The Service Auction is the largest fund-raising event for Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church. But just as importantly, it is a FUN-raiser, helping to bring Northwoods people together all year long. When you sign up for dinners, parties, classes, hikes, or contests, you get to know others in small groups and informal settings.
Save the Date for our Annual
Chili Cook-Off
September 24, 2023
Our popular chili cook-off marks the launch of the Service Auction donations drive! You can participate in two ways: cook chili for the contest (prizes and bragging rights awarded), or eat chili and enjoy the fellowship. The cook-off raises money for the Scholarship Fund, allowing people on tight budgets the opportunity to sign up for fun Service Auction gatherings.
Registration Open on Auctria!
We use Auctria for bidding and sign ups. You can register for Auctria now!
Not sure where to start? Ideas for Sign Up Events:
Host a Chess Lesson! Mardis Gras Party! Cookie Swap! Ted Lasso Party! Nature Walk! Game Night! Open Mic Night! Art Class! Cooking Lesson!
Three Elements of the Service Auction
Sign Ups
Sign-Ups are events, parties, classes, workshops, or services provided by friends and members of Northwoods. Sign-Ups are sold for a set amount, with the proceeds going into Northwoods’ operating budget. You can have fun, learn something, or get to know other members while raising money for Northwoods.
Silent Auction
The basket making gardeners are tilling and sowing all year long…collecting amazing items, gift certificates, and more for our SILENT AUCTION. Baskets may have a theme (coffee, wine, exercise, trivia, movies, and more) and are given to the highest bidder. Items and services are donated by church members and friends, as well as local retailers.
Live Auction
The best items are reserved for an exciting LIVE AUCTION. A week at a vacation home, jewelry, opera tickets, and plumbing services are just a few examples of live auction items we have had in the past. Bidding takes place in person and on Zoom.
What you can do now.
The Service Auction event is on November 4, but there are things you can do now to be sure we have a successful event!
Make Donations
Baskets for the silent auction are already being created! Make your donations by leaving them in the office. Be sure to complete a donation form so we know what the item is worth. What can you donate? Old gift cards, wine, beauty items, games…anything good that you don’t have a need for but that someone else may love!
Ask for Donations
Do you have a hair stylist that you adore? A restaurant that you visit often? A local business you would like to support? Gift certificates are collected by all of us – don’t be shy to ask for a donation. In the past we have received gift certificates or items from coffeeshops, nail salons, museums, candy shops, and many other local businesses. We can provide a donation letter and receipt for tax deduction purposes to the donor.
Register on Auctria
Bidder registration has opened! Auctria is the web service we use for all sales in the Service Auction. You sign up for events, make bids in the silent auction, and pay on Auctria. Photos of silent auction items will be available to see, so you can start bidding as soon as the silent auction opens. (Note – You can opt out of entering your credit card information if you choose to pay by cash or check later. Entering a credit card is not required to register.)
Attend the Service Auction Kick-Off
September 24, 2023: Once more the popular chili cook-off marks the launch of the Service Auction donations drive! You can participate in two ways: cook chili for the contest (prizes and bragging rights awarded), or eat chili and enjoy the fellowship. The cook off raises money for the Scholarship Fund, allowing people on tight budgets the opportunity to sign up for fun Service Auction gatherings.
Think About Sign Ups
Sign Ups are a main source of income at the Service Auction, and are donated by people like you! Do you have an interest you would like to share? A hobby that you enjoy? A skill that could be taught? Or do you just want to have a party? Examples from the past are: cookie decorating, Lord of the Rings themed get togethers, trivia parties, pottery classes. Not ready to take the step towards hosting? Ask a Service Auction team member about co-hosting with you.
Join the Team
The Service Auction team works all year long to create a memorable and successful Service Auction event. We need all types of people and skills. Baskets need donations and donations need to be cataloged. Decorators will transform the sanctuary. Announcements need to be written and read. Tech savvy people can help those who are less savvy. It takes a village! Not only is it rewarding work, it is also the most committed committee at Northwoods! How can you help?