Making a donation to the Silent Auction

Making a donation to the silent auction is an easy and creative way to support GRS at the Great Extravaganza.  For the past 8 years, donations from many local businesses, arts organizations, and individuals have provided a broad range of items for the bidding pleasure of attendees.  Values range from $5 to $500 with tickets, art pieces, books, handmade items, services, and many other donations given.

Process for soliciting a donation from a local business or organization

• Consider what organizations/businesses you might approach about donating to the auction
• Print the Business Solicitation letter and Business Donation form or request them from Lydia McAnerney at GRS and deliver it by hand/post/email. (Note: hand delivery works the best)
• Collect the donation form and/or donation from the donor and thank them for their support.

Process for making a donation from your family

While we do solicit from the wider community, we also ask GRS families to consider a donation to the school.

• Consider your skills, interests and those of your family as well as where you shop, what services you pay for (hair dresser, car repair company, spa, etc.) what organizations you support, and where your children take classes
• Decide on an item, service or skill you can donate either from you/your family or by asking for a gift certificate from an organization
• Print and complete the Family Donation form and send to GRS by March 29, 2013
• Complete the ONLINE FORM
• Bring your item to GRS by April 26.
• If you are making a donation that requires a certificate, please indicate on the donation form whether you will provide one or if you want us to make one for you.

Here are some ideas:

• Are you a baker? Consider making a special cake or pie or offering a coupon for a birthday cake.
• Woodworker, electrician, musician – consider a certificate for a few hours of your time doing what you know how to do for someone who needs your services.
• Do you get your hair cut at the same place each time? Ask your favorite hair stylist for gift coupon.
• Member of a fitness club?  Consider asking the manager for a gift membership or even a few free visits.
• Shopping at a cool store?  Consider asking the manager for a gift coupon
• Eating out at your favorite restaurant?  Perhaps the manager on duty will be willing to give you a gift coupon for a meal for 2.
• What about tickets for places you like to go?  (Ask for a donation before you purchase)
• Use of a special car for an afternoon
• Basket for people who like to do different things – movies, fresh fruit, desserts, cards & games, kit to make beer/wine/other food items, gently used books
• Child care or animal sitting for a specific time period
• Fishing, shopping or wine tasting tour with an expert
• Tail gating party at a sporting event (even a GRS event)
• Activities for younger children – sing along at a campfire, games afternoon, exploratory walk along the Mississippi or a nature preserve