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We have an auction every year; members donate goods or services, other
members buy them. We make anywhere from $12,000 to $16,000 per year, thanks
to an impressive array of talent among our members, a generous membership,
and healthy appetites. These are the items offered for the Auction in 2011,
to give you an idea of what works.
They are in broad categories:
Food (8 items)
Goods (8 items)
Meals (17 items)
Services and Classes (15 items)
Vacations and trips (2 items)
They are listed by total earned in each category, which makes it easy to see which
items are the most popular. The second line shows the minimum bid, winning bid,
number of buyers, and total earned. For instance, the top meal, "A taste of Italy", has
[50] (210 * 7 = 1470)
which means the minimum bid was $50, the winning bid was $210, 7 people bought it,
and the total earned was $1,470.
Food
Hansel and Gretel's Party House
[40] (60 * 8 = 480)
Materials (that means all kinds of candy and yummy things) and
gingerbread will be provided to construct a totally edible gingerbread
house for yourself or a loved one. Lunch with wine is included . Feel
free to bring your own "Special " candy to decorate your house.
Green Eggs and Lamb
[125] (125 * 2 = 250)
This year the P---- family have been blessed with an abundance of lambs
on their Ten Wild (and wooly) Acres. They are offering for your
consideration their traditional Green Eggs and Lamb. For the highest
bid, one half dozen colorful free- range eggs will be provided to you
each week during the laying season. In addition you will receive one
grass fed lamb from our pastures. (Processing fees are not included in
the purchase price.)
Sweet Tooth Specials
[20] (55 * 4 = 220)
Master Baker, Mary J---- has a simply divine list of special desserts
that you can choose from for that special dinner! Including: Chocolate
Orange Moose - Apple Turnovers - Cream Puffs w/Hot Fudge Sauce - Fruit
Crisps - Tortes - Panna Cotta - Cakes - Tiramisu - and so much more to
choose from! A Dessert Menu will be provided. You agree upon the date
and pick up place with Mary. 6 delectable desserts (each serves 8)
Corn So Fresh You Could Slap It!
[10] (40 * 4 = 160)
One carton of four dozen ears of freshly picked white sweet corn from a
local farm in Ripon. Available between June 15th and July 15th.
Pie Celebration
[25] (70 * 2 = 140)
Renowned baker, Aynslie F---- will bake four luscious pies of
your choice to help you celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and
your birthday. Life doesn't get any sweeter than this!
Papa Joe's Double Chocolate Kahlua Cake
[25] (40 * 3 = 120)
The stuff of legend around this Fellowship's coffee klatch, and it was a
staple at Dane's Dad's restaurant. Made fresh for you (7-14 days notice,
please.) The non-alcoholic version is also available. Sounds like sex in
a pan!
Picnic to Go
[50] (100 * 1 = 100)
Enjoy a picnic lunch that serves 8 people to take on a family outing -
perhaps to explore one of the local Tuolumne River Trust parks? You will
be consulted about foods and drinks that your family members will love.
Plates, cutlery, napkins, etc. will be included!
Little Dane's Healthful Toaster Waffles
[20] (30 * 3 = 90)
These tasty toaster waffles are sugar free and will fit any
toaster. Only 65 calories per waffle! Made fresh at your
request.
Goods
Gay Men's Chorus Tickets
[25] (25 * 21 = 525)
Don't miss the authentic San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performing in
Modesto. Also includes going to the party following the performance to
meet the Choir!
An Evening of Beautiful Music
[30] (55 * 4 = 220)
Modesto Symphony Concert. Follow the breathtaking, tragic, and
ultimately rapturous story of the prophet Elijah and hear some of the
most moving music ever written. This program is featuring Brandi
Samuel, mezzo soprano, Nathan Stark, baritone, the MSC chorus, CSU
Stanislaus Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers. Enjoy an evening of
beautiful music!
Decorate Your Neck!
[20] (20 * 5 = 100)
Learn how to make a Chenille Scarf. Bring your own sewing machine if you
have one, but use mine if you do not. Bring one and two thirds yards of
rayon, challis, or similar weight material. We will cut, stitch and cut
again. You will see the finished project when you send it through the
washing machine.
Gold For Your Garden
[50] (50 * 2 = 100)
Two cubic yards (that is eighteen cubic feet) of screened UUFSC COMPOST
delivered to your location and spread as you direct to feed, protect and
pamper your plants.
