(My Opinion)
I was in the room for most of the 'last dance' and a lot of people, including myself, were more totally engrossed in those last minute trades than in paying attention to what was being auctioned. No fault to the organizers or auctioneer, just the way simultaneous events go!
$1000 face for $250???? If I had realised what was going on instead of being immersed in pouring thru the binders, I would have easily doubled that bid!!!!(the tables were very kind to me this trip)
Again, my opinion, I feel that coupling a trade session with an auction greatly diminishes the attention that the auction deserves and also minimizes the proceeds. Possibly the Building Fund auction could be a convention 'Kick Off'event,held either preceeding or just after the banquet. This would probably get the greatest possible audience of those who haven't as yet spent all their available funds.