Call for Auction Donations!

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is gearing up for its Annual Auction Gala and we have a lot to celebrate!  We are marking our 25th anniversary as a leader in growing bicycling around the state, celebrating the success of Safe Routes to School, and looking ahead to a future when folks of all ages and abilities can safely ride their bikes to work, play, learn, shop, get healthier, and have fun.

But there is more work ahead.  We need to shift the transportation balance, alter the political climate, and sway attitudes in favor of bicycling and its benefits for everyone--whether or not they ride.  The auction is our primary fundraiser and we hope you will support it by making a donation today.

We look for a range of items that will generate spirited bidding and represent the whole wide world of bicycle riding.  Our attendees are active folks who appreciate adventures, getaways, and unique experiences.  A private weeklong sailboat charter, a customized and catered weekend bike tour, a stay at a Maui condo, and a gourmet Mediterranean dinner for six have been highly prized offerings in the past.

Other popular donations include theatre and sporting event tickets, gift baskets, ski passes, handcrafted jewelry, private winery tours, massage/spa packages, and recreation opportunities.  Restaurant and retail gift cards are also welcome.  And so is a cash donation.

Please use our online donation form to submit your auction donation, and contact Louise McGrody if you have any questions.  To ensure that your donation makes the printed and online catalogue, we need to receive the information by October 15.  

Check our auction page for more information about the event, then save the date--November 3--and join us at the auction!  The event is a ton of fun--read about last year's auction here.

Calling for auction donations!

It's a party with lots to celebrate!

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is gearing up for its Annual Auction Gala and we have a lot to celebrate! We are marking our 25th anniversary as a leader in growing bicycling around the state, celebrating the success of Safe Routes to School, and looking ahead to a future when we can all safely ride our bikes whenever and wherever we please.
 
Please support our auction celebration with a donation.

We need a range of items that will generate spirited bidding and appeal to the whole wide world of bicycle supporters: unique getaways, active experiences, handcrafted items, gift baskets, recreation opportunities, and other enticing products. Popular offerings in the past include a Colorado Rocky Mountain getaway, a week at a Maui condo, a catered taco wagon party, ski & stay packages, gourmet meals, symphony and theater tickets, event ride entries, restaurant gift cards, handcrafted jewelry, quilts, private wine tastings, massage/spa packages and more. 

Not sure what to donate? Cash is always welcome.

Submitting your donation is easy.  Just use our online auction donation form!  You can also print out our donation form, complete it, and mail it in.

Donation questions?  Contact Louise McGrody.

This year's auction is slated for Saturday, November 3 -- again at Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion.  Be sure to check the Auction page on our website for more information and updates.

Auction Wrap Up

Whew!  The auction is history and, as promised, the event was filled with fun, friends and fundraising.  Thanks to the generosity of donors and attendees, we raised over $76,000 for bicycle advocacy and education Saturday evening.

Here’s a quick recap of the auction in pictures: 

Welcome to the auction! (Michael Conley photo)

Sculpture in silent auction (Michael Conley photo)

Guests browsed the silent auction tables.(Susan Hiles photo)

Volunteers Matt & Jeremy share a laugh. (Susan HIles)

Hula hoopers at the auction. (Michael Conley)

Music by the Na Hilahila Boys. (Louise McGrody)

Fat Tire Cruiser raffle. (Louise McGrody)

Live auction action. (Michael Conley)

Jack & Dad Jeff make a pitch for the next generation.

Bid cards are raised high! (Susan Hiles)

A special shout out to the nearly 100 volunteers who made this event possible.  Thanks, guys!  We couldn't have done it without your help!

And thanks to our generous sponsors:

John Duggan, Cycling Attorney

Seattle Children’s Hospital

SvR Design
Third Place Books
Vulcan
Todd Vogel & Karen Hust

REI

Pike Brewing Company

H4 Consulting

Kat Marriner Graphic Design
Cyclists of Greater Seattle
The People's Coast Classic  
Field Roast
Rebecca Slivka Consulting

Last Chance for a Deal!

