Where do we get auction items when our congregation can’t donate big-ticket things?

Many Churches & Faith-Based Organizations face this exact problem. Your community trusts each other, and the room knows everyone. But that same closeness means the donor pool for auction items is the same group that already supports the mission. Catholic Charities, Gabriel’s House, St. Munchin Parish, and others run volunteer-led events where leadership needs a simple, transparent ask. A travel or experience package puts something new on the table without leaning on anyone in the congregation for a big donation.

There is no upfront cost. You browse over 140 experiences, reserve what fits your crowd, and pay only if a package sells. You keep every dollar above the reserve. A recommended starting bid is 15 to 20 percent above cost, so the church profits from the first bid. If bidding gets hot, the same package can sell more than once. Nothing ships. Winners get a certificate, and the travel team books the trip.

This week, pick a few experiences your crowd would love. Golf trips, college football, NCAA basketball, wine and bourbon getaways. These are what sell for Churches & Faith-Based Organizations. Show them to your pastor or leadership. The terms are straightforward: you only pay for an experience if it sells, keep 100 percent over the cost, and can sell experiences multiple times if the bidding gets hot. You are not too late. Items can be added the same day as your event.

Your benefit dinner keeps its heart and adds a few trips people will talk about. The committee relaxes. The auction raises more, and nobody in the congregation was asked for a thing.