values represent estimated retail value. Some auction items have limitations or exclusions. Donors, The Center for Early Education, and the Gala Committee are not responsible for any buyer dissatisfaction or remorse.

4. All items are described in the item details section of AES. Each item has a minimum opening bid and a minimum increase to constitute a valid bid. All bids must be made via CEE’s Gala AES software.

5. The expiration date noted on each auction item’s description and item paperwork supersedes any other expiration date possibly noted. If no expiration date is given, all items and services will expire on May 3, 2026, and are subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the donors. CEE cannot be responsible for any failure by a successful bidder to utilize the item or services as so stipulated. Certain entertainment items (e.g., walk-on parts), which are provided for the 2025-26 television season, are subject to renewal of the show for that season. In the event a show is not renewed, CEE cannot be responsible for the inability of the bidder to obtain the item purchased.

6. You will use your own personal technology to participate in bidding during the evening.

7. No duplications of Silent Auction items will be made.

8. It is the buyer’s responsibility to initiate contact with the donor of such items as homes, tickets, and services to arrange for their use. We suggest contact be made no later than 30 days after the auction. Do not contact the donor after the item terms expire.

9. CEE assumes that guests at the Gala will be bidding on their own behalf and not on behalf of parties not present. All arrangements for payment and retrieval of an item must be made personally by the holder of the winning bid present at this event. CEE will not be liable for payment and retrieval of an item by any party other than the bidder in attendance.

10. A receipt will be available to you directly on your smart device technology indicating the item(s) you have purchased and the amount of your winning bid. All items will be picked up from school beginning on Wednesday, May 7, at 2:30PM. All items must be retrieved by Friday, May 16, 2025.