By Barbara Drew, Jayme Trott, Lori O’Neil & Marcia Wittmann, Auction Committee Co-chairs

We have been, we are, and we will be Finding Joy Together! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, this year’s UUCWC Auction met—and surpassed—our $31,000 goal, with a surplus of approximately $8,000. In keeping with our values, 50% of that surplus will be donated to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund, selected by the Council for Faith in Action’s Faith Expression Funding Team.

With nearly 280 creative and generous item offerings, the auction was more than a successful spring fundraiser. It showcased the warmth, talent, and spirit of UUCWC and created opportunities for connection that will last all year. Whether it’s nature walks, themed dinners, wine tastings, handmade foods, group crafting, or professional services, the auction allows us to support our community and deepen our relationships. Some group offerings are still open—Texas Hold ’Em Poker, sing-alongs, craft gatherings, nature hikes, and more. For availability, contact the auction co-chairs at auction@uucwc.org.

As co-chair Barbara Drew often says, “Name an item or activity, and I’ll bet you there’s a related auction offering! This year, it seemed we had everything but the kitchen sink.” This year’s auction was a treasure trove of creativity from an almost-new TV to juggling lessons by a new member, from custom-knit socks admired during services to a personalized choir arrangement by Dr. Erin Busch. Four lucky congregants even won the chance for Rev. Kim to preach a sermon on a topic of their choosing—a true gift for the whole community.

A particularly meaningful feature of this year’s auction was a collection of 34 items from the estate of Tony Panzetta and Kevyn Malloy, generously contributed by Kevyn’s daughter, Kelly Malloy Lessard. Facilitated by Jim Sanders and Holly Bussey, the collection included exquisite Deruta porcelain dinnerware, whimsical sculptures of laughing figures, chalice jewelry, and other cherished pieces. These items raised over $1,800. According to Kelly, her parents would be thrilled knowing their treasures are now bringing joy to members of their beloved UUCWC family.

We launched the auction for the third consecutive year with an in-person party. The evening began with a delicious spread in the Crossings Room, featuring both hot and cold hors d’oeuvres made possible by a fully operational kitchen and a team led by Susan Vigilante. This year’s team, which included new members Kim Bacso, Stacey Metzler, Susan Mitchell, and Barbara Sandstrom, wowed attendees with spinach-feta phyllo spirals, smoked salmon sandwiches, and antipasto skewers. Meanwhile, bartenders Scott Drew, Ron Iannacone, and Bud Johnson kept the beverages flowing—and the jokes coming (with patrons offering tips to encourage and discourage the latter!).

The festivities continued with a boutique in the lobby, dessert and coffee in the sanctuary, and smooth jazz by pianist Joao Bueno. A highlight of the evening was a whimsical photo booth provided by Nicole Robinson of Zen Photo. With a rainbow mural backdrop by Susan Busch and Karen Scheick—and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny (Penny Rodgers!)—the booth delivered joyful memories for all.

For those unable to attend in person, the online auction featured beautiful graphics for each item, thanks to Lori O’Neil’s design work. Roger Shapiro again lent his wit and energy as emcee and auctioneer during the live mini-auction of seven select items. Jim Sanders won the door prize of chalice-themed items from the Auction Team, while Holly Bussey, Jacquelyn Diggs-Pinto, and Patty Mikes took home raffle baskets filled with puzzles, piggy banks, and chocolate, donated by Kathie Chaikin, Sue Busch, and team members.

The always-popular boutique returned with bargain-priced jewelry, scarves, wallets, purses, and home goods. Organized by Lynda Shapiro and her team, this year’s boutique featured handcrafted items from Roy Vogel and offered a special post-auction benefit: unsold items were made available to HomeFront children as Mother’s Day gifts.

Another key to our success was the support of 12 local businesses that donated gift cards, thanks in large part to Denny Rodgers’ persuasive outreach. We’re also grateful to our newest auction team members, who found the experience a great way to connect and contribute. Some, like Kim Basco, Karen Damato and Stacey Metzler, pitched in across multiple roles.

Thank you to everyone who donated, bid, baked, bartended, organized, photographed, entertained, or showed up. Your time, talents, and good humor made Finding Joy Together a vibrant success. More than a fundraiser, the auction offers countless ways to experience joy, build community, and support UUCWC’s mission. Want to get involved next year? Reach out to us at auction@uucwc.org.