Bid Like a Pro: How to Win at the HANA Gala Auction

With your paddle in one hand and a glass of soju spritz in the other, how do you come out on top?

If you’ve ever been to the KACF-SF HANA Gala, you know that the energy in the room is electric. It’s not just the dazzling outfits, the joyful reunions, or the mission-driven programming — it’s the auction. Whether you're eyeing a Michelin-starred dining experience, a weekend getaway in Napa, or a priceless piece of Korean art, the auction is your chance to support the community and walk away with something unforgettable.

But bidding can be intense. With your paddle in one hand and a glass of soju spritz in the other, how do you come out on top?

We’ve got you. Here’s your insider guide to winning at the 2025 HANA Gala auction — all while keeping it fun, intentional, and generous.

1. Preview Like a Strategist

Before the first toast is raised on May 3, browse the silent auction catalog online. Identify your top picks — and your backup picks — and set a firm max bid. This helps you avoid being swept away in the moment (unless it’s for a good cause... which, let’s be honest, it always is).

💡 Pro tip: Look for experiences that can’t be bought — private chef dinners, behind-the-scenes tours, or VIP event access.

2. Start Bidding Early (and Often)

Once the silent auction opens, get your bids in! Early bidding shows interest and helps you stay in the game. If you’re outbid, don’t panic — just set a notification and come back strong. Many guests win by hovering near the close and jumping back in when the competition cools off.

3. Tag-Team with a Friend

Coming with a partner or friend? Divide and conquer. One of you monitors the live auction while the other watches your silent bids. If you both fall in love with the same item — congratulations, you now have a group trip to plan.

4. Go Big at the Live Auction

The live auction is the heart-pounding centerpiece of the evening — and it’s where the magic happens. Raise that paddle high, make eye contact with the auctioneer, and remember: every bid fuels KACF-SF’s work to uplift Korean American communities.

Feeling shy? Tell a friend your max bid and have them go full hype squad for you.

5. Bid With Purpose

Every item you win is more than a prize — it's a donation. Whether you walk away with a rare bottle of wine or a dinner with a local changemaker, your dollars support youth programs, grassroots nonprofits, and dreams-in-the-making. That’s impact you can feel!

6. Don’t Forget the Fund-a-Need

Winning isn't just about walking away with something. During the Fund-a-Need, you can raise your paddle for direct impact — no bidding wars, no competition, just pure generosity. It’s one of the most meaningful moments of the evening.

7. Celebrate Like You Mean It

Win or lose, end the night dancing, laughing, and knowing you were part of something bigger. The KACF-SF HANA Gala is about community, connection, and impact. Your presence — and your bids — make it all possible.

Ready to raise your paddle? Join us on May 3 at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco for an unforgettable evening. Let’s celebrate, bid boldly, and uplift our Korean American community — together.