Auction Donations

What can I donate?

What do you like to do?  Can it be done with someone else?  If so, people will pay for the privilege of your company and all of a sudden you have an auction item!  Here are some examples—but it’s certainly not all-inclusive:

What I Like to DoMy Auction Item Can Be
I like to hikeSpring low-elevation hike
Wildflower hike
Hike with our kids
Hike a 13-er
I like to go to museums or
art exhibits
Go with me to the (name of museum) exhibit
Take our kids to the zoo!
Ride the Georgetown Loop
I like to cookCooking class to teach your favorite recipe
Dinner or lunch party (think of a fun theme!)
Cookie decorating party for kids
Donate a baked item
I like to do craftsChristmas ornaments making party
Learn to knit (or crochet or embroider!)
Kids craft day
Donate a handmade item
I like to go the theater and sporting eventsOffer use of your season tickets
Dinner and a show
I like to bikeHow to maintain your bike (or offer a bike tune-up)
Bike trip to _______.
Kids bike trip to a local park with picnic
I like to play gamesGames night for adults (one specific game or a variety)
Games day for kids
Host a round of golf or pickleball game
I like to get awayOffer a stay at your vacation home
Host a camping trip

It just seems too daunting to donate an event!

Join with a friend – or several friends – to donate an event!  Maybe one person can offer the venue while another cooks half the meal and you split the cost.  JUCers have come up with all sorts of creative ways to join with each other to offer events as a group in the past, and we’re confident you can do the same!

What if I’m new to JUC?

Donating is a great way to meet people!  Use the chart above to decide on an activity to donate and you’ll meet the people who buy your item.  Many deep and long-lasting friendships have been created through auction events – who knows, the next year you might even donate an item together!

How about donations from businesses?

Most businesses see donations as a great marketing tool and are happy to donate!  Do you have a favorite restaurant, yoga studio, beer pub or craft store?  Just ask the owner if they offer donations to nonprofits.  If the answer is “yes”, make arrangements to accept their donation.  If asked, suggest a gift card or certificate – this will be the most popular among our bidders.  Business donors will want a letter from us for tax purposes so that they can write off the donation – you can pick one up from the auction table Sundays or print your own.

What if I still have questions?

If you have questions about donating, please feel free to contact Sara Mellen at JUCAuctionDonations@gmail.com  You will have an answer within 24 hours (usually sooner).