Silent Auction Ideas

Here’s a list of creative ideas for services, entertainment, and experiences you can donate or sponsor that don’t require cash contributions or physical items. We encourage you to add your own suggestions—the more ideas we generate, the more we can support our beloved church community. Giving comes in many forms, and not all involve money. Consider who you know that could offer their expertise for a virtual class or coaching session in areas like:

  • Language Lessons

  • Singing Instruction

  • Musical Instrument Training

  • Sewing

  • Recording (e.g., singing, podcast creation, filmmaking)

  • Interior Design

  • Fitness/Yoga Instruction

  • Landscaping Advice

  • Astrology/Tarot Reading

  • Crafting

  • Canning

  • Outdoor Activities (e.g., hiking, campfires, guided tours)

  • Poetry/Writing/Memoirs

Services:

  • Airport Shuttle (O’Hare or Midway)

  • Pet Sitting/Animal Care

  • Child Care for an Evening

  • Party Planning

  • House Cleaning

  • Therapeutic Massage

  • Errand Running

Dinners/Food:

  • Gift Baskets with Gift Cards to Local Restaurants

  • Monthly Delivery of Homemade Muffins, Cookies, Bars, or Bread for a Year

  • Holiday Pastry, Decorated Cake, or Specialty Item Delivery (e.g., Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas)

  • Homemade Soup Delivery (one, two, or three)

  • Hosted Dinners at Home, such as:

    • Tea Party

    • Garden Party

    • Italian Dinner

    • Salmon Dinner

    • Hungarian Dinner

    • Shrimp & Grits

    • Taste of India

    • Palestinian Dinner

    • Vegan/Vegetarian Dinner

Education:

  • Zoom Cooking Classes or Demonstrations

  • Online Cooking Demo with Ingredient Kits

  • Zoom Lessons on Specific Software Programs

  • Landscaping Design Consultation

  • Special Skills Training via Zoom

  • Resume Building Advice

  • Tips for Making Your Zoom Meetings More Engaging

  • Virtual Workout Sessions with a Personal Trainer

  • Crafting Lessons

  • Language Lessons

  • Instrument Lessons

  • Singing Lessons

  • Scrapbooking Tutorials

Entertainment:

  • Zoom Charades Party

  • Online Game Night

  • Musical Events (e.g., concert in your front yard)

  • Recorded Chamber Concerts with MP3s for Purchasers

  • Variety Shows

  • SongGrams Delivered to the Recipient of Your Choice

  • Christmas Caroling to Your House or a Loved One’s

  • Online Karaoke

  • Storytelling via Zoom (for kids or adults)

  • TikTok Dance Lessons or How-to-Use-TikTok Tutorials

  • Boat Rides

  • Bourbon Tasting with Delivered Kits and an Online Tasting Event

Excursions/Outdoors:

  • Hikes in Scenic Areas with a Picnic

  • Backyard Campfire—Host provides the yard and fire pit; guests bring s’mores, ghost stories, and more.

  • Bicycle Ride with a Picnic

  • Outdoor Kids’ Party in a Park for an Afternoon

Vacations/Lodging:

  • Weekend or Weeklong Getaway at Your Cabin/Condo/Home

  • Do you Airbnb your home or rental unit? Offer a stay!

By thinking creatively about how you can contribute to our Silent Auction, you’re not only helping to raise crucial funds for our church but also fostering a deeper sense of community. Whether you offer a service, host an experience, or share your skills, every contribution makes a difference. Together, let’s make this year’s Silent Auction our most successful yet!