A silent auction is a fundraising event where items or experiences are sold to the highest bidder without an auctioneer. Instead of calling out bids, participants write their bids on a sheet of paper next to each item. This allows for a more discreet bidding process, encouraging people to bid at their own pace. Typically, silent auctions feature a variety of items, such as artwork, gift baskets, or tickets to events. Bidders can view the items and place their bids during a set time period, often leading to competitive bidding as the deadline approaches.