2023 Silent Auctions
&
Silent Auction Rules
This fundraiser for the Awakening Ways Spiritual Community brings together members and friends of our community to meet, eat, have fun, and raise money.
We have gathered 15 hosts who are putting on wonderfully imaginable forms of culinary entertainment. Now you have the opportunity to bid on seating at one or more of these fabulous events.
All the meals take place between June and December 2023. During the five Sundays of our silent auction, you will be able to bid on as many meals as you like. The auction items will be open for bidding on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
The bidding works like this:
Let’s say a host offers a chicken barbecue for ten people with a starting bid of $25. You bid by signing up on the bidding sheet. After ten people have each bid $25, the eleventh person can still be on the guest list by placing a higher bid of $27 or more on the next line of the bid sheet. This will bump the lowest bidder, the last one that that bid $25, off the guest list.
Keep checking the bidding sheet—if you were outbid and you want to ensure your seat at the barbecue, you counter with an even higher bid. In the end, the highest ten bidders will have bought tickets to the meal. All that’s left to do is show up at the appointed time and place for a great time and great food. In the case of a tie, the first bid at that amount wins. As you’ve probably figured out, it’s a smart strategy to put your bids in early for the events you want to attend!
The Fine print:
- Your bid is a contract. Please do not bid if you cannot attend. (Check your calendar as the dates are fixed.)
- You must register to receive a bidding number. Bidding without a number will void your bid. Volunteer(s) at the auction registration table will explain the payment processes (check or credit card) for participating in the auction.
- Each bidder must bid on a separate line – starting bids are PER PERSON. If you want to attend as a couple or family, please use a separate line for each person in your group and bracket all the names so we know to keep you together. Some hosts may agree to take one additional person to avoid splitting up a couple or a group if over-bidding occurs.
- When you are raising a bid, please raise it by the suggested increment or more for that event. Most events will ask for a minimum increment bid of $2; “PREMIUM” events will ask for a $5 minimum increment bid, or more.
- If you find you have been outbid and you would like to keep bidding, please put your name and bid number on a new line with your new, higher bid. If you have signed up as a group and there is one over-bidder that knocks out the last one in your group, you need to raise the bid by the appropriate amount and re-enter the last name in your group that was outbid. Do not erase or change your original bid (or bids).
- If you win an auction but then find you are unable to attend, you may gift or resell your spot to a friend or family member. No refunds will be given, all bids are final.
- All the winning bids will be charged after bidding closes: Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 12:00 PM. You and your host(s) will be notified via email, so that your hosts can contact you with all the details and arrangements.
- All proceeds from the Gourmets for God auction benefit the Awakening Ways Spiritual Community.
That’s it! Have fun! Eat well! Bid early and bid often!
Thank you!
Bidding Example
Italian Dinner Event: 6 guests
Opening bid price: $25
- $25 Joey Fugheddaboudit
- $25 Mary Whoyakiddin
- $25 Carlo Gedouddahea
- $25 Sammy Capice
- $25 Emma Gonnasmackyou
- $25 Vinny Bagadonuts
Now the bidding must go higher in two-dollar increments or five-dollar increments for PREMIUM Events.
- $27 Lyca Meatball
- $27 Don J’outbidmi
- $60 Joey Fugheddaboudit: WINNER #1!
- $29 Heywood Jafeedme
- $45 Sammy Capice: WINNER #4!
- $50 Mary Whoyakiddin: WINNER #2!
- $31 Missy Saucywench
- $45 Emma Gonnasmackyou: WINNER #5!
- $50 Carlo Gedouddahea: WINNER #3!
- $40 Vinny Bagadonuts: WINNER #6! (first one to bid $40)
- $40 Manny Cotti
Only the top six bidders of this event will win since there are only six guest spots available.
