We're excited to announce a new activity at the 2017 National Gathering: a Wednesday afternoon silent auction, with funds raised going to support key UMCRM Association initiatives.
This is an afternoon where the focus is really more on what you can give than what you can get. There will be nice items: great trips, valuable good and services, and all sorts of cool camp stuff to bid on. The real purpose is to have a fun afternoon of camaraderie and fellowship while we give financially to the organization that supports our work. “Bid early! Bid often! Bid high! Bid last!”
What can you offer?
Trips and Stays: Do you have a personal cabin or a facility at your site that you could provide for a few nights to support the ministry? If you have a cool place to stay, what a fun gift to share!
Talents/Experiences: Do you offer consulting, grant writing, carpentry, or other talents you would be willing to share? If you are open to sharing your gifts with other camps, these offers are really useful and can raise a lot of money.
Arts & Crafts: Do you paint, make jewelry, cross-stitch, or do woodworking? Is your tie-dye to die for? Why not give the gift of your art to the Association? Conference participants love having something handmade by their friends.
Consumables: Bring your desserts and treats from your neck of the woods. We love trying things that we can’t get at our specific sites. Examples of this would be maple syrup, candies, pecans, peanuts, etc.
Wearables and More: Give your gear or your gadgets. Bring stuff that you would want and give it. Humorous items are always crowd pleasers. Examples: books, shirts, flashlights, etc.
How to Give
If you know an item or two that you would like to offer, please fill out this brief web form so the volunteers organizing the event will be able to better plan the auction. When you arrive at the Gathering in Texas there will be a designated area to place your auction items so you don’t have to hold onto them during the event.
If you need to ship an item, you can send it to:
attn: UMCRM Gathering
Lakeview Methodist Conference Center
400 Private Road 6036
Palestine, TX 75801
Even if you can't attend the National Gathering, join us in spirit by sending an item along with a friend or shipping directly to the site.
How funds will be used:
The funds generated will be divided in half between UMCRM Association's Member Services and the Core Training/Certification program.
Set aside some "fun money" so you can participate in the auction by purchasing something terrific for yourself or as a gift.
And Finally…
As camp leaders we know the importance of fund raising. I am sure that we are all very thankful for the donors that support our individual ministries. Now we get the chance to give by enthusiastically taking part in a festive afternoon of bidding, sharing, and giving back.
If you have any questions about the auction, please contact Anne Horton, ahorton@susumc.org or Ann Emerson, annbythelakeshore@comcast.net
Items Already Contributed:
- A year's coffee subscription (monthly delivery by mail) from Treeline Coffee Roasters, Bozeman, Montana
- Hershey Basket – from Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Lazy W Ranch in Southern California – offering a week or weekend stay in one of the cottages. Attractions: Disney, San Diego Zoo, and lots more.
- Mount Asbury in Newville, PA offering a week or weekend in the Family Cottage. Attractions: Gettysburg, Antietam, Appalachian Trail, Meadowbrook Gouda’s, and more.
- Lake Huron Retreat Center in Burtchville, MI offering a week stay in their newly renovated Cottage.
