Qtego

Fat Tuesday Event Trades Bites for Bytes

Qtego — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:11:08 +0000

What comes to mind when you close your eyes and hear the phrase “Fat Tuesday?” Probably visions of bustling streets in New Orleans during Mardi Gras the day before the Lenten season begins in March.

Ask a St. Simon the Apostle parishioner what they see when you mention “Fat Tuesday” and you might get a different answer.

“A band playing and our gymnasium full of local restaurants serving up food and drinks to over 500 Geist locals,” is the picture Angela Duggan sees in her mind.

For the past six years, Duggan has been orchestrating the Taste of St. Simon, renamed this year to “Bites for Bytes,” to benefit the Geist parochial school’s technology department. With the help of parent volunteers and faculty, Duggan goes door-to-door asking every restaurateur who will listen to participate in the annual event. Nearly 20 local restaurants are already on board for this year’s event which be held on Tuesday, March 8 from 6:00-9:30 p.m. at St. Simon the Apostle School.

“We have some new restaurants this year like Scotty’s Lakehouse and Good Fellas, but our event has been built around long-time supporters like Bella Vita, the Grill, Casler’s and Chef Suzanne,” said Duggan.

This year St. Simon has invited Qtego to provide the Silent Auction Technology so their guests can bid on the auction items by using their own cellular phones.

Qtego — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:49:38 +0000

Brad:
I was just going to send you an email thanking you for a such a wonderful event. You and your team were so attentive and helpful throughout the entire evening. We look forward to a long relationship with Qtego!

Saint Malachy Mardi Gras to be held at Colts Complex

Qtego — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:33:08 +0000

Saint Malachy of Brownsburg Indiana will be hosting their Mardi Gras Gala at the Indianapolis Colts Complex this weekend Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 6PM.
Qtego will be providing the silent auction technology so patrons can bid on the items with their mobile phones. In addition to the wireless bidding, Qtego will be working with Tom Zupancic of the Indianapolis Colts with their Fund-A-Need to help raise money for their new school ground expansion.

Tom will be the night’s Emcee and will be encouraging guests to raise their paddles as he asked them to make pledges for the school. By using Qtego’s new Give program the donors will be able to see their names displayed on the big media screen by the stage with the running totals for the night. The new feature makes for a fun and exciting way to raise more funds. Guest will be encouraged to continue to give after the “ask” is done on stage by texting their donations from their phones.

The Horizon Academy uses new Fund-A-Need program!

Qtego — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:31:21 +0000

The Horizon Academy BAYOU BASH 2012 was this weekend Saturday, February 4, 2012, at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Mo.

We were excited to join them for their 8th annual event to help them raise $125,000 for scholarships and programs for students with learning disabilities!

Qtego was able to premier a brand-new feature for the Fund-A-Need. Working in conjunction with the Tanna Guthrie, the night’s live benefit auctioneer, guest were able to raise their paddles as she asked them to make pledges for the school. The donors were able to see their names displayed on the big media screen with the running totals for the night. The new feature made for an exciting way to raise more funds. Guest were encouraged to continue to give after Tanna was done on stage by texting their donations from their phones.

Horizon Academy included the below reminder message before the event.

**DON’T FORGET TO BRING A CHARGED CELL PHONE
TO PARTICIPATE IN QTEGO TECHNOLOGY TEXT BIDDING.**
You only need a phone with text capability (it doesn’t have to be a Smartphone).
If you’re not a “texter”– No worries! We’ll have volunteers with iPads to help you bid!

Thanks Horizon for including us in on all the fun!

How to Price Silent Auction Items

Qtego — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:20:34 +0000

One way to determine the price of an auction item is to simply ask. When you solicit donations, create a donor form with a section where donors can indicate the value of their items. If no value is known, use eBay and other online-auction websites to ascertain the item’s worth. Start the bidding at about 40 percent of the item’s retail price, using a round number.

Once items donated to a silent auction have been organized into categories and sorted, it’s time to start pricing. Pricing is really a matter finding the tipping point between starting high enough to maximize value and starting low enough to interest the most possible bidders. It’s important to remember that most silent auction items will generally come fairly close to their value anyway, because attendees want to support an organization. Lower starting bids will likely generate more overall activity for the auction.