Mosaic Chalice Pin
[40] (100 * 1 = 100)
Beautiful mosaic chalice pin in a silver plate setting
with semi-precious stones created by artist, Lin M----.
Shark Attack!
[40] (50 * 2 = 100)
Tickets for a San Jose Sharks Ice Hockey game! Your pick of the game for
the 2011-2012 season. Schedule will be available late summer. Two
tickets to see the San Jose Sharks vs. the team of your choice. Seats
are Row 20 right on the goal line. Value of $150
Cheery Hand Crafted Afghan
[40] (80 * 1 = 80)
Bring a little sunshine into your home with this sunshine yellow
handcrafted knitted Aran afghan. It measures 55" by 75". It looks great
draped over the chair or couch in the summer and draped over YOU in the
winter. It is warm, soft and cuddly to snuggle under.
Kiddie Fun Basket
[30] (80 * 1 = 80)
Filled with supplies for over 15 fun craft activities, this gift basket
is perfect for children who love arts and crafts. Basket includes: scrap
book and additional pages, 130 piece kids artist set, assorted stickers
and accessories (Thomas the Train, Mickey Mouse, Disney Cars), 3D
sidewalk chalk, face paints, "Ultimate Fuzzy" kit with accessories,
assorted markers and crayons, 'Built-A-Bear" do it yourself kit, create
your own book set, kids music CD, $30 gift card to "Color Me Mine" and
lots more. Spend quality creative time with children or grandchildren
with this fun-filled crafting basket.
Mosaic Pendant
[40] (80 * 1 = 80)
Purchase a beautiful mosaic chalice pendant in a silver plate setting
with semi-precious stones.
Award Winning Photograph
[35] (65 * 1 = 65)
This is an underwater photo taken by photo artist, Gary P---- The
photo is a clownfish and an anemone. This amazing photo won best of
show in the PSA International Exhibition of Photography.
Meals
Taste of Italy Dinner
[50] (210 * 7 = 1470)
Vino
Pinot Grigio
Antipasti
Potato, Mushroom and Spinach Pizza
Polenta with mushrooms
Insalata
Pears, gorgonzola, roasted walnut and mixed
greens with Balsamic vinaigrette
Pasta
Linguine alla frutti di mare
Vino
Chianti Classico Reserva
Amarone della Valpolicella
Dulce
Dulce di Tagliatella
Coffee, Galliano, Limoncello
[Ed note: If the menu in a restaurant has more adjectives than nouns,
you are probably at Denny's. In a three-star restaurant the descriptions
are plain. You'll note the description above is plain too, but those who
knew bid this one into the stratosphere. Plus, part of the price paid was
a way to say "Thank you" to the chef, who had been a valued member of
our congregation for 10 yers and was leaving the area.]
The Sound of Music Dinner
[30] (90 * 11 = 990)
Join us for Austrian food, wine and music: The final menu will be
determined during our cycle trip through Austria this summer. It may
include caviar on eggs, chicken and leek strudels, wild rice with
pecans, pear, toasted hazelnut and blue cheese salad. For desert,
Chocolate ginger cake! Also look forward to live music to take you to
Vienna!
Up North Barbecued Salmon Supper
[50] (90 * 9 = 810)
Barbecued salmon dinner for 8 at Marcia's featuring Gil's catch of
Chinook salmon and his smoked salmon dip. Marcia will make blackberry
cobbler and whatever sides, soup and salads he comes up with. Oregon
Wines will be featured this year. Dinner will be served at Marcia
G----'s home.
Mexican Train Domino Party
[25] (85 * 8 = 680)
An evening of fun! Enjoy a Mexican Dinner and competitive Mexican Train
Dominoes. Great food, great margaritas, and great prizes! This is one
train you'll not want to miss!
Sake tasting and Japanese-Style Dinner
[30] (80 * 7 = 560)
Do you think Sake is just that hot and sweet junk you get at sushi
restaurants? Think again! Come experience the real world of sake, paired
with inspired cuisine.
Chocolate and Wine Love Fest
[35] (50 * 11 = 550)
An extravaganza of chocolate decadence paired with wines from light
crisp whites to the sublimely sumptuous ports. See how these wines
mingle and thrill the palate when paired with all that chocolate. Timed
for Valentine's Day so you can thrill your sweetie, or simply enjoy the
evening with friends.
