The Fundraiser

Finally writing about the fundraiser that our friends helped us put on back on November 10, 2012 to help us raise money for the gestational carrier process.

I was surprised by how many businesses donated items for the silent auction. I was worried that a lot of places wouldn't donate since we weren't a nonprofit and they couldn't write their donation off. Their were many places that didn't donate for that reason, but so many others that did just because they wanted to help us. There was a wide variety of items donated; home made quilts, lots of gift cards to restaurants, autographed childrens books, a breast pump, wine and coffee baskets, snowmobile jackets, framed photographs, massage certificates, homemade childrens play kitchen, Banana Republic leather bag, baked goods, cabin weekends, fishing charters,  eye dr., dental, and photography gift certificates, coach sunglasses, handmade jewelry, and so much more.

On top of the silent auction we had mystery bags people could buy for either $10 or $25 with items of equal or greater value in them. There was a table set up that had various items on it along with some baked goods for sale, and there was a live baked goods auction. So there was lots of of items for purchase.

My good friend Liz also put together a chili cook off. I believe there was 8 or 9 teams that all made different kids of chilis. There were winners for the best overall chili, the most unique chili, and I think the best team. So in between people visiting with others, bidding on items, and what not they could purchase either one big bowl of chili or a bunch of small cups and sample a bunch of different ones. At the time of purchasing their chili each person got a couple of tickets so they could vote on their favorite in each category.  

I was so nervous about everything going well. Would lots of people show up? Would they have fun and want to stay? Would all the items go? I was also nervous about the questions I could get asked and wondered if people would expect me to get up in front of everyone and speak about what we're doing. Luckily, none of that was an issue. There was a huge turnout. Dereck and I got around and talked to everyone we could and thanked them all for coming. All of the mystery bags and silent auction items went and the chili cook off was a hit. A bunch of people even left cash donations. It really was a great night and showed us even more just how lucky we are to have such wonderful people in our lives. 

In case anyone is wondering, the fundraiser raised approx. $12,000. So between this fundraiser and the GiveForward one that Liz did last summer, that many of you donated to, equals close to $20,000! I still can't believe it.

Thank you again to everyone for your support!

 

lots of gift baskets and pictures on the silent auction



some of the baked goodies for sale