"OK, I Want To Contribute. What Can I Offer For Auction?"

Following are some ideas for silent auction donations, most based on past items that have been offered. You may be able to come up with some new ideas, so don't be shy about proposing something. If you have a contribution, or an idea for an auctionable item, contact our Silent Auction Coordinator, Alex Polner at alexmart@optonline.net

We have created a special document for donations. The top half explains to the contributor the advantages of supporting the Silent Auction, the bottom half is a form for donation details. You can download this form here.

Some donation ideas for you:

• In business for yourself and want to showcase your product or service? Offer it at auction. If you are good at what you do, word will get around!



• If you're a good customer at a retail store, not just a bike shop, but a book store, clothing store, etc., ask them for a gift certificate or donation. It's advertising for them, brings in customers, and they're often very happy to please you and possibly get new customers.



• You may work for a company that makes a product, such as soap or food items. You might put together a gift basket, on your own or with our help.



• Have season tickets to a local team? You probably can’t attend every game. Donate the tickets for a date you know you can’t attend. Contact the team’s publicity department. They will often donate a game ball or autographed shirt in support of their season ticket-holders’ events.



• Handy with crafts, good with decorating? Put together a gift basket for auction.



• Have a favorite restaurant where you go often? Perhaps they will donate a gift certificate for a meal. You never know until you ask. Good advertising for them, as well. This can range from a gourmet restaurant to your local pizza joint. We’ve offered them all in past auctions.



• Have a favorite vacation spot? The above also holds true. The club has gotten gift certificates for nights at hotels where we have run tours. Perhaps somewhere you have gone often would do the same. Again, great advertising.



• Have a vacation home, especially one that you rent out? Would you be willing to donate a weekend there?



• Offer a service. Walk or care for a pet during someone’s vacation. Water a lawn for a couple of weeks. Baby-sitting (or even grandchild-sitting.) Drive someone to the airport for a vacation flight.



• Are you an accomplished cook or baker? Offer to cook or bake a dish for another member’s social event.



• Do you have a particular skill? Offer to teach a class. Perhaps ballroom dancing, photography, whatever. I, who have no skills at all, am always impressed by those who do!



• Perhaps you might offer to lead a ride for someone who cannot make one that they have agreed to lead. This would certainly be in demand by some of our more active ride leaders. During a year, something always seems to come up and having the ability to ask you to cover, assuming the date can work for you, might be a real asset.



• Or if you have special skill like massage, chiropractic, or similar, offer to donate such a session.
• OR, if you use or know people (well enough to ask!) with any of these special skills, see if they would be willing to donate lessons, sessions, etc.

~ Ken Stahl