The Annual Auction is UUCF’s premier fundraiser for the congregation’s operating fund. The funds raised through donations and bids support congregational programs and activities, enabling UUCF to fulfill its mission to “transform ourselves, our community, and the world through acts of love and justice.”
Browse these frequently asked questions to learn more about the Auction and how to participate. If you have additional questions, please contact auction@uucf.org.
When is the Auction?
Saturday, May 3, is the festive in-person Auction Party. The big night features silent auction sections and an energetic live auction. As in previous years, Online Auction bidding will start about 2 weeks before the in-person auction.
Events on Auction night will start at 5:45pm in the Sanctuary.
Why should I attend?
Do you enjoy a party? Do you thrill to the adrenaline rush of bidding and winning? Do you feel a surge of joy at the win-win of scoring a seat at a super-fun event or coveted gift certificate knowing that you’re simultaneously funding important congregational programs and activities? Do you enjoy good food and fine wine or craft beer? Do you thrill to the idea that you could win money through a 50/50 raffle? This and more is why you should be there and … to avoid FOMO.
What will I find to bid on?
Congregant donations fuel the auction and offer a cornucopia of delightful events, services, activities, gift certificates, and items to bid on. That includes YOUR donation(s)!
Event donations such as dinner parties, game nights, food and beverage tastings, outdoor activities, pool soirees, etc., are popular offerings and are part of many members’ social calendars for the year.
Dinner parties, sports and theater tickets, gift certificates, themed gift baskets, professional consultations, gardening and home repair services, lessons, meals delivered to your home, baked goods … The possibilities are bound only by the imaginations of congregants and the wealth of time, talents, and treasures they draw on to make donations. Donate through this link on UUCF’s Auctria auction platform. Need inspiration? Check out the ideas from past auctions.
How do I get my tickets to attend?
You can register for your tickets to the event through this link. You can get help with registration , if needed, at the Auction table in the Sanctuary Commons after worship services. On Auction Night, go to the pre-registered line at check-in to get your bidder number card for live auction bidding and to purchase raffle tickets and beer and wine. You are then free to enjoy the food and drinks and start bidding.
Is childcare provided on Auction Night?
There are fun activities for children of all ages at the Auction. There is babysitting for pre-K, movies and games for K-6, and a special hangout area for middle and high school youth. Families are asked to purchase individual tickets for their children so that the Auction Team has an accurate headcount and can provide adequate staffing.
What does it cost to attend the Auction?
The most economical option is to purchase early bird tickets and register as a bidder by April 13. This helps the Auction Team get a more accurate headcount to plan food and drink quantities. The priciest option is to purchase your ticket at the door on Auction Night. Here’s the breakdown:
Adults
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- $30 – Early Bird Ticket purchased by April 13 ($20 if you’re an Auction volunteer)
- $35 – Regular Ticket purchased after April 13 ($30 if you’re an Auction volunteer)
- $40 – Door Ticket purchased on Auction Night ($30 if you’re an Auction volunteer)
First-Time Attendees – $15 if purchased by April 3; $20 if purchased at the door on Auction Night
Children through High School – $15
How do I bid during the online auction ahead of Auction Night and how do I bid at UUCF during the Auction Party?
About 2 weeks before Auction Night, everyone who has who has registered in Auctria, UUCF’s auction platform, will receive an email alerting them that the online bidding is opening and giving them a link to log in. You can use Auctria to check out all the goods and bid either on your computer or mobile device through the Auctria app. Visit the Auction
Table in the Commons after services if you’d like a demonstration of how Auctria works.
That email will give you pointers on how to bid and buy raffle tickets with the credit card you registered with Auctria. You will receive email and text notifications when you are outbid. Bidding will continue into Auction Night, Saturday May 3, where you will continue to use the Auctria app to make bids. There are set times when the silent auction sections close, so mark those deadlines if you need to get in your last, best bid!
Is there a fee to participate only in the online auction bidding if I don’t plan to attend Auction Night at UUCF?
You do not need to purchase a ticket to participate in online-only bidding. The tickets to attend the in-person Auction Night cover food and other costs of holding the auction so that proceeds from winning bids can go to support UUCF programs and activities. A key advantage to attending the Auction Party on May 3 is that the choice items selected for
the live auction section can be won only during bidding on Auction Night.
Can I win things in online auction bidding in advance of the Auction Party on May 3?
You can bid on all items in the silent auction sections during online bidding ahead of the Auction Party. Silent auction items have a “Buy It Now” option that allows you to scoop up something you must have. The Buy It Now price is set high, to encourage generous bidding! Note, however, that while you can preview items in the live auction section of Austria, those items can be won ONLY at UUCF during the Auction Party.