ACFW Silent Auction Sneak Peek

The ACFW Conference has so much to offer: meetings with agents and editors, connecting with friends you haven't seen in a year and sometimes longer, more workshops than Helen and Ruthy have coffees, worship services, and yummy food, all culminating in an Awards Gala on Saturday night that makes a girl want to don the sparkliest dress she can find.

And that's not all!

In addition to all that wonder for writers, there's the ACFW Bookstore (because authors are first and foremost readers, aren't we?) and the SILENT AUCTION which is located in the bookstore.

What is the Silent Auction?

The Silent Auction is funded by the generosity of ACFW members who want to donate to a worthy cause. Attendees can check out the donations and bid during the week, and the winners are announced on Saturday. All proceeds go toward the ACFW Scholarship Foundation which awards scholarships to the conference each year. So that's pretty cool!

There are usually lots and lots of themed baskets and totes full of books. Themes range from lighthouses, westerns, cooking, horses, murder mysteries, groups(like the Seekers!), offerings all from the same publishing house, etc.

And it's not just books. Sometimes there are eReaders, laptops, Ipads, and even a printer! See...

The ACFW Conference office staff purchases a color printer to use in the office while onsite, then donates it to the Silent Auction. Last year I needed a printer, and bidded on it several times. I ended up winning the bid, and I LOVE my printer!

Now, here's a sneak peek at some of the donations that will be available to bid on this year in Dallas.

This gorgeous afghan was crocheted and donated by Rosanna Huffman. This original design is called Midwest Summer.

Here's an entire set of Jill Williamson's books. While appropriate for all ages, my young adult especially likes Jill's books.

Check out the donation from Dierdre & Co. They've donated some darling bookmarks, and have ideas on how to use these for promotions for your book releases. Cool idea! Here's a sample of one of their bookmarks:

Okay, guys, I just may have to fight you for this one since it's less than three hours from me. A weekend at a condo on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

And if you're looking for something special for the duck hunter in your life, look no further...Handcrafted by Gary Harders of SD Game Calls, this unique duck call of madrone burl with a walnut collar housed in an oak presentation box is a prize for any sportsperson. Complete with a mylar reed, this piece is ready for the upcoming waterfowl season, or happily showcased on the living room mantle.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Exchange for one night’s lodging for winner (and 1 guest, if desired), evening meal upon arrival, breakfast following morning, and character critique by author Kim Vogel Sawyer. Lodging and meals provided by The King’s Inn in Kingman, Kansas.

Linda Rohrbough's writing clocks are sure to bring a smile to your face...except when three o'clock rolls around! lol

And, finally, the Seekers are excited about our donation to the Silent Auction this year. The Seekers commissioned Gary Harders to handcraft this absolutely stunning walnut desktop secretary especially for the ACFW Silent Auction. I hope Gary's got his lathes and saws sharpened. Just sayin'

So, if you're attending the ACFW conference this year, take the time to stop in the bookstore, pick up a few books, and take a gander at the items up for auction. It won't cost you a dime to look, and you might even find yourself bidding on something your heart just can't live without.

See you in Dallas!