What types of donations are you looking for?
Auction items in the past have included exciting vacation getaways, specialty wines, restaurant gift certificates, one-of-a-kind experiences, business gift certificates, decorative items for the home, and personal accessories such as jewelry and handbags.

What are the benefits to me and/or my company for participating?
Over 1,200 people attend the Women of Taste event and will view your business name at the silent auction tables. This year we are also listing the silent auction catalogue on the Women of Taste website and will include links to donors’ business websites. This publicity creates goodwill in the community for the donors. Of course the best benefit is the satisfaction of supporting Girls Inc. and its activities.

Will my item be auctioned alone or packaged with other items?
We may combine donated items with complementary items to create exclusive packages. Our goal is to have each package valued at a minimum of $150. Please let us know if you prefer that your item be auctioned alone. However, Girls Inc. reserves the right to group prizes as necessary.

How will my donation be publicized?
All donors will be recognized individually, unless anonymity is requested. The silent auction itself will be publicized on the Women of Taste website and in the invitations and flyers advertising the event, which are distributed to over 5,000 major donors. Women of Taste partners with various media sponsors each year to publicize the event to the Bay Area community at large including: ANG Newspapers and the Oakland Tribune, KOIT FM, Diablo Magazine, The Bay Area Business Woman newspaper, The Bay Area’s NBC11, Alameda Publishing Group including Alameda Magazine and Oakland Magazine, and The East Bay Express.

How will my donation be displayed at the event?
Merchandise such as artwork, jewelry, accessories, etc. will be displayed at the event on beautifully decorated tables. Items such as gift certificates, event tickets, etc. will have a placard describing the items. We strive each year to improve the look and feel of the auction area and to create a tasteful high-end shopping experience that reflects the quality of our donations.

Can I provide promotional materials for the display?
Yes! We encourage you to provide any printed materials, product samples, signs or business cards that will promote your company or product(s) to our crowd of over 1,200 guests. Please provide us with anything that will make the display more exciting as well as help bidders understand what your donation includes.

Can someone pick up a donation from my business?
Absolutely. Although we prefer the item to be shipped to our office or dropped off, just indicate on the donation form that you would like to make arrangements for someone from our organization to pick up the item, and we will gladly do so.

By what date do I need to provide all of my donation information?
All donated items must be received by August 30, 2007, but we are asking donors to provide the donated items earlier this year so that we can combine the donations into appealing packages that will inspire greater interest at the silent auction. To help us achieve this goal we ask that you provide the donated item within 60 days of receiving your donation form.

How does my donation help Girls Inc.?
Women of Taste is the major fund raiser for Girls Inc. and the silent auction is a major contributor to the funds raised at this event. The mission of Girls Inc is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc provides educational enrichment, leadership and confidence-building programs as well as counseling services to low-income girls. The Women of Taste event provides vital non-restricted funds to help the agency continue its cutting-edge work in the community at low or no cost to its participants.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, in-kind donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Girls Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our Federal Tax Identification number is 94-1558073. Please indicate the fair market value of your donation so Girls Inc. can include it in your donation acknowledgement letter. Contact a qualified tax professional for more information.