Lorne Panico, center, outbid competitors to win an Eagles helmet signed by Brian Dawkins. Also pictures is Lisa Merlino and Jaime Miklinevich at last year's wine tasting.
MARGATE - The big event is weeks away but the bidding has already begun for great auction items in the 18th annual Margate Business Association Wine Tasting fundraiser. The newest technology for non-profits is giving event supporters an opportunity to begin bidding in advance of the event, which will be held 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 2 at Steve & Cookie's By the Bay.
The MBA is literally tapping into this new technology with an advanced virtual bidding system that is accessible from cell phone, mobile tablet or desktop. Supporters can browse all the auction items online ahead of time, scoping out items of interest, and when the time comes, attendees and those who are not able to attend, can bid in real time from anywhere on a mobile device or desktop.
Last year, we were able to increase participation and build awareness about the event," fundraising committee member Dana Hartman Hiltner said. "We tested the waters with the One Cause app primarily using it at the event, and response was so great, we are using the app more fully with the pre-event bidding."
One Cause is the third-party company that hosts the mobile bidding technology. One Cause is committed to helping cause-driven organizations amplify their messages and raise more funds with easy-to-use fundraising solutions such as this platform.
Anna Maria Blescia shows a diamond ring in the silent auction
The app also allows us to provide more exposure to our very generous and much appreciated donors, Hiltner said.
Available now on the bidding app are tickets to see Michael Bublé March 21 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City, courtesy of 95.1 WAYV. The package includes a round trip luxury car ride to the concert courtesy of Atlantic City Luxury Black Car Service (pick up/drop off within Atlantic County only).
The event has gone green with no paper tickets. Thanks to online registration, no paper tickets are necessary. To purchase tickets online or to bid go to mbawine.com. The event also provides onsite live and silent auction bidding, hosted by local real estate professional Lou Solomon and DJ Diane Mitchell of 95.1 WAYV's Mike & Diane morning show.
The Wine Tasting has something for everyone to enjoy, from dancing to the Mas Tequila Orchestra, to enjoying great food, delectable Jagielky's chocolates and an entertaining live auction. The highlight of the event are the beverage samplings.
Lou Solomon and Diane Mitchell of 95.1 WAYV award a winning bid at the Margate Business Association's live auction held during last year's wine tasting.
"We have a great mix of fine wines, beers and spirits to sample but we also have tasty zero proof non alcoholic cocktails," said restaurateur Cookie Till, who has hosted the event since its inception. People look forward to the Wine Tasting because each year the committee brings something new to the table and it's a fun way to kick-off spring with friends.
To date, MBA Wine Tasting has provided more than $105,000 for scholarships awarded to high school seniors who have attended Margate City schools, and to provide warm clothing, school supplies, food, summer camp, toys and more to children of the Margate schools through the MBA'S Children Fund is.
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