“Grateful Hearts, Abundant Bids: Celebrating our Beloved Community” – the ESUC Auction 2026 lived up to its name last Saturday night!!! Over 40 volunteers worked on preparing the Sanctuary during the week before and then supported the event at which over 115 tickets were sold and 156 bidders participated in person or online. We’re still calculating the expenses, but initial estimates suggest that the Auction raised a little over $53,000 for East Shore!!!! This figure includes over $21,000 for Fund-a-Need and $3,200 for our Youth program – these may both be record highs!!!!
The Auction is a long-standing tradition in which a significant amount of money is raised to support the operating fund in addition to a special project (Fund-a-Need) and youth tips. The focus for Fund-a-Need this year is the new playground that will be installed soon. The children even paraded in to show us their excitement! If you would like to still contribute to the Fund-A-Need you can do so online or by sending in a check with “Fund-A-Need” clearly marked on the memo line.
The Auction is so much more than a fundraiser, though. It is the ESUC community coming together to contribute in diverse ways to create a singular event, a festive celebration that nurtures our community in the present and into the next year with multiple social events and services that strengthen connections among members and friends of East Shore.
Thank you, thank you, to every individual or group who contributed. Special thanks to Christian Dimaano and our kitchen crew who worked behind the scenes to provide a delicious meal and to every volunteer who made the event run smoothly. I am humbled by the generosity of the ESUC community and thankful that we all work together to make this special event happen!
There are still a few unsold items! Some physical items or outings with limited spaces can be found here – and can be reserved here… but be quick as items are limited! Some events with multiple seats are also available, so check out All Ages Game Day, Family Friendly Sex-Ed Trivia, Snazzy Jazzy Duo, White Elephant Bingo Party and It’s a Dance Party! If you have issues, please contact Nicole Duff.
If you’d like to join the planning team for next year, please let me know – we’d love to include you!
Warmly,
Beth Wilson and the Auction Team: Lauren Crowder, Sheridan Botts, Elaine Cox, Cris LeCompte, and Kim Coghlan