EVENTS
JUNE EVENTS
JN03 “SCAVENGER HUNT WITH GOD + BRUNCH”
Saturday, June 3, 2023; 10AM-12:30 PM
Atascadero, CA 93422
HOST(S): Susan Jones
Join Susan for a nourishing morning with brunch and then a spiritual scavenger hunt! First, you’ll feast inside a lovely country home, known as “Needle in a Haystack,” then you’ll head out into the neighborhood to look for the attributes of God to bring back and share with each other. Find joy, love, peace, wholeness, prosperity, etc., all around you! This will be an inspiring and spiritually nurturing event. What you should know: Children ages 10+ are welcome. There are stairs to
get into the house (not wheelchair accessible). You will be indoors and
outdoors and there will be mild walking in a country setting.
No. of guests: 10 Opening bid price: $15
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JN10 “BBQ PIZZA & DECK PARTY”
Saturday, June 10, 2023; 4-7 PM
Paso Robles, CA 93446
HOST(S): Linda Boyce Enjoy a lovely summer evening on the deck among friends at Linda’s home.
She’ll have pizza on the BBQ (YES, for real!), a veggie platter, and cookies. If the BBQ pizza didn’t sell this event to you, maybe you’ll be enticed by the availability of plenty of beer, wine, and lemonade, too! Relax and feast among friends in the sun or in the shade – if it’s too hot out, we’ll go inside!
What you should know: Adults only, please. This event will be held outside
unless it’s extremely hot, then we will eat inside. There’s a dog in the house.
Cats are outside. (Just in case you have allergies, good to know.)
No. of guests: 4 Opening bid price: $25
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JN24 “THE FULL MONTY CRISTO” (PREMIUM)
Saturday, June 24, 2023; 10:30 AM-1:00 PM
Atascadero, CA 93422
HOST(S): Maureen Thompson & Cathy Dowling
You’ll be delighted with luscious brunch delights, including a course of the French version of the Monte Cristo, “Croque Monsieur!” Join Maureen and Kathy for mimosas, summer soup, fresh fruit salad, maple delicata squash, avocados with balsamic glaze, and something deliciously wonderful for dessert! Is your mouth watering, or what? You’ll be surrounded by flowers on a lovely outdoor patio with music and the sound of tinkling water from a fountain in what feels like a French Bistro Café! You will be graciously served by your hostesses, Maureen and Cathy, dressed in French Bistro attire. Who can pass up the opportunity to see these two in their French Bistro attire?
What you should know: Adults only, please. This event will be held
outdoors and is not wheelchair accessible. If you give these two any trouble,
they will not be gracious. Please wear clothing. (In case you were wondering.)
No. of guests: 8 Opening bid price: $20 ______________________________________
JULY EVENTS
JL08 “GETTING 2 KNOW U!”
Saturday, July 8, 2023; 6-9:00 PM
Los Osos, CA 93402
HOST(S): Dahlan & Denise Richenberg
The evening will begin with sangria (either with or without alcohol) and appetizers. Dinner will include enchiladas (cheese or chicken) and tacos, rice, beans, salad, and dessert. After dinner, we will have some pre-determined questions designed for opening up and getting to know each other better.
What you should know: Adults only, please. We have a dog.
No. of guests: 8 Opening bid price: $20
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JL15 “MYSTIC PINSA!” (PREMIUM)
Saturday, July 15, 2023; 6:30-10:00 PM
Paso Robles, CA 93446
HOST(S): BJ & Gina DeGirolamo
Join BJ and Gina for dinner (Vegan friendly) and a movie under the stars at True North Ranch. They will introduce you to a Roman Classic called Pinsa. Pinsa is a Roman-style pizza that’s light as air and like biting into a cloud. You will design your own pinsa with fresh, locally sourced toppings, then cook it in a wood-fired oven. Enjoy your pizza while watching a movie under the stars. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
What you should know: Adults only, please. There are three dogs and a cat!
If allergic, take precautions. This is an indoor and outdoor venue. Bring blankets and jackets just in case.
No. of guests: 12 Opening bid price: $25
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JL23 “LUNCH & LAUGHTER”
Sunday, July 23, 2023; 12 PM-2:00 PM
Atascadero, CA
HOST(S): Nancy Reinstein & Joy Kent
Join Nancy and Joy for an afternoon of laughter and food. Joy will facilitate a laughter yoga class to get your appetites going. Then you’ll enjoy Nancy’s delicious homemade salad, pizza from Blaze (regular and gluten-free options), and Joy’s heavenly chocolate dessert, while sipping on sparkling cider.