Northeastern Thai dinner
[35] (55 * 10 = 550)
Enjoy the delicious cuisine of Northeastern Thailand where John and
Elaine A---- lived as Peace Corps volunteers. Elaine learned this
cuisine from the local Thai cooks. These foods are not usually served in
Thai restaurants. Waterfall bee, green papaya spicy salad, calamari
salad and other wonders will be served. All will be eaten with fragrant
sticky rice and we use our fingers to eat.
Channeling Julia Child's Cookery
[35] (65 * 8 = 520)
Celebrate Bastille Day! Start your gourmet French evening with endive
and a yogurt/feta dip. Mushroom/nut pate with crackers. Continue with a
chilled Red Pepper soup with basil, Julia Child's beef bourguignon with
black truffle seasoned noodles, green beans in citrus butter sauce.
There will also be a bibb lettuce salad and a cheese course with
seasonal fruit. If you have room after that, we will serve Crème Brulee!
Of course, French bread and red wine will be included too!
Uisge Beatha "The Water of Life"
[25] (65 * 8 = 520)
A tour of Scotland via fine Single Malt tastings, selected from each of
the six Scotch producing regions. Traditional Scottish snacks to
accompany "The Water of Life". Of course, a designated driver will be at
your service!
Who Dun It? Dinner
[50] (60 * 8 = 480)
The class of 1954 is excited to welcome class member and national rock
and roll star, Rockford, "Rock" N. Roley, who is planning a concert for
them.
Holiday Wreaths Luncheon
[25] (75 * 6 = 450)
Spend a few hours in the country making a Holiday Wreath and a Kissing
Ball using freshly cut local greens and materials. Your unique and
fragrant treasure will stay fresh for weeks and impart a joyful welcome
for your front door. Hang your merry Kissing Ball in a strategic
location for best results. Cranberry margaritas and a festive luncheon
will be served.
Almond Blossom Luncheon
[30] (40 * 8 = 320)
Enjoy a leisurely almond-themed luncheon in the E---- family's beautiful
new sunroom - hors-d'oeuvres to include almond pinecone cheese ball and
almond humus. Salad with almond slivers, of course. Chicken almondine
entrée and luscious almond cheese cake for dessert. We will toast each
other with almond wine as well.
Locavore Dinner
[30] (40 * 8 = 320)
From one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world comes
a dinner from local sources (you may not get coffee). We will be
selecting foods from the Northern California region and creating a
delicious meal.
Beer Tasting
[35] (35 * 9 = 315)
We will have some fine brews to see, smell and taste. But then we will
get down to the business of quaffing. "A fine beer may be judged with
only one sip but it is better to be thoroughly sure." (Czech proverb)
There will also be plenty of food, so do not eat beforehand.
New Orleans Via a Café du Monde Brunch
[20] (50 * 6 = 300)
Enjoy a New Orleans' Tradition of homemade Beignets, cold brewed Chicory
Coffee, Mimosas and fresh fruit. Share great conversation and laughter
over this delicious brunch in our sunny backyard. Matt will be willing
share the secrets of making great Beignets and you can even try making
one on your own.
Sideways Movie and Wine Tasting
[25] (25 * 12 = 300)
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting while watching the Academy Award
winning movie "Sideways." We will sample 5 wines from the movie,
including a Merlot, along with fabulous finger foods and buttered popcorn.
Viva La comida De Mexico!
[20] (30 * 8 = 240)
The main course for this evening is Chiles en Nogada - a colorful dish
sporting the colors of the Mexican flag and created to commemorate the
battle of Puebla, which is celebrated on May 5th. I make a vegetarian
version of this "chile relleno" classic. (NOT with cheese) The meal will
also include other delicious Mexican dishes.
Oscar's Red Carpet at Ursulas
[25] (25 * 9 = 225)
First annual Red Carpet Oscar Night - Foolishness, Fun, Food and
Fellowship! Pick a winner and win an "Oscar!"
Services and Classes
Have Tools, will travel
[200] (600 * 1 = 600)
Does your home need some TLC? Have a project that you need taken off the
"Honey Do" list? Here is your chance for twenty hours of skilled labor
provided by Don S----. Carpentry, electrical, drywall, painting, and
framing (not picture) are just a few of his many talents.
Organize the Paperwork!
[50] (225 * 2 = 450)
One visit of up to four hours of undivided attention to help
organize those piles (or boxes) of unorganized overwhelming paperwork.
