2026 Black and White Auction – October 17
Get ready for fun and community building. Our annual black and white auction is back and once again, it’s hybrid. This year’s theme is (Almo$t) All You Need is Love. It’s a reminder that not only is this an important source of funds for our congregation, it is also – and even more importantly – a great opportunity to get together for fun and to share our gifts and experiences with each other.
On Saturday, October 17, those of us who can, will gather in person in Cole Hall for food from 5:30 – 6:30. (Wear black and white clothes if you want.) Then, from 6:30 – 8:00 we will use the laptops we brought with us to meet up with our online friends to have part two of the auction party, which will focus on bidding and some special entertainment.
This event can only be successful with your active participation.
We need your help in three areas:
- Buy tickets to, and attend, the event. Each person attending (in Cole Hall or strictly online) needs to buy a ticket.
- Donate items to the event.
- Bid on the great items that are available on 32Auctions.
Buy Tickets: Each attendee must have a ticket to join the live Zoom party.You can buy your tickets online. Online only tickets are $20 and in-person are $30 per person. If you want to attend but it’s not within your budget just let John know and arrangements will be provided.
Donate Items: Your donations make this event possible. We’ve had great items over the past years and encourage you to continue to be creative about sharing your time, talent or other gifts with other members of our community.
Here are some ideas to get you started…
- If you drive, offer transportation.
- If you garden, offer to beautify someone’s garden.
- If you like to bake, bake goodies. If you like to cook, offer to cook a meal, deliver a meal, or share a meal. Group dinners are very popular.
- If you like picnics, offer to gather all the fixings for a dream picnic for 2.
- If you are good with hammer and nails, offer to help build or repair something.
- If you like to do a craft, offer to teach it to someone else or create a unique personalized item for someone.
- If you love museums, sporting events, music or other activities offer tickets for others to join you.
- If you love kids, offer to babysit and give parents a much needed night out.
- If you have an eye for organizing, offer to help organize closets.
- If you own a truck, offer to haul stuff.
- If you love animals, offer to pet sit. If you have a talent, offer to share it.
- If you have a skill, offer to teach it.
- If you like parties, offer one at your home. Even simple get-togethers are great ways to build community.
The easiest way to donate items is to complete the information requested on this form. We will also be distributing the form on paper at service. The completed paper form can be put in the donation basket during service.
Bid on Items: This is the really fun part. Remember that we use 32Auctions.com for the auction process. If you have taken part over the years you created an online account (you may need to look for or reset your password). We encourage you to update your account now so that you can review the catalog.
The catalog will be available for bidding starting October 13 and will remain open until the end of the event at 8:00pm on the 17th.
With all of your participation and support this is going to be a great event. Please sign up for tix and donations now to ensure everything is posted well before the event. Thank you.
Reminder: If you’re coming to Cole Hall please bring a computer or other device. We will have a few available, but they may get busy during the final crunch period!
– Your 2026 Black and White Auction Co-Chairs
John Schaefer and Jen King
FAQ
SUBMITTING MY EVENT AND WEB SITE INFO
Is there a way to see what events are already offered?
You can review the items that have been entered in the catalog but you can not bid until October 13. Here is a list of events that have been submitted to help reduce the number of overlapping events.
How does the Buy Now option work?
Several items include a feature that allows you to “Buy Now” at a price that is slightly higher than the suggested fair market value. This allows you to get those items that are “Must Have” without the anxiety of the auction process.
Why Are Multiple Instances Listed and What Does Two Spots Mean
Most events allow multiple participants to join. In some cases we have grouped a couple of seats together to easily allow bidding as a couple. Please take note of whether you are buying one or two spots.
AUCTION NIGHT
Will Child Care be Provided
Yes, child care will be provided at Cole Hall.
What type of food will be served at the auction party in Cole Hall?
MPUUC is paying for a catered meal and beverages. The menu has not been established yet. There is no need to bring any food with you to the party. Feel free to bring your own utensils, cups and plates if you like, but it is not necessary.
What if I don’t have a computer to bring to Cole Hall?
We will provide a couple of extra computers in Cole Hall but these may get busy during the crunch time at the end of the auction. You should also be able to log on using a tablet or your phone. Please check this on your device prior to coming to Cole Hall.
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