Browse these frequently asked questions about the online virtual auction and tips for planning your bidding. Here is an opportunity to bid on each other’s treasures and talents, promote fellowship, and support the church’s social justice programs. If you have additional questions, please contact Auction Chair, Bethe Orrell (beeweaveit@gmail.com) or Donation Coordinator, Benita Terrell, benita.terrell@earthlink.net
When is the Auction being held?
Bidding in the Auction is live for the month of November, beginning at noon, Sunday November 1st. A special event, the Sermon Live Auction via Zoom takes place Sunday, November 15th.
What donation ideas can you suggest?
You can help with this year’s online auction. You have something to give, whether it’s time, talent, knowledge or something tangible: grocery shopping for a month, pencil drawing of the bidder’s pet, delivery of a homemade dish, dinner or dessert to someone’s home, a Zoom talk on a unique experience or to teach a class, host a virtual coffee klatch or happy hour. COVID is presenting us with the opportunity to be creative. Let’s do it!
How can I make a donation?
Facebook auction page opens for viewing on October 1st. Donations will be accepted during October by emailing Benita Terrell at Benita.terrell@earthlink.net. Photos should include a description with details such as the size, color and quantity available. Make sure photos are clear and well-lit. Browse the auction during October in preparation for online bidding beginning November 1st. Be ready!
How else can I help with the Auction?
- Make a Donation.
- Promote the Facebook Auction with “Like” button.
- Preview the wide array of auction items during October.
- Invite a friend to participate in bidding starting November 1st.
- Participate in November 15 Sermon Zoom Auction Event
Browse, bid, and have a great time while supporting the Church’s social justice!
How are Auction proceeds distributed?
The Social Justice Council uses the proceeds of its annual auction to fund requests by social justice groups within the church and the larger local community. In past years, we have provided funding from our social justice auctions to organizations such as the First U Food Pantry, Earth Web, After School Tutoring, Animal Advocates, Adult ESL (English as a Second Language), ABQ FaithWorks and Street Safe Albuquerque.
How do I participate in the November Online Auction?
Browsing auction donations begins October 1st. Go to First U’s Families Facebook page and click on the Social Justice Auction button. Formal opening for donations begins October 1st.
Bidding will take place from Sunday noon, November 1st through Monday, November 30th at 6:00 PM. To bid on an item, participant makes offer in COMMENT section.
What tips do you have for bidding in an auction?
- Take advantage to preview and browse the Facebook auction site during October.
- View items organized in categories.
- Plan ahead and mark the items that you are interested in.
- Check your calendar in advance for dinner and event dates that you are interested in bidding on.
- Look for items that are marked “Buy Now.”
What is the Sermon Live Auction Event?
A special auction event this year will be the Sermon Live Auction! Naming a sermon topic for minister has been one of the most popular and exciting items in past auctions. This Zoom event will be held on Sunday, November 15th and will include special music by Susan Peck and other musicians. This year there will be two minister sermons to be auctioned, one by senior minister Angela Herrera, and the other by associate minister Bob LaValle. The auction winners will be known that night.
This is another opportunity for us to be creative. We learned during our May congregational meeting how to vote via Zoom chat. Our November live online auction will build on that successful experience. Zoom technical assistance will be available.
How will I know if I had the highest bid for an auction item?
When auction closes, the highest bid entered on the COMMENTS section that adheres to the designated increment will be the winning bid. In the event of a dispute, the Social Justice Council will act as the final authority.
I won a bid. How do I pay for the item?
The winning bidder will be contacted to arrange payment. Donation receipts for sellers and buyers will be available by December 15, 2020. The arrangements for delivery of item will be between the Donor and the Winner. Any item not claimed by December 31, will be offered to the next highest bidder.
Auction purchases are final. No returns or exchanges will be issued, “as is,” unless an item is specifically designated as eligible in the item description, i.e., an older item that has been donated but does not perform as expected.
Thank you for your contribution and for joining with us
as we advocate for social justice.
