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Auction Team

About This Group

Auction Team

Cedar Lane holds an annual auction that acts as a major fundraiser for the church. Each year the auction team wraps two goals into one activity: have fun and raise as much money as possible. This isn’t your old-fashioned auction. The evening party provides food, good company, and fun for all, with tables for bidding on our ever-popular member-hosted dinners.

For two weeks prior to the party, bidders use our online platform to bid on everything from jewelry, household goods and gourmet foods to exciting vacation getaways. 2026 is Cedar Lane’s 75th anniversary (diamond) so we’re planning a sparkling event.

Involvement Opportunities

There are a number of ways to participate, join the fun, and meet new people. Whether you have just a little time or if you have more, you can help before or during the event, or you can join the team. 

Before the event

  • Procure auction items from your favorite restaurant, theater, or entertainment venue. 
  • Assist with administrative details and the database. 
  • Help create and place decorations. 
  • Staff the table in the lounge for member donations, ticket sales, and food signup. 
  • Help with food intake the day of the auction. 

At the event

  • Check in guests upon arrival.     
  • Serve beverages during the party. 
  • Rearrange furniture during and after the event. 
  • Help with cleanup. 

Join the Auction Ministry Team

Each team member oversees an area, and new members have plenty of assistance from experienced members.

For more information, contact

Kathie Bryant
auction@cedarlane.org
Phone: 301-503-1027

Sliding Scale Options

suggested love offering of $20 / seat

Sliding Scale Guide

We know it can be complicated to decide how much to pay, and there’s no one right answer for anyone. Many thanks to UU@UN for providing an equitable model for payments.

Consider paying at a lower tier if many of these are true for you:

  • I am directly affected by environmental racism.
  • I have immigration-related expenses.
  • I’m supporting children or have other dependents.
  • I have significant debt.
  • I have medical expenses not covered by insurance.
  • I receive public assistance.
  • I am an elder with limited financial support.
  • I am an unpaid community organizer.
  • I have been denied work due to incarceration history.
  • I would need to budget in order to afford a $25 expense.

Consider paying at a higher tier if multiple of these are true for you:

  • I or my family owns the home I live in.
  • I have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money.
  • I can travel recreationally.
  • I have access to family money and resources in times of need.
  • I work part time by choice.
  • I have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.
  • In terms of its impact on my lifestyle (e.g. my ability to pay this month’s bills), $50 means functionally about the same as $15. My bank account would look pretty much the same either way.


A reflection from Pronoia Coaching:

When I pay more, I know that I am helping others to access the event.

When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the organizers cover costs.

And when I pay less, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me.

All of these are wonderful and acceptable ways of participating.