Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for signing up for Family & Youth Initiative’s Establishing Roots Virtual Fundraising Event! We are so excited to have you join us! Check out our online auction too! Here are some tips to help make the evening run smoothly.
How do I watch the virtual Establishing Roots event?
To access the livestream on Saturday, follow this link to the livestream site.
When does the event start?
We invite you to join us between 6:00-6:30pm on Saturday to get yourself set up and make sure your video and auction app are working.
The program begins at 6:30 PM SHARP- no fashionably late options here!
What does the program of a virtual event look like?
Just like an in-person event, we will have a few speakers (mostly young people!), a short video, an auction, and the opportunity to support Family & Youth Initiative’s work putting caring adults into the lives of teens and young adults in foster care.
There will be a chat feature, so that just like at the live event, you can talk with other guests.
You can also use the chat to ask any questions.
What is expected of me as a guest?
We want to make sure you enjoy the program and because it’s a shorter, virtual event, we don’t want you to miss a minute! Before logging in, make sure you have everything you need to enjoy the event - a full glass of your favorite beverage and snacks or treats close by.
I’d love to donate to support teens in foster care. Will I be able to do that?
Yes, and thank you for your generous support.
At the end of the program, you will have an opportunity to donate and be recognized as an important part of the DCFYI community! A DCFYI teen will lead us through this “paddle raise!” From the livestream site, click on “Donate.” Alternatively, you can text “Donate” followed by the dollar amount [just the actual number] to 571-462-6700.
If you prefer to donate anonymously, we invite you to donate via the DCFYI website. All donations made during the event will be added to the total but without donor names being shared.
When can I bid on auction items?
The auction is open for bidding now. We have fabulous items donated by generous individuals and businesses. Check out the items by clicking on the “Online Auction” button on the livestream site. Be sure to click on “Register to Bid” to participate in the auction.
Do I need to register to bid on auction items?
Yes. In order to bid, you must register. Go to the livestream site and click on “Register to Bid.”
What is the best way to watch the livestream event and bid on items?
It is easiest to use two devices. Watch the livestream event on your biggest screen (computer or TV) and bid on your phone using the Auctria mobile bidding app or via text.
It’s easy!
Register for the auction first.
For the app: download the app, tap “Sign in” and enter the Bidder Access Code you got in your email, or the bidder email address you used to register.
To bid via text: BID <dollar amount> for <auction item number> to 571-462-6700.
So a $100 bid for item 5 would be a text of: BID 100 for 5
Alternatively, you can open up the livestream site in one browser on your computer and the auction items in another window with a different browser.
Can I talk to other guests at the event?
Yes! There will be a chat feature just to the right of the livestream. Be sure to sign on to the chat with your real name so others can recognize you. Send a message through the chat when you first sign on so others will know you’re here!
Can I have a watch party?
Sure! Organize your friends to have an event watch party on another device! You can challenge your friends to a bidding war!
How will I know if I have been outbid for an item in the auction?
You will receive an email and text (if you include your cell number when you register) with a link so you can place another bid!
When does the auction close?
The auction will close Sunday, October 11 at 8pm.
Note that anyone who is outbid in the final 15 minutes of the auction will be notified (by email and/or text) and the auction will be kept open for another 15 minutes so you can bid again. If you have your heart set on a particular item, you might want to be near your phone or computer at 8 PM on Sunday.
How will I know if I won something?
The auction software will automatically notify all winners via text/email after the auction closes.
How do I pay for items I win in the auction?
Charges for items won – and donations made – will be processed automatically through the auction software, Auctria, using the credit card you provide.
How do I get my items?
We will mail or email gift certificates.
For other items, you can arrange to pick it up at the DCFYI office (515 M Street, Suite 217, Washington, DC) or pay to have it shipped to you. (Alcohol cannot be shipped.)
We will contact you about your preference during the week of October 12.
Questions?
Before Saturday, please email us at info@dcfyi.org.
For event tech support, call or text 503-583-3910 between 5:30 and 7:00 PM (EDT) on October 10th.