What you should know: Adults only, please. Light walking on a dock. Sea
sickness is extremely rare.
No. of guests: 20 Opening bid price: $15
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JL29 “MORRO BAY APPETIZER CRUISE!” (PREMIUM)
Saturday, July 29, 2023; 11 AM-2:30 PM
Morro Bay, CA 93442
HOST(S): Terry & Darrell Greene
Come enjoy the electric boats on Morro Bay. We have two boats reserved that
hold seven people each. Appetizers, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be
provided. You’ll look for otters, sea lions, birds, and other boats! Bring layers,
hats, and sunscreen. After the cruise, you’ll enjoy a private party on a dock on
the bay, watching the tide roll away.
What you should know: Adults only, please. Light walking on a dock. Sea sickness is extremely rare.
No. of guests: 14 Opening bid price: $20
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AUGUST EVENTS
AU19 “MEXICAN FIESTA, PING PONG & PRIZES!” (PREMIUM)
Saturday, August 19, 2023; 12 PM-5:00 PM
Los Osos, CA 93402
HOST(S): Rev. Diann Davisson & Terry Eselun
You don’t want to miss this wonderful meal of chili rellenos (vegetarian option available), chips, salsa, guacamole, rice, beans, and salad. You’ll also enjoy margaritas, iced tea, water, beer, or wine to drink. You’ll dine with a breathtaking view of Morro Rock across the estuary and after your meal, you can play ping pong and other games. If you like fun and food, this event is for you. What you should know: Adults only, please. We have a small dog.
No. of guests: 8 Opening bid price: $25 _____________________________________
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
SP30 “CAFÉ DE LA PETERSON!” (PREMIUM)
Saturday, September 30, 2023; 6-8:00 PM (approximately)
Templeton, CA 93465
HOST(S): Jim Peterson & Carol Tucker
Join Jim and Carol at their straw bale house in the country for a traditional 4-
course Parisian meal. Chef de cuisine Carol and her lovely assistant, Monsieur
Jim, have designed a delightful menu of appetizers, beef bourguignon, mashed
potatoes, green beans almondine, salad, assorted cheeses, and chocolate
mousse for dessert. You’ll also enjoy wine pairings, coffee, and tea.
What you should know: Outdoor event, flat surface, no stairs. Adults only,
please.
No. of guests: 6 Opening bid price: $30 _______________________________
OCTOBER EVENTS
OC01 “FEED YOUR SOUL (And your belly, too!)!”
Saturday, October 1, 2023; 2:30 PM-6:30 PM
Atascadero, CA 93422
HOST(S): Dorene Garvin & Jeannine Jacobs
You’ll begin with singing sacred songs together from different traditions and different languages, led by Dorene. Dorene has been leading sacred chanting for over 15 years with her Martin guitar and a deep reverence for the Divine, plus wild enthusiasm! You’ll experience oneness as you sing together and breathe together. Then you’ll enjoy a clean, healthy, homemade, organic, vegetarian meal.
What you should know: Children are welcome if they will be participating
in the chanting. There are a few stairs to climb. Come early to get good
parking at the top of the driveway.
No. of guests: 15 Opening bid price: $15 ___________________________
OC15 “LET’S PARTY! APPETIZERS 101” (PREMIUM)
Sunday, October 15, 2023; 1:30-3:30 PM
Paso Robles, CA 93446
HOST(S): Susan Jones & Chef Brian Stein
Join Chef Brian and Nancy, owners of Stein’s BBQ & Catering, for a lesson on how to make delicious appetizers, just in time for the holiday season! This event takes place at their commercial kitchen in Paso Robles. Bring your own beverage and enjoy appetizers made in class!
What you should know: It’s a cooking class, so dress appropriately! Adults only, please.
No. of guests: 15 Opening bid price: $25