We will work together to help purge and gain control of the never-ending
accumulation that can inevitably occur in a busy person's life.
Mosaic Pendant Workshop
[40] (40 * 4 = 160)
Two lucky people will come to my studio and learn to make their own
mosaic pendant. I will provide the supplies and expertise, you bring the
creativity. Lunch provided.
Dreaming of Maid Service?
[50] (150 * 1 = 150)
Need help before or after a party? Do your cabinets, floors, windows
need a shine? Purchase one 5-hour visit of judgment free cleaning,
washing, sewing, or just plain grunge work. You provide the place and
we'll arrange the time.
Relax with Ruby
[50] (75 * 2 = 150)
Two sessions of acupressure even if you are not experiencing pain or
stress in your life! This sensational treatment can be helpful in
relieving pain and stress anywhere in the body.
Skeletons In Your Closet?
[150] (150 * 1 = 150)
I'll spend thirty hours researching your family history. I will use ten
years of experience, my subscription to the U.S. Census Images and other
online resources. You should know your grandparents birthplace to give
me a running start!
Too Good To Forget
[50] (125 * 1 = 125)
Professional videographer and editing of any event for up to two hours
will be available to you. Birthday parties, grandkids soccer tournament,
school play etc. This is a $300 value! It comes with two DVDs and I
can even upload the video to YouTube if you want to become a celebrity!
Tennis anyone?
[80] (100 * 1 = 100)
Four one-hour tennis lessons from USPTA tennis coach, Jack L----.
Regardless level of playing, Jack will improve your game.
Make Your Body Happy
[55] (85 * 1 = 85)
Therapeutic massage! Relief for pain with skilled hands can be yours!
Pam W---- is offering one hour of therapeutic massage for all those
nagging aches and pains. We have many satisfied clients within our
Fellowship.
Don't Cry For Me Argentina!
[20] (20 * 4 = 80)
Tango lessons for you. Our Fellowship's own DVIDA certified Tango junkie
offers this lesson, probably separated into two one-hour long sessions,
for a single person or a couple. It will cover some of the basics of
this dance, which originated on the streets and brothels in Buenos
Aires, becoming respectable when it came back from Paris. Mary's goal is
that the participant will feel confident enough to try his/her luck at
a practica or milonga.
Be Good To Yourself
[35] (65 * 1 = 65)
A one hour therapeutic massage by experienced Masseuse, Kay G---- will
be given to you. Kay has been practicing the art of massaging those
tired muscles for many years in Modesto. You owe it to yourself!
Twinkle Toes
[35] (65 * 1 = 65)
Your feet deserve some tender loving care. Enjoy a professional Spa
Pedicure given by Eve B---- a licensed manicurist. It will be a very
relaxing session offered in a private setting.
Christmas Party Sing-A-Long
[40] (40 * 1 = 40)
Have keyboard, will travel! Kathryn S---- offers music for a Christmas
party. Kathryn will provide lyrics for 48 Christmas songs from God Rest
Ye Unitarians to Twelve Days of Hawaiian Christmas. The latter is
optional. Katheryn will provide two hours of background music and
music for singing, whatever your desire!
Vacations and trips
Sun, Sand, Seaside
[750] (750 * 1 = 750)
One week stay in Historic Beach house In Seaside, Oregon. Two blocks
from the beach. "Sea Knoll" sits on a small hill. It has three bedrooms,
one and a half bath and sleeps six. The kitchen is fully equipped. There
is also a hot tub, gas fireplace and bedding and towels are provided.
Seaside is located about fifteen miles south of the Columbia River. It
is a small, family-friendly town. Astoria, 15 miles or so north is the
oldest town in Oregon. Canon Beach, 15 miles or so south is a more
upscale beach community.
Sailing The Blue With A Cranky Old Cabin Girl
[75] (140 * 5 = 700)
An all-day trip on a 42 foot Hunter Sail Boat in the San Francisco Bay
for 6 guests. Watch the waves, clouds, seagulls, boats and even a
Lighthouse or help the Captain with the sails. Leave Club Nautique at
10:00 am and return approximately 7 pm. Gourmet lunch while anchored at
Angel Island included! After lunch, sail under the Richmond Bridge and
around the 3 Brothers Lighthouse with a competent captain, Captain Bill,
his first class mate, Debby and one Cranky Cabin Girl.
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