School auction prize - WWYD

[Hodel]

This is more a WWYD - I bid for something at the school auction that was pledged by another parent. When I won i paid right away and was told to get in touch with the pledger to arrange the prize. I don't personally know the parent, but have contacted them a few times. I have not received any response. it's been almost two months. Should I persist? Go back to the auction committee and ask them to intervene? Or ask for my money back? Or do I just let it go? What's the etiquette? The amount I paid was not inconsequential, which is why I'd love some opinions on this one!

Go back to the auction committee and ask for them to either intervene and arrange your prize or give you your money back.

I would go back to the committee. It makes them look bad if pledgers aren't actually handing over the prizes.

You handed the money over as payment for goods/services, not as a donation.

I'd take it up with the school committee, they can then intervene on your behalf. You've done your part, now it's time for the other party to do their bit

I'd speak to the auction committee. Could something as simple as the giver having changed their contact details

I would just write to the committee asking them to sort it out suggesting that there must have been a mistake in the contact information

I’d go back to the committee and say you’ve tried to contact but had no response, have you been given the correct contact details?

I have no idea of the etiquette for this kind of thing, but I'd be inclined to mention it to the auction committee and see if they can help. How much was it, if you don't mind me asking?

Definitely go to the committee!

very helpful to have unanimous replies!

these parents who volunteer and arrange things like the auction do such great work with little thanks.. so I guess I didn't want to give them one more headache. (I am a busy working mum who rarely contributes to school activities!)

But you are all very wise... Get them to sort it out for me.

(@Braywatch £50)

P.S. I should add the organisers have been copied in each time, so they already know that I have sent a few messages and have not received replies. But I will contact them separately and ask for action on their part. If they don't do anything I'll be back on this thread

As a PTA committee member who organises most of our raffle etc prizes I’d absolutely want you to come back to me, so I could sort it for you. It’s not you causing the headache, it’s the provider of the prize.

Ultimately as the people who run the auctions or donations etc shouldn't they want to know if people who donate don't actually deliver? It makes them look bad and lose future money if they reuse a business/person who habitually doesn't donate the prize promised.

It's bad though that they have ignored emails showing that though.