Bidders will bid on more items to begin with if the amounts they are bidding are not individually of enormous consequence (not to mention if they believe they won’t actually end up with the item). An attitude of, “Well, either I’ll get it cheap, or I’ll bid it up for the charity” is not uncommon. However, there is only a limited amount of time for auction bidding and attendees are also chatting, networking and sometimes drinking – there needs to be only a reasonable amount of bids in order to get the item up to (or close to) value.

Setting Starting Bids for Items

In general, starting bids should be about 50% of declared value, or slightly less (choose a nice round number, ending with a 0 or a 5 for starting bids below $100 or a 0 for bids over $100. There are some exceptions – following a gut feeling is appropriate here. If the staff member or volunteer pricing items is not in the same financial circumstances as a “typical” attendee, it might be of value to consult with someone who is the “target market” for item bidding, because their instincts on what makes sense is invaluable.

For items that are not sold on the open market, or items that are signed and not professionally valued, list “priceless” as the value and price based on instinct as indicated above. For items that do have a set value, use donor-provided pricing, or if not provided, use typical market pricing. If there is a discrepancy there, generally go with the donor-provided amount.

Setting Minimum Raises for Items

A minimum raise is the amount a new bid needs to increase from the previous bid. In general, items with starting bids of $50 or below should have a minimum raise of $5. For items starting between $50 and $150, the minimum raise should be $10. For items starting over $150, move to $20 or $25. For items starting over $500, a $50 raise is appropriate. For items starting over a $1000, a $100 raise is not unreasonable. For items starting at more than $2500 value, depending on the attendee profile, a $250 raise is not out of line. However, it might also be appropriate, given that those items are likely worth $5000 or more, to consider a live auction format rather than silent bid sheets.

Minimum raises should always be nice round numbers. While it may be tempting to have $40 raises or $125 raises, it is just going to create confusion on the math for those who are bidding while chatting and holding drinks. In general, stick to $5, $10, $20, $25, $50, $100 and so on. If it’s not a value that can be found on paper money or coin (match with which everyone is really comfortable), it’s not a good idea.

After starting bids and minimum raises have been determined, it’s paperwork time! See the article Creating Silent Auction Bid Sheets for the next step.

Information from ehow.com and suite101.com

Megan S. Ott Foundation’s A Night for Magical Moments

Qtego — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:10:22 +0000

The Megan S. Ott Foundation has chosen Qtego’s wireless Technology to provide their silent auctions by cellular device at this years gala. The second annual “A Night for a Magical Moments” will be held May 12 2012. The event will be held at One American Tower Downtown Indianapolis.

About the Foundation

The Megan S. Ott Foundation is the remarkable vision of Megan Snyder Ott. Megan envisioned an organization that would provide immediate personalized financial support and “sunshine” to families in the Indianapolis metro community fighting the day-to-day battle of breast cancer.

FUND-A-NEED

The Ott Foundation will also be utilizing Qtego’s auction management system for their Fund-A-Need making it easy to record each donation, whether the guest sends their donations by text message, phone call or paper. Qtego will record and add the gift to each guest’s account for quick collection and checkout.

Those interested in attending can click here to learn more about the event.

St. Louis de Montfort Church presents Mardi de Montfort!

Qtego — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:50:31 +0000

Now on it’s 10th year, Mardi de Montfort is St. Louis de Montfort’s annual fundraising Dinner and Dance will be held Feb 18. The success of this evening is not solely a measure of funds raised, but also the coming together as a community to celebrate our relationships and blessings. The common goal to grow as a community is an integral part of Mardi de Montfort.

The evening consists of dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions. Join us for a festive evening, full of fun and fellowship as we celebrate our 10th anniversary – Diamonds Are Forever.

Qtego Auction Technology
New for 2012 is the use of Qtego Auction Technology. This technology will allow silent auction bidding to occur from any cell phone by simply texting in the item number and bid amount. The patron is immediately notified if they are the high bidder and also if they were just outbid. This easy to use and fun bidding process helps raise more money than the traditional paper and pen method because the patron doesn’t have to keep returning to the table to see current bid amounts. Customers can now socialize and enjoy their evening while being apprised of the status of their bid instantly. Qtego also ensures that all bids are recorded and delivers a single patron invoice for easy checkout.

