Highlight Your Community and Support W.A.C.E.: Donate an Auction Prize Today!

The W.A.C.E. Foundation is committed to supporting our members by providing valuable scholarships for the Annual Conference and the W.A.C.E. Academy. To continue this important work, we need your help – and it’s easier than you might think!

One of the best ways to contribute is by donating an auction item for the Awards Dinner in February. Whether it’s a unique experience, a weekend getaway, or a curated local package, your donation can highlight the distinct character, thriving economy, and dynamic business community of your Chamber to a large and engaged audience.

Here’s how it works: The Auction Committee will create several regional "experience" packages, which could feature the best your community has to offer. Think of it as an opportunity to showcase your local culture and economy to our association peers, giving them a chance to "experience" your area through curated packages. Not only will your community gain exposure, but you'll also be helping provide scholarships and funding for future leaders in our industry.

We understand that donations come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t worry if you don’t have a big-ticket item to donate. We are seeking a variety of items at different price points: large, medium, and small. We will also be offering an exciting “text-to-bid” option throughout the conference, allowing more attendees to participate and engage in the auction process. After all donations are collected, we will select which items will be featured in the live auction and which will be part of the text-to-bid experience.

When considering what to donate, please keep these two things in mind:

1. The minimum "fair market value" for each item should be at least $45.
2. We’re asking for experiences and gift certificates, not physical items that need to be transported home in suitcases. Think tours, hotel stays, and unique local excursions that can be enjoyed by the winning bidder after the conference.

Interested in donating?  Start by reaching out to Valerie Zizak-Morais at [email protected] or 707-552-3650 to confirm what you can contribute. Please note, all items need to be confirmed by January 24th to ensure we can provide a preview of available items to attendees.

Remember, the funds raised through this auction directly benefit our members, funding scholarships and speaker sponsorships for the conference. Your donation plays a critical role in helping us continue this work and support the growth of our community.

We’re excited about what the new year holds and the upcoming conference. We hope to feature you and your community in front of our attendees. Thank you for your continued investment in the W.A.C.E. Foundation’s work, and we look forward to seeing you at the conference!
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Questions about the auction and prize donations can be directed to Valerie Zizak-Morais at [email protected] or 707-552-3650.