What’s a Paddle Raise?

If you are unfamiliar with the types of giving moments on the program for Root Ball 2026, here’s how they work.

Root Ball is Trees Atlanta’s most important annual fundraising event. At the event, our Live Auction and Fund-a-Need is orchestrated by the charming auctioneer, Jordan Campbell, who will inspire and entertain you! The Silent Auction is open online for bidding from supporters anywhere, along with the guests at Root Ball!

All proceeds support Trees Atlanta’s programs. All winning bids and raises are charged to your credit card on file. Donors who wish to pay for Live Auction or Fund-a-Need donations by DAF, check, or other payment method, can approach the auction check out and update your information.

 

How does a Live Auction work?

The highest bidder wins the item offered.

  • Raise your bidding paddle to accept the offered bid.
  • Bids can continue to rise until the highest and final bid.
  • The last bidder commits to donating the final bid amount.
  • No other bidders are obligated to donate their lower bids.

A special selection of amazing auction items are reserved for Root Ball guests and offered only during the live auction!

At Root Ball 2026, we will offer four different travel and experience packages at Root Ball 2026. Preview the Live Auction items now! A great strategy is to review the details before the big night and have your bidding targets ready!

 

What’s a Fund-a-Need?

Every time you raise your paddle, you multiply your donation.

  • Raise your assigned bidding paddle to signal your donation.
  • Each time you raise your paddle during the Fund-a-Need, the amount of the current raise will donated.
  • If you feel moved to raise your paddle twice (or more!), you are indicating you are donating 2x or more of the current raise amount.

The auctioneer will describe the Trees Atlanta program that has a funding need this year (“fund-a-need”, voila!). You can donate specific amounts to support the program. During the Fund-a-Need and any special “Runaround” prize moment, every time you raise your paddle you multiply the impact of your gift!

 

What’s a Silent Auction?

The highest bidder wins the item offered.

  • Our Silent Auction is conducted entirely online using our bidding platform OneCause.
  • Bids can increase by the increments indicated for each item.
  • You can set a maximum bid using the OneCause app and let the app do the hard work!
  • To see your favorite types of items, sort through items by filtering by Categories .
  • The highest bidder on record at 9 pm on May 14 will be charged the winning amount on the credit card on file.
  • No other bidders are obligated to donate their lower bids.
  • Item winners attending Root Ball are asked to take their items home before leaving the venue. Online bidders who win may arrange for pick up at the Kendeda TreeHouse.
  • Any winning item not picked up or claimed will be be forfeited and the donation amount charged to the credit card on file.

The Silent Auction opens one week in advance of Root Ball and ends at 9 pm the day of the event. Have your mobile phone fully charged and ready to go!

Preview Live Auction Silent Auction Other Ways to Support

What’s my Paddle Number?

As you check-in to the event, each Root Ball guest is assigned a Paddle Number that is linked to the guest ticket. This numbered card represents a bid or donation each time it’s raised. Please hold onto your unique paddle.

Need help during Root Ball? Please go to the Registration Desk.

 

Thank you!

Trees Atlanta is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Winning bids may be eligible for tax deductions per applicable rules, please consult your tax professional for more information.