This Frequently Asked Questions list should be able to answer most of your questions about the Worldcon 76 Charity Auctions. If not, please write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll be back to you with the answer (and perhaps add it to the list.)
Q: Who is the beneficiary of the charity auction?
A: The Alzheimer’s Association. We’re working with their San Jose office. If you’d like to meet them, they have a table in the Fan Tables area with materials and additional answers. 100% of the money we collect (minus state taxes of course) will be donated to the charity.
Q: What are the rules of the charity auction?
A: Complete rules can be viewed in the Charity Auction Exhibit space.
Q: What’s the difference between the Silent and Voice auctions?
A: The silent auction is held from Thursday through Saturday morning. Bidders write in their bids on the item bid sheet. If there are more than five bids, the item will complete it’s bidding at the voice auction, so bid high if you want to grab your item in the silent auction. The voice auction is a more standard auction where items will be displayed in front of the audience for bidding.
Q: Any rules about bidding?
A. Yes. The basics are that bids are in dollar amounts only and the bidder must be willing to pick up their item during regular charity auction exhibit hours, which are posted in the exhibit space. We ask that people be respectful of other bidders and patient with the auctioneer and staff. We want everyone to have a good time.
Q: What if I decide I want to back out of a bid later?
A: Please don’t do this. It’s a charity auction after all. Don’t bid unless you are sure you want the item and have the money to back up your bid.
Q: What if the winning bidder doesn’t show up to pay for their silent auction bid? Does the 2nd place bidder get the item?
A: Because false bids are a common way to manipulate a silent auction, if the winning bidder does not show up to pay for their item the entire bid history will be invalidated.
Q: How do I get a bidder number?
A: The Charity Auctions use the same bidder number as the Art Show Auction. You can get your number in the Art Show exhibit during regular Art Show hours.
Q: Are winning bids taxed?
A: Yes, local taxes are collected on all items sold or won at bid at Worldcon76.
Q: What can I declare on my taxes as a charitable donation?
A: This is a question for you to discuss with a tax professional who is familiar with your specific personal situation.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: We have a help desk in the Charity Auction exhibit that will be happy to answer your questions.
Q: Are these rules final?
A: We do reserve the rights to update and change the terms of these rules as necessary when necessary.