We Sure Did Celebrate Connections.

It was a fun week of bidding and getting together on Zoom for St. John’s auction.  Hosts Jim MacIlvaine and Laurie Bennett showcased people in eight ministries through videos and stories during the live portion on August 29th.  If you didn’t see it, you can still view it on St. John’s YouTube channel by clicking this link.  And if you didn’t pledge that day, you still have an opportunity:  send or leave a check at St. John's by September 20 or pay online through the St. John's website.   https://onrealm.org/StJohnsOakland/-/give/now   and choose" 2021 Auction" on the right side drop down menu.

The online auction ended on August 30th.  Sixty-six bidders from all over the country were reminded via email, “You’ve been outbid!”, and this reminder generated spirited bidding right up until the 5 p.m. closing. 

At this date, the auction has totaled over $35,000 in gross proceeds.  This money will be distributed between the specific funds highlighted in the live auction and put to good use for the general operations of St. John’s. 

But none of this was possible without a huge cast of talented volunteers.  Planning began in March when Deacon Jon reported to leadership groups about the possible live streaming options that would allow St. John’s to meet in person and continue an online worship experience.  The biennial auction was the right vehicle to broadcast this need and the Auction Committee was in action soon.  MANY THANKS and ADMIRATION go to this amazing core group.
Laurie Bennett – chair
Judi Marr – auction database coordinator
Sylvia Ahern – database analyst and video creator
Jim MacIlvaine – auction host and script writer
Scott Denman – Da Rector Productions for videos and showcase creation
Jon Owens – Zoom technician extraordinaire and Communications
Carolyn George – Celebrating Connection Happy Hour planner and chef
Ken Fuller – Donation coordinator and Happy Hour
Pat Harden – Communications
Kathy Araugo – mailings, forms, office support
 
This is the cast of workers for whom my gratitude is boundless: Lisa Cadwalader, Jerry and Bonnie Moran, Silvia Sykes, Anne Meyer, Sean Van Straatum, Greg Slatoff, Alex Slatoff, Molly Marion, Michelle Ziegmann, Laura Kroger, Katie Kroger, Ben Riggs, Abby Smith, Kellor Smith, Sarah Jones.
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And the event would not have been successful without the wonderful donations from our parishioners:   Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,
Laurie Bennett

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