A Shameless Pitch for Auction Donations

Fall is here.  Our days are shorter, there’s a chill in the air in the evening, and it’s time for Washington Bikes’s Annual Auction.  This year’s event is slated for October 23.

Whether you ride with your kids to the park, pedal to work or school, or joy ride on your favorite trails–all bicycling is local and all routes need advocates.  It takes money to organize–and our annual auction helps fund that effort, increases awareness, and helps us cultivate the seeds of bicycle advocacy statewide.

Help us grow–donate today!

Necklace by Katie Yankula

We need donations big and small to generate spirited bidding and appeal to the whole wide world of bicycle supporters.  We would welcome gift cards to restaurants, coffee shops, and your favorite retail outlets.  Are you crafty?  Handcrafted items like knitted socks and scarves, quilts, pottery, jewelry, and woodwork gifts are popular.  Themed gift baskets are also great auction donations.  Are you a season ticket holder? Tickets to the theatre, opera, symphony, professional sporting events, and amusements are needed.

Are you (or someone you know) a nail artist, hair stylist, massage therapist, physical therapist, yoga instructor, dance instructor, personal trainer, dog walker, house/pet sitter, landscaper, or ……?  These kinds of services sell at the auction.

Cyclists are active folks.  Lift tickets to your local ski hill, a round of golf at your local golf course, a guided birdwatching hike, and catered bike rides make good auction donations.  Did I say bike rides?  Entries to event rides, bike tours and triathlons are a must.  New and gently used outdoor gear can also be in demand.

Do you (or someone you know) have vacation property or a second home?  Getaways–posh to rustic–to the mountains, the ocean, lakeside or desert are in demand.  Urban destinations can also be popular.  Auction attendees wave their bid cards for unique experiences:  lunch with a celebrity, private tours, catered activities, gourmet meals, and exclusive adventures.

We’ve made it easy for you to submit a donation with an online auction donation form.  Please contact me, Louise McGrody, if you have any questions.  You can also call me at 206.224.9252 x303.  To ensure that your donation makes the catalogue, please submit your donation info by September 30, 2010.