by Barbara Drew, Co-chair, Auction Committee
A New Orleans Feast, Mandala Immersive Art Workshop, Self-guided Tour of Hidden Philly Gems, and a Silver UU Chalice Medallion may not seem to have a common link, but they do – they all were offers in our auction “Celebrating Our Connections!” And they were all offered by the newer members and staff among us! With two hundred and fifty generous and interesting offerings for skilled services, meals, cultural outings, custom foods, and original hand-crafted items, our congregants demonstrate the “warmth of community.” The auction is more than a spring fundraiser – opportunities to connect with one another occur throughout the year!
Our fifth online auction was a successful fun-raiser and fundraiser, from the kick-off party to the lively competitive bidding on several items just at the close at 9 pm on May 11. Having a targeted amount of $31,050 for our annual operating budget, we are pleased to have surpassed that goal by approximately $7,000, enabling a substantial contribution to this year’s designated beneficiary, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). Since 2019, the Council for Faith in Action (through the Faith Expression and Funding Team) has designated a social justice organization to receive 50% of any funds over the budgeted amount, in accordance with a congregational vote authorizing this procedure.
Our May 3 kick-off party was a fun evening for almost one hundred congregants who enjoyed the ambiance in the Sanctuary. With specially crafted centerpieces by Susan Busch and Karen Scheick and the beautiful jazz piano music by Joao Bueno, attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres such as salmon or veggie roll-ups provided artfully and deliciously by Mike Muccioli and his kitchen crew. While enjoying delicious desserts provided by fabulous bakers, everyone had a chance to browse the showcase of unique items in the Sanctuary (our online auction had professional and spectacular graphics for every single item prepared by Lori O’Neil). Our quartet of bartenders—Scott Drew, Ron Iannacone, Bud Johnson, and Lee Schofer—earned tips by telling jokes to thirsty patrons … or received tips to NOT tell a joke!
Roger Shapiro served as Emcee and Auctioneer for our mini pop-up live auction which included three items! Enthusiastic bidding ensued for the irresistible “sculpted” photo of a peek-a-boo squirrel. Lucky Becky Scheick won the door prize of UUA chalice-oriented items donated by the Auction Team. Three lucky winners took home the three food, fun and fellowship-themed raffle baskets.
Bargain-priced jewelry was offered through the popular boutique. Lynda Shapiro and her team organized this special sale; this year the boutique included handcrafted items by our skilled and creative Roy Vogel and Mike Muccioli. Unsold items were later available for HomeFront children to select as gifts to give for Mother’s Day.
Each year we are amazed by the imaginative offerings, our members’ participation, and the support of our many team members. We also greatly appreciate the several area businesses who generously donated gift cards, one of the most popular categories in the auction. This year, we are pleased to acknowledge the newer members who served on the Auction Team (Linda Hahola, Pat Mikes, Belinda Seiger) and Ministry teams (Earth & Climate Ministry, Racial Justice) who pooled resources and provided items reflective of their mission.
Together, we will enjoy the many auction offerings throughout the year! Thank you to all who participated in making the Kick-off Party and online auction so successful! We welcome you to join in the planning fun, too! Contact any of us throughout the year.
Barbara Drew, Jayme Trott, Lori O’Neil and Marcia Wittmann, Co-chairs