by Barbara Drew, Auction Co-Chair
“Create community, celebrate life, change the world” captures the essence of UUCWC’s mission. These words also apply to our annual auction, a fundraiser and a fun-raiser. Through the generosity and ingenuity of many congregants, the auction offered opportunities to share our joy, connect, learn, experience activities together, share interests, and benefit from each other’s skills. We were pleased that newer members joined the fun as donors, team members helping with setup or food prep, and as bidders and buyers.
The range of events offered something for everyone at various price points, from a nature journaling workshop led by new member Molly Shaner to a lunch followed by a visit to the Ellerslie Museum in Cadwalader Park in Trenton, led by Pam Shadzik, representing Congregational Engagement, and Regina Zilinski, representing Racial Justice. There were brunches, lunches, dinners, biking, hiking, and cultural outings, house and garden cleanups, health care advice, and handcrafted items, just to name a few. New members Chelsea and David Gardiner offered yard work. What a great way to contribute time and talent! One of the popular offerings was a set of dark and amber honey by Karen Polis for 8 lucky winners, along with a jar included in a raffle basket.
Nearly 100 attendees enjoyed the Kick-off Party in the Crossings Room, with food prepared by Susan Vigilante and a kitchen crew of new and longer-term members. To encourage mingling, a bingo game was circulated to help discover the joys we share as members of UUCWC. Completed cards were drawn to determine the four winners of door prizes donated by Board of Trustees member Michelle Zechner, featuring UU swag (cap, mug, stickers) and publications (books by UU Minister Robert Fulghum and a UUA collection of rituals, including one piece by Rev. Kim).
Penny Rodgers, Debbie West, Lynda Shapiro, Stacey Metzler, and Jackie Thomas are ready to sell Boutique bargains during our annual auction.
Meanwhile, the Boutique offered bargain prices on jewelry, accessories, and small housewares, organized by Penny Rodgers, Lynda Shapiro, and Debbie West. Surplus items were provided to HomeFront children for selecting Mother’s Day gifts, much to the children’s delight!
Our Emcee/Auctioneer Roger Shapiro presented 13 items and services at the Live Auction, with our own Vanna Whites—Sara del Castillo and Nicole Robinson—who played their parts elegantly! There were several one-of-a-kind, must-be-seen (or heard!) items, handcrafted by Roy Vogel, whom we affectionately call Mr. Auction for his many donations over the years. His adorable teddy bear that propels a cart when the string is pulled, a beautifully carved walking stick of sturdy oak, and a set of impatiently tapping hands operated by a crank all contributed to the $1,000 in proceeds from the Live Auction.
With 291 total items, including three raffle baskets, live auction and online items, and donations to the auction fund, we raised $40,000! This year, the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees elected to allocate all proceeds beyond the budgeted $31,000 to the operating budget as a fiscally responsible measure to offset the projected deficit.
We are grateful to everyone who participated in the Kick-off Party and the online auction! Rev. Kim has asked us to consider one way to support our community’s health, and you answered by supporting the auction, enabling us to fund our programs and services that “change the world.” In expressing her gratitude, she said, “You brought joy and sustainability to our community in a meaningful way. You made a difference!”
Auction co-chairs (Lori O’Neil, Jayme Trott, Marcia Wittmann, and I) thank those who answered our three-part prayer: Help. Thanks. Wow!