Gifts for Good 2026

1. How do I browse the auction and learn more about an item?

Click Explore Items at the top of the page, then choose All Items, Auction Items or Fund-a-Need Items. Select any item to view its complete description, photos, fair market value, bidding details, availability and restrictions.
You may browse the entire catalog without registering or providing a credit card. Registration is only required when you are ready to bid.

2. How do I narrow my search?

A From the Explore Items page, select Filter to narrow the catalog:
- Use Categories to browse by location, such as Argentina/South America, the United States, Europe or Virtual Experiences.
- Use Tags to browse by interest, such as Arts & Entertainment, Food & Wine, Health & Wellness, Travel & Transportation, Sports & Recreation, Vacation Properties, Hosted Experiences or Family-Friendly Experiences.
- Within Fund-a-Need Items, browse by the impact area that matters most to you: Education, Food Security & Nutrition, Animal Wellness, or Community Health & Connectivity.

3. Can I participate from anywhere in the world?

Yes! You can register and bid from anywhere in the world using a web browser on your computer, tablet or phone.

Please note that all credit card transactions are processed in U.S. dollars (USD). International bidders may be charged currency-conversion or foreign-transaction fees by their credit card provider.

4. How do I register and start bidding?

You must register before you can place a bid.

Click Register at the top of the page and complete the form. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with your auction ticket and a link to Set Up Bidding. Follow that link to create your password and add your payment method.

When you are ready to bid, go to Explore Items, select an item and enter your bid. You may also set a maximum bid, allowing the system to bid automatically on your behalf up to your selected limit. You may increase your maximum bid at any time.

Your credit card will not be charged unless you win a bid, purchase a Fund-A-Need or make a direct donation.

5. How can I check the status of my bids?

Navigate to My Account in the upper-right corner of the screen and select My Activity. There, you can review your current bids and see whether you are the leading bidder.

6. Can I remove a bid after it has been placed?

No. Bids cannot be removed once submitted. All bids are considered final and binding.

7. What happens if I’m outbid?

You’ll receive a text or email notification, depending on your account preferences. You can then return to the auction portal and increase your bid.

8. When does the auction open and close?

The auction opens on Friday, October 16, 2026, and closes at noon Central Time (2PM Argentina Time) on Monday, October 26, 2026.

9. When and how do I pay for the items I win?

When bidding ends and the auction closes on Monday, October 26, 2026, at noon Central Time, payment for all winning bids will be processed automatically using the credit card provided during registration. No additional checkout steps are required.

Fund-a-Need gifts and other financial contributions may be completed and paid at any time before the auction closes.

All payments are processed securely through Bloomerang and charged in U.S. dollars (USD). You will receive a confirmation email and receipt after your payment has been processed. Your winning items will also appear on the My Activity page.

10. Is my payment information secure?

Yes. All transactions are processed securely through Bloomerang’s payment system. Your payment information is encrypted and is not shared with The Vines Foundation or other third parties.

11. Are auction purchases and Fund-a-Need contributions tax-deductible in the United States?

Tax treatment depends on whether you receive goods or services in return for your payment.

Auction purchases: The portion of your winning bid equal to the item’s stated fair market value is considered a purchase and is generally not tax-deductible. If your bid exceeds the fair market value, the amount paid above that value may qualify as a charitable contribution for U.S. federal income-tax purposes, provided you intended to make a charitable contribution and meet applicable tax requirements.

Example: If an experience has a fair market value of $1,000 and your winning bid is $1,300, up to $300 may qualify as a charitable contribution. If your winning bid is $1,000 or less, no portion would generally be deductible.

Fund-a-Need contributions: Because you receive no goods or services in exchange for a Fund-a-Need contribution, the full amount may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Please retain your receipt and consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances. Additional information is available in IRS Publication 526.

12. How will I receive or arrange my experience?

Each auction listing includes specific redemption and fulfillment details. Because Gifts for Good features mostly experiences and services rather than tangible merchandise, not many items will require shipping.

Within one week after the auction closes, The Vines Foundation will email each winning bidder with an introduction to the donor or host. The winning bidder will then work directly with the donor or host to coordinate dates, preferences and any remaining details. The Vines Foundation does not manage the fulfillment of any auction item.

Please review all restrictions, expiration dates, availability requirements and exclusions listed in the item description before bidding.

13. What types of auction contributions does The Vines Foundation accept?

Gifts for Good focuses on experiences, stays, meals, activities, services and other offerings that can be fulfilled directly between the donor and the winning bidder.

We do not accept wine or other alcoholic beverages unless this is provided as part of a larger experience (such as a meal).

Prospective donors should contact the auction coordinator before submitting an item if they have questions about whether it is appropriate for the auction.

14. How does my participation help?

Every bid and donation supports The Vines Foundation’s programs in food security, animal wellness, education and community development in Tunuyán, Mendoza, Argentina.

15. Who can I contact with questions?

Please contact our auction coordinator:
Carolyn Gallagher
Executive Director, The Vines Foundation
carolyn.gallagher@vinesfoundation.org

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