Fall Fest FAQ

Do I have to pay to attend Fall Fest?

• No. It is free to view the silent auction, costume contest, and art contest. You would only be charged if you win an auction item, make a donation or cast a vote.

How do I vote in the Fall Fest contests?

• Vote for your favorite costumes or pieces of art created by our wish kids with a $5 donation—a virtual "high five" to our waiting wish kids whose wishes have been postponed due to COVID-19. Our goal is to receive at least 365 high fives, one for each of our Minnesota kids who are waiting for their wishes!
• Cast your votes for your favorite submissions with $5 gifts. You can donate as much as you'd like; for example, $50 = 10 votes! There's no limit to the number of times you can vote, and you can vote for more than one item! Visit the Auction, Art Contest and Costume Contest page to cast your votes.
• The winners in each category with the most virtual “high-fives” by 9:00 p.m. on October 31 will receive a prize and, of course, bragging rights. Winners will be announced on November 1!

What time does the auction open and close?

• The auction opens at 9 a.m. CST on Wednesday, October 28 and closes at 9 p.m. CST on Saturday, October 31.

I can't login, help!

• If you are experiencing technical issues with the OneCause bidding and donation platform, please email Alicia Wiesneth at [email protected] and she will assist you.

If I win an auction item, how do I pick it up?

• Winning bidders will be contacted after the event with contactless pick-up information from our office in St. Paul.

Want to maximize the impact of your charitable donation to Make-A-Wish Minnesota?

• Check here to determine if your company has a matching gift program.

Are there any tax advantages to donating to Make-A-Wish Minnesota?

• Yes! Specifically for 2020, the CARES Act expanded tax deductions for charitable giving. Those who take a standard deduction on their tax returns will be able to claim a deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions to nonprofit organizations. Those who itemize their tax returns will be able to deduct 100% of cash contributions against their adjusted gross income. 100% of the value of donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law. Any bid amount over the retail value of an auction item is also tax-deductible as allowable by law. Note: tax situations vary; please be sure to consult your financial advisor on your particular tax benefits.

Can I use my Donor Advised Fund to donate?

• Yes, you can, though we encourage you to check with your financial advisor about tax deductions when using your DAF. For DAF donations our tax identification number (TIN) is 41-1422893.