These ideas for Auction donations are inspired by some of the most memorable and high-bid-raising past auction offerings:
10. Pool Party!
Does your family have a favorite local summer hangout; perhaps a pool or park? Share the fun by inviting other families to join you for an afternoon there. Add snacks, lunch or dinner to the action and conversation, to make this a family friendly day to remember.
9. Home-cooked Feast – Delivered to You
So you love to cook – in fact, people rave over everything you make – but you’re not so excited about entertaining at home. Have meal will travel. From tacos to lasagna to barbecue, some of the most popular Auction items have been meals delivered to the winner’s home at a time of their choosing to entertain their friends. What’s your specialty? Consider making it to deliver.
8. Compost Crew 1-year Residential Service
You don’t have to offer a service of your own. Sometimes a good idea is ripped straight from the (100% real) headlines or word of mouth. Maybe you know a business in your neighborhood whose values resonate with UU principles, or that’s made local history for taking a stand on the things that really matter. Show the owners your support … and pass along their good works to another UU. They might just gain a lifelong customer.
7. Home Repair Services
Well, this one’s another kind of performance, in a sense: putting your work skills to good use for a great cause. Offer a bit of your expertise to a peer. Lend them an inside perspective, or help them get that one home repair job done. Really, there’s nothing more generous than giving somebody your time.
6. Cabaret or Music Party
Love to perform? Take your show on the road and over to a friend’s place. No need to brave auditions in the post-pandemic theater scene just yet when you can let the audience just pick you instead. It’s a chance to rise to the challenge and show an appreciative crowd what you’ve got. No matter what the request is, you’re sure to bring the house down with it.
5. Thai Street Food Party
Who needs to travel all the way to Bangkok for an awesome time? Try bringing a taste of Thai nightlife to your neighborhood instead by planning a one-off staycation. String up some bright lights and lanterns, create your T-pop playlist, and host an evening of Thai music, finger food and cocktails. (Party destinations may vary.)
4. Pub Theology
Want a better answer to life’s mysteries? Put together a friendly session where beverages and ideas can flow together. Take some UUCFers out to your favorite spot and share ideas on faith, science, philosophy, and all those unanswerable topics that keep you up at night.
3. Shakespeare and Soup
To eat or not to eat? That’s not the question. ‘Tis definitely nobler to brew and share a pot of homemade minestrone while reciting soliloquies … Even if you’re not well-versed in Shakespeare, you’ve got favorite activities – games, movies, crafts – you can share with UUCFers over a meal.
2. Elegant Dinners
We all know at least one great cook, a great sommelier, and a great host – or heck, maybe you’re one or more of those yourself. Why not team up those different talents? Set a welcoming table and play maitre d’ and chef to some lucky auction winners. Maybe create a three-course dinner menu, pair it with your best wine, and serve it all with a warm smile and conversations on the side.
P.S. Feeling really bold? Take another page from Chef Ed Groark’s book. If you’re a skilled cook or baker, offer a class to share your expertise with others.
1. Three-Night’s Stay in a Vacation Home
Have an island, mountain or lake getaway? Wow, vacation homes are the crème de la crème of Auction offerings. They always go big at the live auction. Consider sharing your special place to raise prime funds for UUCF.