Everyone loves a deal, right?  The Bicycle Alliance has a couple of special deals that end this week on September 30.

$5 Membership Deal

A membership in the Bicycle Alliance is an investment in yourself!  While you’re out riding your bike, we’re bringing bike safety skills training into schools across the state, educating new and seasoned drivers on how to share the road safely with bicyclists and pedestrians, advocating for public policy that benefits bicycling, and more!  Join by September 30 and your initial investment is just $5.  Use our online membership form and coupon code 5BMA1.

Early Bird Special on Auction Tickets

Our annual auction is a month away on October 22 and we’re offering an early bird price of $70 per person/$700 for a table of ten until September 30.  After that, prices are $85/$850.  Check our auction page for the details.

The auction is all about fun and fundraising.  Catch up with old friends and make some new ones as we raise money to support bicycle advocacy and education in Washington State!

Annual Auction: It's a Gear Changing Celebration!

It’s a season of change.  Children are swapping pool days for school days.  We’re transitioning from summer to fall.  Political changes may be on the horizon with November’s election.

So why not join the Bicycle Alliance of Washington for a gear changing celebration—our annual auction!  Join us for some fun and fundraising as we work to shift gears in favor of bicycling around Washington State.

This year’s event is on October 22 at Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion, and now’s the time to get your tickets.  We’re offering an early bird special--$70 per person if you purchase tickets by September 30.  Purchase a table of ten for $700 and bring nine of your friends with you.  Check our auction page for details.

The auction is fun!  There are silent and live auctions, a split-the-pot raffle, wine grab bag, and dessert dash.  We expect around 300 guests and you’ll have time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.

Eric Mamroth, fellow cyclist and auctioneer extraordinaire, is our man again.  Chris Cameron, owner of Rosebud Bicycle Builds, will serve as our emcee.  There are appetizers and a sit down dinner prepared by Foodz Catering and expertly served to you by members of COGS –Cyclists of Greater Seattle.  We’re pouring beer from Pike Brewing Company and serving an assortment of Washington wines.

So what is there to bid on?  How about a 3-night stay in a Methow Valley cabin (2 bedroom cabin can sleep up to 8 people) or a weekend of cycling in Southwest Washington for 4 people that includes a stay in a private guest house and gourmet meals?

Are you a powder hound?  We have a one-week condo stay in Vail in December for the holidays (December 24-30)!  This one bedroom condo comes equipped with a kitchen and sleeps up to 5 adults.  Enjoy spectacular downhill runs and world class cross country ski trails in the Rocky Mountains of Vail by day, then relax in the sauna or soak in the outdoor hot tub afterward.  Special thanks to board member David McLean and his family for this one!

Perhaps you’re partial to lovely handcrafted items.  We have this beautiful, hand pieced quilt created by our Spokane board member and quilter Eileen Hyatt.

And this handsomely built wood bench burnished with chain rings created by Jesse Knutson of Independent Woodworks.

We have a CascadeBicycle Club Passport (membership and entries to their event rides), an awesome camping package from REI, a Primal Wear cycling kit, Tifosi Optics sunglasses, a kayak rolling lesson, a Utilikilt, tickets to the ballet, symphony and theatre, entries to bike rides, and more!  Yes, the Davidson titanium frame is back--thanks to Elliott Bay Bicycles!

Orderyour tickets now and join us for the annual auction—it’s a gear changing celebration!  Check our auction page for more information.

Thanks to our auction sponsors:
John Duggan, Cycling Attorney
Seattle Children's Hospital - Research - Foundation
SvR Design
Third Place Books
Pike Brewing Company
REI
H4Consulting
Kat Marriner Graphic Design

Cyclists of Greater Seattle (COGS)       

Join us for a gear changing celebration!

