TAP Online Auction 2024
The Travel Abroad Program is currently running and will end March 10 at 6 PM.
Message from Superintendent
I invite you to support a unique travel opportunity for our students at Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD). We are hosting an online auction in March to support our travel abroad program. This year, a group of high school students are traveling to Egypt for an extraordinary educational opportunity. They will put into practice the classroom skills they have been taught and also learn valuable lessons about the world around them and life skills that cannot be taught in a classroom setting.
Our students will join students from Utah Schools for the Deaf on an accessible tour for Deaf individuals through Hands On Travel. They will have direct access to the educational experience in sign language, with immersion with Deaf locals and interactive programs that give them a deeper appreciation of the area. They will experience the majestic Pyramids of Giza. See the modern library in Alexandria. Explore Philae Temple and High Dam at Aswan and the spectacular Abu Simbel Temple. Cruise along the Nile River. See the tombs at the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens. Wander along the columns at Luxor Temple, considered the gem of all temples.
We believe that travel abroad opportunities are important for our students, whose travel opportunities are rare and most often not accessible in their native language of ASL. Although this trip is full of educational value and opportunities to make life-long memories, it is not without considerable cost.
We would greatly appreciate the support of our community and hope that you will contribute an auction item now or return to bid in the auction March 1-10, 2024. Many thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Antony A.L. McLetchie
Superintendent/CEO
Auction Details
What kinds of items are you looking for?
Goods, services, gift cards, art, museum access/passes, travel & more. Items that would have appeal to the RSD community!
Items should be new or in like new condition.
For gift cards and service gift certificates, we ask that it be in an amount that would allow for bidders to enjoy the opportunity experience without needing to spend significant additional money. They are welcome to do so of course.
Please note that items valued at less than $50 will be bundled with others, though each will be recognized in the auction listing.
If you have questions about what and whether to contribute, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
When are items due?
We will continue to accept donations for the auction through Wednesday, February 28. Please use the commitment form below to let us know about your donation. We will then need to make arrangements to get the item to RSD for photography and cataloguing for the auction.
How will items be priced?
We will ask you to provide the fair market value of the item you are donating. Most items will have an opening bid between 30-50% of that item, with special consideration for unique situations.
Who will be invited to bid on items?
The entire RSD family of families, staff, alumni, donors and friends, as well as our 8,000+ followers on social media. We are hoping that the community will share the link to the auction widely with their family and friends. We are excited to have a signed Josh Allen football to auction and hope that will draw attention to the entire auction.
How will money raised be allocated?
Funds raised will go to a restricted RSD Travel Abroad Program (TAP) fund to support this year's trip to Egypt. Any funds raised above what is needed this year will remain in the fund as seed money for the next trip in two years.
How will the online auction work?
We will use the auctria.com platform to conduct the auction, with clear photos and item descriptions.
Will items be shipped?
It depends on the item. Gift cards and small items will be available for shipping. Larger items will be pick-up only at RSD. Item descriptions will clearly indicate where the item can be shipped.
Are there any other events or activities associated with the auction?
This will be entirely online. In addition to the auction items, we will have 50-50 raffle and a direct link to donate to the Travel Abroad Program.