On Saturday, April 20, 2013, take advantage of an opportunity to participate the Spring Fling Auction, a fabulous evening of fun, delicious refreshments, and friendly competition for all. This annual fundraising event includes both silent and live auctions that offer a wide variety of wonderful goods and services donated by the generous members and friends of First UU.  Our goal is “Building Community Through Fundraising” with a definite emphasis on the “Fun” part.

The Spring Fling Auction welcomes everyone in the church, their families, and friends.  Child care is planned, but please let us know in advance how many of your younger family members are attending so they can have a fun evening too.

The Auction Committee can’t wait to see what new social events, hosted dinners, and sponsored activities our congregation can invent. Please begin thinking about a fun event you can host or service you can provide. We are also looking for people to share their skills and talents in things they can do or make. Be creative, think outside the box, and let’s concentrate on fostering our UU community.

In addition to our own events and services, some very-much-in-demand items have come from businesses in the community that our members patronize. Think about places you frequent and ask about donation or gift certificates from restaurants, stores, sports facilities, time shares, spas, etc. The more successful we are at donation collections, the more successful and fun our auction will be.

WHAT CAN I DO BEFORE APRIL 20?

Visit the Spring Fling Auction table in the church lobby each Sunday after services, beginning February 3 until auction night.  You can also view donation categories and fill out an online donation form, volunteer to help on Auction night. and register for child care services.  Visit businesses you patronize or ones you wish to get to know and ask them to make a donation in support of our fund-raising efforts.  For ideas, look at the suggestions below or check out our catalog from last year.  A new catalog of donated items will be distributed before the Auction.

Your 2013 Auction Donation Form should be returned by Sunday, March 24 to be included in our latest snazzy catalog!

WHAT CAN I DONATE?

Consider co-hosting events with your friends to share the fun!  Below are just a few suggestions:

• Host a festive meal — whether is your gourmet specialty, a home-cooking pleaser, or your favorite international fare — for a group at your place or theirs.
• Plan a game night.
• Host an outing for golfing, sailing, fishing, biking or hiking.
• Share a weekend or week vacation at a beach house, mountain cabin or time-share resort.

Donate items that are new or in excellent condition . (Household items you no longer use or need can be donated to the next Moneyless Yard Sale.) Here are some ideas:

• Gourmet foods, specialty breads, party fare, gift baskets or restaurant gift certificates.
• Tickets or passes to sporting events, concerts, theater or museums.
• Gift certificates toward the purchase of musical instruments, books, CDs, electronics, or sporting goods  … or these same items in new or gently used condition.

Provide a service or a gift certificate for services:

• Child care
• Tutoring
• Lessons
• Consultations
• Legal or medical services
• Appraisals
• Physical fitness
• Pet care
• Professional photography
• Yard work
• House painting
• Home/car/computer maintenance or repair

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

The Auction Committee is already hard at work. Watch for announcements in the weekly Order of Service  or in the monthly church newsletter.  Stop by our  table in the church lobby every Sunday with any questions or to volunteer your services. Or, you can contact Matt Duerksen, Auction Committee Chair, by email.