Let’s sing our way into spring with our popular Spring Auction, UUCWC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with items and price points for everyone. Your participation helps to make it successful, whether you donate items, purchase them, or both. Proceeds account for close to 10% of our operational budget and, best of all, half of the Auction proceeds over the budgeted amount will be donated to a social justice organization selected by UUCWC’s Council for Faith in Action.

With gatherings still limited due to the pandemic, Auction 2022, “Sing into Spring,” is being planned as an online virtual event, which will be open for bidding Saturday, April 30, through Saturday, May 7. At this time, we don’t know if we will be able to include any kind of in-person event. Auction items will be sure to include many opportunities to get to know one another, enjoy food, fun and fellowship in a variety of settings.

If you’re a new member or haven’t participated in the past, you may not be aware of all the ways you can contribute. As you read on, you’ll see examples of items donated in the past listed in parentheses, and we welcome you to contact the Auction Team.

What do you or your family like to do? How could you share that?

Like to cook or to dine out?

• Host a meal at your home (following safety guidelines), a great way to share both food and fellowship (BBQ rib dinner, pasta supper, clambake, garden brunch, afternoon tea).
• Host a meal at a favorite local restaurant of your choice.
• Offer a tasty, home-cooked dish to be delivered to lucky winners (veggie lasagna, soup, shepherd’s pie, baked goods).

Enjoy cultural events? Donate a concert, theatrical event or museum visit (Grounds for Sculpture, Philadelphia Orchestra, Bucks County Playhouse, Magic Gardens Museum).

Do you have a special skill, talent or interest you can share or teach?

Why not invite others to join in something you love to do (plant potting, sing-along, bocce ball, jewelry making, movie watching, game playing, photography, bowling, dancing, hiking, Trenton Thunders game)?

Use your expertise to help someone else or create a custom-made product (knitting, sewing, yardwork, home energy audit, handyperson service, dance lesson, photo shoot, hair styling, tennis lessons, hypnosis, nail treatment, tutoring, childcare).

Or would you like to select a sermon topic? Each season, our own Rev. Kim will craft a sermon based on a topic selected by one lucky winner. Actually, we’re all winners when it comes to this auction offering!

Do you have treasures that need a new home?

Gently used items in like-new condition that you’ve enjoyed, or new items you can’t use, are always a hit (jewelry, scarves, home décor, handmade crafts, small appliances). We ask that items be worth at least $25. Please note that we cannot accept artwork. Also, physical items cannot be stored at or distributed through the church building.

Could you offer your vacation home?

Share your favorite getaway spot. Bidding is always lively for a weekend or weeklong stay at a vacation destination.

Can you donate a gift basket or gift card?

Put together an appealing assortment of goodies (wine, baking supplies, beauty products, gourmet foods, hair care) or contribute a gift card to an area restaurant or shop. Many businesses are happy to donate items or gift cards for a good cause — it doesn’t hurt to ask! Purchasing a gift card is a win-win situation to support the business and the church at the same time.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless! Let your creativity be your guide. You don’t need to spend a lot — if anything — and you can team up with other people if you’d like.

The deadline for contributions is Sunday, April 3. You can submit your contribution electronically by completing the Contribution Planning Form, which can also be found on our website under the Giving tab Spring Auction 2022 page.

If you have questions or would like more information, this year’s Auction Team co-chairs Barbara Drew, Lori O’Neil, Jayme Trott and Marcia Wittmann, along with other teams members, will be happy to help. Contact us by email auction@uucwc.org