Scholarship Auction
The auction and mixer is a “kick back and relax” while you support a great cause kinda’ night; it DOES NOT count for CTLE hours. After the Book Bonanza, we will turn the meeting room into an auction house where ALL the proceeds will go to the scholarship fund for 2019.
This year we are EXCITED to announce we will be using the same format as last year! The scholarship auction is an integral part of the Institute. ALL the money raised at the auction goes directly to providing scholarships for the next year's Institute. The auction we had last year is funding 13 librarians to attend this year's Institute! We want to insure that the auction remains successful so we can provide the opportunity to others next year.
In response to those who noted many items languished waiting for bids; we are asking for NEW items - in the past, we have had fun with kitchie "white elephant" yard sale items, but we feel the time for that has passed. In order to have bidders feel like they have gotten something of quality for their money, we are requesting that all items brought this year be new.
In response to those who noted the auction went on too long; we will again be adding a "silent auction" portion to the auction this year. We are encouraging people to bring themed baskets (if you've attended a recent conference, think Knickerbocker raffle but not as elaborate) we already have some GREAT vendor prizes as well as some really nice baskets of items promised for this portion. These items will be on display, and you will be encouraged to record the maximum amount of money you’re willing to pay for what catches your eye… as the day goes on, check back, as someone might have outbid you! The highest bids and winners will be announced at the start of the auction. We did this last year and it helped move the auction along.
In response to those that loved the auction format and the "bidding wars" that sometime ensue; bigger items (nicer baskets brought by attendees or sponsored by affiliates) as well as "higher priced" donations from vendor partners will be traditionally auctioned off as usual. Everyone is encouraged and invited to contribute a “basket” with items that you think others might want to bid on. Group them together in a cute container or wrapped in clear plastic so we can see them!! The better the items, the more money we will make. Feel free to partner up with someone -- ask members of your SLS or your affiliate to contribute to a “group basket”. In the past we have had “Movie night” – “Great Picture Books” – “Something for the Chef” – “A Wine-rs Dream” – type theme baskets but we have also had conference registrations, handcrafted pocketbooks and quilts and framed prints offered. The sky's the limit on what you can bring to donate so get creative! Need an idea? Google “theme baskets” and you’ll see what we mean. If you already have an idea for a basket (or when you get an idea), and know what you will bring please add it to the list found here.
Don’t forget that all money made goes towards scholarships for next year’s institute, so please bring along your checkbook!! We are looking for volunteers to help organize all the baskets on Thursday afternoon between the end of the session and dinner. Please consider donating a little time for this.
Questions about the auction / Institute Scholarship fundraiser can be directed to: Lisa Perkowski at ssledleadership@gmail.com