Boys & Girls Club “Vegas-Style”

Qtego — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:28:46 +0000

The Boys and Girls Club of Zionsville held a fundraiser at the Indianapolis Colts training Complex on December the 3rd.

The event offered Qtego’s wireless Auction Technology which let the participants in the silent auction bid with their cell phones.

Celebrate the holidays and the end of year at the 2011 Merry Mingle!

Qtego — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:53:49 +0000

Qtego was chosen to help provide some holiday silent auction bidding action at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) holiday party.

The festivities Included an open bar, silent auction, good music, great food and even better networking!

AAF’s Merry Mingle was a fun, festive networking event for the Indianapolis advertising community with a diverse membership of hundreds of professionals including representatives from local advertising agencies, media, marketing and public relations.

Thanks for including Qtego in the Holiday cheer!

Lions Eye Institute

Qtego — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:18:37 +0000

Brad many thanks to you and your great team. You all made this transition to “texting” easy and clam for everyone. I felt very confident having you in charge-you made everything run smoothly and helped us raise more money for our mission Looking forward to next year!

Gail Messamore

Butler Men’s Basketball Tip-off Dinner includes a Qtego silent auction!

Qtego — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:59:54 +0000

Coach Brad Stevens

The Butler Men’s Basketball team held their 2011 Tip-off Dinner on November the 7th on the floor of the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.

This years fundraiser included a silent auction as part of their festivities. The participant’s were able to bid on the silent auction items with their own cell phones by utilizing Qtego’s wireless auction technology.

Thanks Butler for including us at your event and Good luck this year!

Mi Escuelita Preschool

Qtego — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:57:19 +0000

Qtego & McCurry reference letter

The Eye Ball – A Gala With Vision Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium

Qtego — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:14:42 +0000

Join us for an evening of dining, dancing and silent & live auctions using Qtego’s Bid by Phone Auction Technology. Hosted by the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Lions Eye Institute research program, bringing us one step closer to unlocking the cure for blindness.

Saturday, October 15, 2011
4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, Florida
Black Tie Optional

Horizon House

Qtego — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:11:11 +0000

Horizon House Thank You Letter

Riley Children’s Foundation

Qtego — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:55:03 +0000

Letter of support Riley Children’s Foundation

Lewisville ISD Education Foundation

Qtego — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:39:04 +0000

Letter of Recommendation

“The new Qtego system provided an easy and fast way for our guests to register and check-out”!

Qtego — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 16:31:07 +0000

Qtego Authorized Auction Representative Dean McCurry Auctioneer Services from Dallas, TX recently held a successful fundraising event for the Lewisville ISD Foundation.

Dean used Qtego’s new check out process for the event and received the following thank you from Connie Pelphrey Executive Director

Dean,

The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation would like to thank you, your team and Qtego for helping to make our 2011 Evening for Education event a success.

The new Qtego system provided an easy and fast way for our guests to register and check-out. No lines. Even though the texting process was new to our guests, many pre-registered and started bidding as soon as the auction catalog was posted on our website a few days before the event. We even had some bids from people who could not attend. One comment I kept hearing was that text bidding was addictive and fun. Having the concierge service for our guests who couldn’t text was a great way to include those who do not normally text.

This year’s auction surpassed all previous auctions. Thank you!

Letter of Recommendation Dean Qtego

NHRA: Race Fans Will Have The Opportunity To Bid On Exclusive Racing Memorabilia At DSR Open House

Qtego — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:12:40 +0000

When Don Schumacher Racing opens its doors September 2nd for its sixth-annual DSR Open House to benefit Riley Hospital for Children, race fans will not only have the chance to mingle with some of the legendary names from NHRA drag racing, but also walk away with some exclusive racing memorabilia.

There will be both live and silent auctions during the DSR Open House that runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DSR’s race shop here.

The silent auction will utilize a new text-bid technology from Qtego, which allows bidding from anywhere on a mobile phone; they do not have to be on site to bid. Guests attending the Open House can make bids without a mobile phone.

