Silent Auction Donations

Promote your Brand, Assist the Industry & Get a Tax Write-Off
Join the fun and participate in a popular and feel-good program!  Each year, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation (WRA EF) hosts a Silent Auction at the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo.  This year, we’ve got some exciting news:  the 2009 Silent Auction will also be held online!

Why online?  The Silent Auction’s new online format makes it quick to donate, easy to bid, and it offers the ability to raise more money through a nationwide audience.  The online format offers more exposure for donors with expanded marketing efforts and nationwide promotion on www.biddingforgood.com, the C-Market website for non-profit auctions.

Online bidding will open one week prior to the show on March 2, 2009 and close March 31, 2009.  And, the auction will be prominently showcased in the high-traffic Wisconsin Restaurant Association booth, right on the show floor for all three days!

Benefits of Donating
Monies raised at the Silent Auction benefit the Education Foundation’s scholarship and educational programs, which aid in the promotion of foodservice as a professional career.  Last year, the generosity of our contributors raised over $12,000.  This year, we invite you to help tomorrow’s foodservice professionals by donating to the Silent Auction. 

Acknowledgement of your donation will appear on the national C-market website at www.wirestaurant.cmarket.com and on Wisconsin Restaurant Expo materials both before and during the show.  Donated items will be on display and up for bid during most of March, 2009.  And, a donation to the Silent Auction is tax deductible as a charitable contribution to the Education Foundation for federal tax purposes.

By participating in this program, you’ll market your brand in a unique way and create a positive image for your company!  Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Donation Suggestions
Silent Auction visitors bid on a wide variety of unique and valuable items to benefit scholarship and mentoring programs for foodservice students through the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation.  There’s something for everyone to experience the excitement!

A minimum suggested retail value of $50 is requested.  Trips, hotel stays, and gift certificates should be valid beginning March 9, 2009.  Items should be of interest to foodservice and hospitality industry lovers everywhere!

Among donations received last year were:

• Specialty food & beverages
• Hotel & resort stays
• Vacation & dinner cruises
• Golf packages
• Event tickets
• Autographed memorabilia
• Gift certificates

Promote your company’s name and help promote the industry’s future by donating a good or service to the 2009 Silent Auction!

To Donate
Donating items for the Silent Auction is quick and easy.  Visit the auction website at www.wirestaurant.cmarket.com for online submissions or use the Silent Auction Donation Form (PDF).    

All donations should be submitted by February 9, 2009 to:
Carrianne Wolfe
Wisconsin Restaurant Association
2801 Fish Hatchery Rd
Madison, WI  53713