Annual Auction
Here comes the sun!
It’s time to gather, reconnect, and enjoy a spirited afternoon together on April 26, 2026 at 12:30pm. This year’s Auction promises warmth, laughter, and an opportunity to support the place and people we care about.
We hope you’ll join us for a bright and joyful afternoon!
Auction Information
- Online Auction:
- Starts Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00 PM
- Ends Sunday, April 26 at 1:00 PM
- Live Auction: Takes place Sunday, April 26 at 12:30 PM at EUUC.
For more information, including submitting your donation, buying tickets to the live auction, help and how-to guides, please go directly to our auction website located at: https://EUUC2026.fundraiser.bid.
Donations Needed
Everyone has something valuable to offer! Whether it’s cooking a meal, baking desserts, or hosting a dinner party, homemade experiences are always a hit. Those with repair skills can donate handyperson services, while others may offer weeding, hauling, or yard work.
Looking for inspiration? Sunset cruises, weekend getaways, handcrafted items, and expert-led experiences—like birdwatching tours or tech help—are all great auction items. Gift certificates to your favorite local store or restaurant, themed baskets, or event-hosting (movie nights, dance lessons, or cooking demos) are also fantastic contributions.
For donation ideas, check out the Online Auction and Live Auction catalogs from 2025.
Every donation—big or small—adds value and helps make our auction a success. Thank you for sharing your talents and generosity!
To donate an item or event, please use the form on the auction website. Click the Donate an Item tab at the top of the page.
Auction Donations Deadline: Wednesday April 15, 2026.
Fund-A-Need
Let’s Brighten Up the Place with Fresh Paint!
Our building has served this community faithfully for years, hosting countless gatherings, meals, and moments that matter. But it could use some love. The paint has seen better days; fading here, peeling there, and in some spots, mildew has moved in uninvited. After decades of welcoming us through its doors, it’s time we give it the refresh it deserves.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Why This Matters
A fresh coat of paint does more than make things pretty:
- Health & Safety – Eliminating mold and mildew creates a healthier environment for everyone, especially important for our vulnerable members.
- Pride of Place – When our space looks cared for, it reinforces that this community matters. First-time visitors and long-time members alike deserve to walk into a building that feels inviting.
- Preservation – Addressing paint and moisture issues now prevents bigger, costlier repairs down the road.
How We Can Make This Happen
If we raise $10,000, we have matching funds available to complete the entire painting project.
Every contribution helps us create a space we can all be proud of. Raise your paddle and help us brighten our home!
Honoree Tie Recipient
EUUC has a long tradition of gifting a “loud tie” to a member of the congregation who is required to wear it to at least one Sunday service. The tie is in honor of one of our founding members, Stewart Chapman, who wore a loud tie himself. He was a wonderful generous man who helped our congregation thrive in many ways. We honor a member who follows in his footsteps, giving of themselves to make our congregation the wonderful place that it is.
We make contributions to EUUC toward the honoree during the auction each year. Please include a contribution to the Honoree Tie in your auction bidding!
Note: If you’re coming to the live auction, please wait to make your donation in person at that time.
Winner Announcement: Cynthia Grace
Congratulations to Cynthia Grace, this year’s winner of the Honoree Tie award! 
Cynthia’s contributions to our congregation are enormous. She was Board President during COVID. She single-handedly transformed our audio-visual operations, and created the capacity to livestream Sunday services as well as preserve them in an online archive. During the eight-month period when the congregation was without a minister, she took on the critical role of staff supervisor. Cynthia has also been our website administrator and content curator.
Cynthia’s service extends across numerous committees and initiatives, including the Targeted Minister Search Committee, the Safe Congregations Committee, the Adult Enrichment & Faith Development Committee, and the Sunday Offering Committee. Our current Board President, Dan Ford, writes: “Our congregation owes Cynthia a profound debt of gratitude.”
We will be recognizing Cynthia at our in-person live auction April 26. if you’ll be in attendance, we suggest you wait to make your contribution to the Honoree Tie at that time. If not, give generously right here! Funds collected go to support the work of the congregation in Cynthia’s honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a first-time auction attendee? Experienced with auctions but want a refresher? Need clarification about a few things? Our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section covers the basics. If you need more information though, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Q: What games and activities will be available at the auction?
A: We have a few fun games and activities planned:
- Raffle: Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at a table in the Narthex before the auction starts. You can buy as many as you’d like using your bidder (paddle) number, which you receive upon arrival. The raffle winner is drawn during the live auction and wins a prize.
- Heads & Tails Game: Purchase 3 necklaces for $10 in the Narthex before the auction starts. During the game, participants choose “heads” or “tails” by placing their hands on their head or behind their back. The auctioneer flips a coin, and those who guessed incorrectly forfeit a necklace. This continues until one person remains and wins the prize.
- Gift Card Frenzy: Local businesses donate gift cards of varying amounts, which are auctioned off in a fast-paced manner. Stay alert to win the ones you want!
Q: What is the Dessert Dash?
A: The dessert dash is a fun way to raise money and enjoy delicious desserts made by EUUC bakers. Here’s how it works:
- An array of delicious desserts will be on display.
- Your table will receive a bidding sheet where you can pool your contributions as a group.
- Once all the bids are collected, the auctioneer will announce the winning order—starting with the highest bid. A person or two from your table chooses the dessert your table will share.
Q: What is “Raise the Paddle” and what are its purposes?
A: “Raise the Paddle” is a way to make donations during the auction. The auctioneer asks attendees to raise their bid cards at the donation level that suits them. There are two purposes for this:
- Honoree Tie: This tradition honors a member of the congregation who has made significant contributions over the years. The honoree receives a “loud tie” in honor of Stewart Chapman, a founding member known for his generosity. Donations go to EUUC in honor of the recipient, who must wear the tie to church at least once before the next auction.
- Fund-A-Need: Each year, the Board of Trustees selects a specific project for the congregation. Past projects have included a new playground, a remodeled dais, and new furniture. This year’s project is to upgrade the kitchen with a new commercial dishwasher.
Q: How can I participate in the raffle and games?
A: You can purchase raffle tickets and game items in the Narthex before the auction starts. Use your bidder number for purchases; no cash is needed.
Questions? Contact Nancy Gladow, Auction Chair: auction@euuc.org.