Some of the unique items available include: a special Riley Hospital/DSR Open House helmet painted by Olson Paint & Body; a Matco Tools service cart; two sets of wheels and tires from TBC Retail Group; DieHard battery chargers; autographed Toyota die cast cars signed by Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin; Oakley products; a $200 UCoatIt gift card; a set of Goodyear Tires; AutoImagery photo collages, and Mark Rebilas drag racing prints. DSR will also offer honorary- crew-member packages including DSR team crew shirts and pit tours during the U.S. Nationals.

“It’s terrific that our sponsors and vendors have made such generous contributions and donations for such a great cause, Riley Hospital (for Children),” said Don Schumacher. “The fans will have the opportunity to not only meet some of the biggest names in the history of the NHRA, but also walk away with some great memorabilia. It’s going to be a great day and we hope that those attending the U.S. Nationals on Friday will visit our shop before heading to the track for qualifying.”

The Open House will again feature the Indy Hi-Winders car show, the popular nostalgia cacklefest, and an autograph session with the seven DSR drivers: Tony Schumacher, Antron Brown, Spencer Massey, Ron Capps, Jack Beckman, Matt Hagan and Johnny Gray. To celebrate NHRA’s 60th anniversary, the DSR drivers will be joined for the autograph session by a group of NHRA legends. Scheduled to appear are Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Bob Glidden, Ed McCulloch, Chris Karamesines and team owner Don Schumacher.

DSR has raised more than $130,000 for Riley Hospital for Children over the last six year with the Open House and Bowling for Riley events.

Fox 59 and Qtego provide donation line for State Fair victims.

Qtego — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:05:37 +0000

From 6am-6pm today, Fox59 will dedicate 12 hrs of live & taped broadcasts to raise money for the victims of the state fair tragedy & their families. This “Day of Dedication” ends with a special broadcast tonight at 6. This morning, we’re asking viewers to consider any size donation they can offer for those in need. You can donate to the Indiana State Fair victims by calling the Fox 59 and Qtego provided donation line. 1 (866) 970-1993

Greater Giving has partnered with Qtego!

Qtego — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:43:02 +0000

Want to make your next benefit event easier to manage and run—and make more money?

Greater Giving delivers fundraising solutions that help you raise more money with less effort. In 2010, Greater Giving clients raised over $250M at live events and over $80M online. Recently Greater Giving partnered with Qtego, to deliver a better benefit auction experience for nonprofits and their event guests. When nonprofits use Greater Giving and Qtego at their fundraiser, they streamline and simplify check-in, checkout, and post-event reconciliation, reduce the tasks related to managing live and silent auctions and special appeals, and drive more auction revenue.

How?

Greater Giving’s Auctionpay terminals (used stand-alone) or card readers (used with Event Software) streamline the cashiering process at benefit events. Guests pre-register their card at check-in (the process takes less than a minute) and enjoy a fast and easy checkout and item pick-up. Staff and volunteers spend less time on registration, cashiering, and item pick-up and more time with event guests.

Qtego Auction enables benefit auction guests to place silent and live auction and special appeal bids using a device they use every day—their cell phone. With Qtego, nonprofits eliminate the need to provide bidding devices, install a network, or track bids. Since guests are using a device they know well, they bid more—nonprofits using Qtego see a 20-60% increase in auction revenue.

Here’s how the process works at a benefit event:

Guests pre-registered for the event register to bid using Qtego’s quick online registration entry.
At event check-in, guests confirm their pre-registered cell phone number. Walk-in guests can register in the Qtego system at the event.
After confirming that number, guests can begin bidding by texting the item number and bid amount, or call a toll-free number and type the bidding information using their phone keypad.
At checkout, winning bidders pick up their invoice printed by Qtego, verify the item(s) and pay forthose items. If guests choose to pay by credit card, the cashier will swipe the credit card using theAuctionpay terminal and enter the bidder number plus the amount due from the Qtego invoice.
Organizations using Event Software PC at their event import Qtego bidding results into the software after the auctions and special appeal are closed, then print a detailed invoice at checkout using the software.
Credit card charges are submitted to the bank post-event via Auctionpay or Event Software using an Internet connection.

For copy of release click here Qtego-Greater Giving Letter