by Barbara Drew, Co-chair, Auction Committee

The much-anticipated UUCWC Spring Auction is just days away! Now’s the time to plan your participation in this fundraising and fun-raising, event. Online bidding opens here on Saturday, May 4, at 9:00 am., and continues through Saturday, May 11, ending promptly at 9:00 pm.

You’re invited to the In-person Kick-off Party at UUCWC
Friday, May 3, 6:00 pm

Come to the party for entertainment and refreshments, view the showcase of physical items, enter to win a door prize and raffle basket, get your auction book, take advantage of registration help, and shop the Boutique. Free childcare will be available – please preregister!

The Door Prize (must be at the party to win) – is a collection of UU items such as a tote bag, socks, mug, and a gift certificate to the InSpirit book shop (use it to buy a copy of “Blessing It All – Rituals for Transition and Transformation,” the book with Rev. Kim’s prose!) The three auction-themed raffle baskets represent fun, food and fellowship: Dinnertime; Fun for Everyone; Let’s Get Together! (You do not have to be at the party to win a raffle basket.)

Our popular Boutique is back! You will find many bargains on jewelry. After the party, surplus jewelry will be available to HomeFront children to select a gift for Mother’s Day.

Special guest musician jazz pianist João Bueno will provide entertainment while you browse the physical items in the Sanctuary.

You can review the entire array of 245+ auction items in the professionally printed auction book, which is also available on the UUCWC website, here.

Map out your bidding strategy by reviewing the instructions, then selecting and prioritizing the items you’d like. The Auction Online site will list all the items, each with a graphic representation of the items.

Preview some of the appealing items that can be yours

Whether you’re interested in meals, services offered by church members, items for your home or to give as gifts, or vacation getaways, there’s something for you in this year’s auction, at all price points.

Here is a sneak peek at a few of the items you can purchase or bid on, including some annual favorites and many new offerings:

• Getaway, Anyone? Poconos Escape, Rehoboth Beach House, Stockton Retreat.
• Family and Hands-on Adventures – Unique experiences such as Feed Baby Goats and Forest Bathing & Hike.
• Sermon of Your Choice, offered up to four times by Rev. Kim Wildszewski.
• Dining In – Enjoy French, Italian, German, Mexican, Garden-to-Table, or New Orleans cuisine hosted by church members.
• Dining Out – Brick Farm Tavern, Charcoal, Erini’s, Market Roost, and many others.
• Homemade Food Delivered – soups, pies, cookies, cakes, breads galore!
• Gift Cards – A wide array including Colonial Farms, Gingered Peach, Grey Stone, The Hawke, It’s Nutts, Washington Crossing Inn, Seasons Garden Center, and Newtown Bookshop, many donated by the businesses.
• Services – Hair Styling, Knitting Lessons, Handyman, Baked Goods; even learn how to repair and maintain your own bicycle!
• Events – Bicycling, Game Nights, Wine Tasting, Movie Nights, Golf Outings, Nature Hikes, Craft Workshops, Holiday Singalong, Music & Poetry, Poker, Symphony Orchestra Concerts.
• Physical Items – Bushnell Binoculars, Bread Maker, Jewelry, Stove-top Convection Oven, Pizza Maker, Onyx Candle Holders, Teak Lawn Chair, French Linens and much more!
• Gift Baskets – collections and themes, several donated by church committees, include: Edye’s Naturals (skin care), Farm-Fresh Products, French-themed Basket and so much more!

Make connections and build community all year long.

Our members express it best:

“At last year’s Auction (2023), I decided to stock up on holiday gifts for multiple family members. Between competitive bid items and the Boutique in the lobby, I found gifts for 5 different people — which made my Christmas shopping so much less stressful in December!” – Jamie Evanini

Email auction@uucwc.org with questions or if you’d like more information.