Chicago Opera Theater Goes Green with Interactive Bidding at Annual Gala

Chicago Opera Theater replaces paper bid sheets with touch screens at annual gala. Auction items were uploaded onto Events.org’s Interactive Auction System which placed items on an online network, eliminating manual bid entry at the end of the nig

(I-Newswire) March 31, 2010 - Chicago, Ill. (March 30, 2010) – Opera enthusiasts joined together at the Mid-America Club on Saturday, March 13, 2010, to support and give their appreciation to the Chicago Opera Theater. Over 350 guests attended the “Opera Among the Stars” black tie gala which grossed over $240,000 for Chicago Opera Theater operational funds.

Guests admired the view of the Chicago skyline from the 80th floor of the Club before listening to an incredible performance by opera star, Danielle de Niese. The evening continued with a crowded dance floor courtesy of the Matt Lewis Band. The highlight for many however was honoring the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust for the support they have given the Chicago Opera Theater over the past 14 years.

The silent auction took on a green initiative and eliminated the use of paper bids sheets by uploading items onto Events.org’s Interactive Auction System. Guests used touch screen kiosks located throughout the room to place bids on auction items. By logging into a private account on the kiosks, guests were able to monitor the status of their bids throughout the night. Once logged in, the account listed all items a guest placed a bid on and indicated which items had been outbid and which items they were still the current bid leader for.

“Events.org allowed us to have a much larger auction since the system made bidding and check-out a breeze,” said Elena Reinert Director of Development. “We initially had some hesitancy from few of our committee members and volunteers about the technology and the ability of our older patrons to participate. With the help of our dedicated day-of volunteers, our patrons were not only comfortable with the technology, but they enjoyed it. Overall a fun and profitable venture.”

Also used was the newest edition to the Interactive Auction System, Text Bidding. Guests could choose to be notified if they were outbid on an item by receiving a text message on their cell phone. Rather than feel obligated to watch over a desired item throughout the night, a reply to the outbid text message gave guests the ease of monitoring and updating auction bids without sacrificing the social aspect of the night. It also allowed guests who are unable stay for the entire event the opportunity to remain in the auction running.