Published January 2026
Organization: Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
Featured Voice: Devon Jahn, Development Manager
Location Served: Oregon and SW Washington
Founded: 1995
"Simple. Reliable. Efficient."
Devon Jahn, Development Manager, FCCO
About the Organization
Mission
The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon’s mission is to improve the welfare and reduce the population of feral and stray cats through spay/neuter programs and education. Their services are donation-based for feral and outdoor stray cats. They serve Oregon and SW Washington and have helped more than 145,000 cats since their founding in 1995.
The Annual Fundraiser
Tell us a little about your annual gala and how long you’ve been hosting it.
In 2026 we will hold our 28th Annual Furball! Each year our Furball has a unique theme. On May 2, 2026, it will be Purrtty in Pink - a 1980’s prom.
About how many people attend, and what kind of atmosphere are you trying to create?
There are about 250 guests, 300 total in the room with volunteers. We want guests to have a wonderful, fun time, and also feel the positive impact of our work so they feel good about donating lots of money.
Before the Switch
How long had your team been using SchoolAuction.net/Tofino Auctions before trying another platform?
Maybe 5 - 7 years?
What originally drew you to our platform?
We had been using Greater Giving. It had lots of bells and whistles, but platform fees became VERY expensive. In searching out a more economical option we were referred to Tofino and immediately appreciated its simplicity, while also meeting all of our needs.
What aspects of your event did our software make easier — planning, check-in, bidding, reporting, or something else?
All of the above! We initially used it for our in-person gala only, but then Covid forced us online. We found the online features to work so well that we’ve continued holding online auctions in addition to our in-person event.
The Switch & Challenges
What prompted your team to try a different software solution?
I wanted an all-in-one CRM. We had separate databases for our donors, our volunteers, our events, and our auctions. It was crazy. I found one magical solution that did it all!
Once you made the switch, what challenges did you encounter?
It turns out that magic is actually just a gimmick. This new all-in-one system did everything, but nothing well. Their system for creating auction packages is not logical. Check-in and check-out at the event was a nightmare. None of the local “event support” companies even know this program, so I had to pay extra for their customer support over the phone. My call for help went to voicemail when I had an issue helping a $20,000 donor. It was horrible.
Were there any unexpected costs or missing features that caused problems for your team or guests?
More than I can list here. Frustration with long check-in lines because the swipers didn’t work was the worst of them because it happened at the event, but in advance we were baffled by the lack of reporting and packaging features. Basic options don’t exist with this program.
How did those issues affect your overall experience or your fundraising results?
Fortunately we always made it work and our guests were happy overall (handing them champagne while they waited helped!), but I think the process aged me 10 years.
Decision to Return
What made you decide to come back to SchoolAuction.net/Tofino?
I absolutely refused to put our guests through another bad experience. It reflected poorly on our organization, even though it was out of our control.
Back on SchoolAuction.net
Were there specific features, support experiences, or results that reminded you why the platform worked well for your team?
Customer service at SchoolAuction/Tofino has always been outstanding! It was always prompt and super helpful. Additionally, it works. It does what it’s designed to do. That shouldn’t be a big selling point, but after our last experience I’ve realized it is!
How was the transition back — was it easy to pick up where you left off?
100%! We haven’t really started to procure auction items yet, but have set it up so we’re ready to roll.
Advice for Other Organizations
What advice would you give to other nonprofits considering switching platforms — or returning to SchoolAuction.net/Tofino?
I’ve always told people that SchoolAuction/Tofino works incredibly well for PTAs running school auctions because the design is simple and logical. I’ve used it as a parent volunteer signing up for a single shift and it was easy without much training needed at all.
I’ve also used it as a Development Manager running a gala auction, with volunteers checking our guests in and out, and find it simple for them to grasp. Features that make a program seem amazing, almost too good to be true, probably will disappoint. A program like SchoolAuction/Tofino is exactly what it says: fast and simple, which is ultimately what you want most.
In Their Own Words
If you could describe your experience with SchoolAuction.net/Tofino in three words, what would they be?
Simple. Reliable. Efficient.
