From February 12 - 26, 2009, we will be accepting bids for hundreds of unique items and experiences to support Ruffing Montessori's dedication to providing a quality Montessori education for Northeast Ohio children, ages three through fourteen.

Our Online Auction takes place here. Our Silent and Live Auctions take place through our 29th Annual Gala held on Saturday, February 28th. Here's how it works:

• Anyone can bid through our Online Auction. It's open to the general public. Keep in mind that the bidding on some items will carry over to our gala, but we are offering Absentee Bidding, explained below. (Watch for item restrictions that state an item can only be awarded to a Ruffing Family. This includes alumni students and parents.)

• To bid on an item you must first register. If you're a returning bidder, you may use the same user name as before by logging in. If you're new to our auction, just click on the word "Register" at the top of this screen. (TIP: use a code name vs. your real name to remain anonymous.) All registrants must provide a credit card in order to begin bidding. Your card will not be charged until the close of the online auction and only if you are the winning bidder.

• Bidders may "Place a Watch" on any items of interest. If you select this function next to an item, you will receive an email every time someone else bids on that item. This is a great tool to help you monitor the bidding on popular items.

• Bidders may enter a "Maximum Bid" amount. This function triggers the auction manager to automatically place incremental bids on your behalf all the way up to your Maximum Bid you're willing to place. You will be notified if another bidder exceeds your maximum bid.

• The words "CLOSES ONLINE FEB. 26!" mean that item will not be featured at our gala. The highest online bidder on Feb. 26th will win these items.

• The words, "LIVE EVENT ITEM" mean that bidding on that item will continue at our gala, whether through the Silent Auction or the Live Auction sections. The highest online bid will become that item's opening bid at the gala.

• Absentee Bidding will be available to those who cannot attend the gala. If you select this service through an item's description page, a Ruffing Auction Staff member will serve as a "Bid Clerk" to physically write in your bid increments during the gala. If your Leading Bid turns out to be the Winning Bid at the end of the night, you will be notified. Shipping fees associated with any items won through Absentee Bidding will be an additional charge passed onto the winner.