The Member Appreciation Summer Luau and Silent Auction Were A Resounding Success!!!
August will be a month we long remember. First, for the overwhelming heat and humidity but also for our 1st Member Appreciation Luau and Silent Auction. As so often happens with these types of events, what started as a small, low key event grew into a fabulous party with its’ wonderful setting at Nikki’s house, a great ukulele band, the Uklectics, super yummy food and a fantastic Silent Auction!
With the help of our member volunteers, the Silent Auction raised $3,244.17 online and $1,330 at the luau. Money continues to come in, the latest being a $100 donation from a WCV member who was unable to attend. Kati Mendoza orchestrated the entire online auction herself after hearing a friend discuss one she had been involved with. The online company, GalaBid charged us no fees so all of revenue from the bidding came to the Woman’s Club of Vista.
The auction at the luau far exceeded my expectations by raising $1,330 in a 2 hour period. Besides the money raised, members had a great time with their bidding. The Silent Auction committee composed of Kati Mendoza, Kristen Krahmer, Theresa Solhtalab, and I gathered up more than 35 items to be bid on. The most expensive items donated were gift cards from Carlsbad Premium Outlet, a wine basket from Burtech Family Vineyard, two 2 night hotel stays from Casa del Zorro, the Shores Hotel in La Jolla, and day passes for 4 at Murrietta Hot Spring Resort. Mission Federal Credit Union also sent us very welcome donation. The most highly contested item was dinner prepared by firemen and tour of a Vista Fire Station that sold for $275.
Be sure to thank the merchants who were so generous with their donations, even if you were outbid on the item you wanted. I want to extend a special thank you to Nikki and her husband Merrill for opening their home to us to hold this event.
