Variations or Special Features of some Quarter Auctions

Here are some terms you might see in the advertisement of Quarter Auctions

(or perhaps you will hear while at a Quarter Auction)

  • Happy Paddle / Golden Paddle
    • The Happy Paddle or Golden Paddle at a Quarter Auction is typically the first lot of the auction, and the first lot after each Intermission. If you win that Paddle (typically a 4 quarter bid), anytime the corresponding ball / chip is drawn, you get that lot – no need to put in any quarters!
  • All-In Paddle
    • All-In Paddle is a paddle with a higher purchase price, but you don’t have to put any quarters in for any lot – you are automatically entered for all lots. The price of the All-In Paddle is usually close to amount of quarters you would need to bid on every lot. The advantage is that you don’t have to bring / buy quarters, or wait for your favorite lots to be called. All you need to do is listen for your number. Some organizers require you to still have your paddle in the air – you might want to rubber-band your paddle to a drink bottle, or even better, buy an All-In Paddle Holder (See one at the bottom of the What To Bring Page)

  • Multiple Paddles – Some events will permit you to buy multiple paddles, either standard or All-In. That way, you can increase your chances of winning by bidding with more than 1 paddles. Now, if you have purchased multiple Standard Paddles, and you wish to put them all in the air, you MUST put the number of quarters for the lot times the number of quarters in the coin bowl.. That is to say, if the lot is a 2 quarter lot, and you have 3 paddles, and you want to use them all, you must put 6 quarters in the bowl. If you don’t want to use all three, but just one, you must put the ones you are NOT using down on the table, and only hold up the one paddle you wish to bid with. No switching of paddles once your coins are in!

     

     

  • Special Raffles –– There are often items donated to the hosts that just don’t fit the standard lot. Maybe they are too expensive, like a Group Wine Tasting. Maybe they are a special hand-crafted item from a local artisan. So, the event will sell double-tickets at a separate price from the Quarter Auction lots. You keep one half of the ticket (with the number on it), and they put all of the other half-tickets in a bucket, jar, whatever. Typically, at the end of the night, but sometimes at other times, they draw a ticket from the raffle’s jar/container, and if it matches yours, you win it!

  • 50/50 – A 50/50 is a Special Raffle where you win CASH! Yup, they sell tickets, and keep the guests aware throughout the event how much the 50/50 is worth. Then, typically at the very end of the event, they draw a ticket. If they have collected $380, then the winner get $195, in cash!

  • Food – A Quarter Auction is a social event, and food has always played a big part in social events. Most Quarter Auctions will offer some food or drink, even if it is just desserts and water. Please, see what they are offering, and consider purchasing! Most hosts or food/drink providers are volunteers, and are doing it “for the cause” and to make the guests more comfortable during the event. So, if your dietary restrictions permit it, give them a look-over and satisfy your hunger / thirst