October 22, 2011
Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion
Silent auction starts at 5:30pm
Dinner served at 7:00pm

Help the Bicycle Alliance of Washington shift gears for bicycle advocacy statewide by joining us at our annual fundraiser on October 22!  Proceeds from this event support our advocacy and education efforts statewide.  These funds help us deliver Safe Routes to School services to districts around Washington and make it possible for us to bring our Hub & Spoke events to bike advocates in their communities.  They help us shift the gears of government policies and change the minds of legislators.

Fun is a given at the auction.  Besides the silent and live auctions, there is a dessert dash, wine grab bag, and a split-the-pot raffle.  Nearly 300 friends of bicycling attend this gala and there’s ample time to socialize, catch up with old friends and meet new ones!

Donations needed!
We're still accepting auction donations and we need a variety of items that will generate spirited bidding.  We'd welcome any of the following donations and more:  restaurant and retail gift cards, themed gift baskets, massages and spa treatments, yoga and pilates classes, acupuncture treatments, unique experiences, tickets to theater and sporting events, and cash donations.  Use our handy online donation form to submit your information  or contact Louise McGrody if you have questions.

Purchase tickets!
Tickets are $70 each or $700 for a table of ten--if purchased by September 30.  After that date, prices are $85/$850.  Tickets may be purchased online, by check, or by calling Donna Govro at 206.224.9252 x300.  Check our auction page for more details.

Volunteer!
We rely on volunteers to help make this event a success.  We need volunteers to help with event set up, clean up, registration, check out, serving food, and much more.  Contact Matt Lyman if you'd like to help out.

Check our auction page for additional information or call 206.224.9252.  We're looking forward to seeing you on October 22!

Thanks to our auction sponsors:
John Duggan, Cycling Attorney
Seattle Children's Hospital - Research - Foundation
Third Place Books
Pike Brewing Company
REI
H4Consulting
Kat Marriner Graphic Design

Cyclists of Greater Seattle (COGS)       

Got Time? Volunteer Opportunities with the Bicycle Alliance

Help us spread the bicycle love to others!  The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of program and operational assignments.

Tabling at an event.

We need some friendly and outgoing volunteers to staff tables for us at the following events.  Contact LouiseMcGrody if you’d like to help out.

• RAPSody (Ride AroundPuget Sound): August 28, 11am-2pm in Tacoma.  This fabulous ride is organized by five bike clubs and all proceeds are donated to the Bicycle Alliance.  We need a couple of volunteers to staff a table for us at the finish line in Tacoma to welcome the riders and hand out information.

• PROS (Perimeter Ride ofSeattle): September 5.  We need a volunteer with a vehicle to hand out snacks and water at a rest stop in Tukwila, probably around 11am – 2pm.  PROS is organized by the Cyclists of Greater Seattle and they’re asking riders to make a donation to the Bicycle Alliance.

• Cycle the WAVE:  September 18, 11:30am – 3:30pm in Issaquah.  The Bicycle Alliance will have a table at the finish line of this women-only ride and we need a couple of friendly folks to greet riders and talk to them about the Bicycle Alliance.

Our Safe Routes to School program has the following volunteer needs in the south King County area.  Contact John Vander Sluis if you’re interested in any of these assignments.

Drivers with pickup trucks:

The Bicycle Alliance is looking for a pickup truck and driver with some flexibility this fall to move our Safe Routes to School bikes and trailer between school districts in south King County.  Ideally, we need a truck(s) with a 2 5/16” ball mount already installed.  Otherwise, we need a truck that at least has a receiver hitch already installed, and we provide the ball mount and ball.

Maintenance:

The Bicycle Alliance is looking for volunteers to help prepare our Safe Routes to School fleet for the fall. The work party will take place during the day on September 8, time TBD. Volunteers need not be skilled mechanics – there will be plenty of chain-lubing, brake testing, and tire pumping for all!

Mechanics:

The Bicycle Alliance is looking for volunteers to support safe routes to school programs by providing basic bike repair at school events. Volunteers should be able to change a tire and adjust brakes and transmissions.  Dates and times vary.

Two more opportunities with Safe Routes to School—contact Seth Schromen-Wawrin if you’re interested in these:

• Need some creative folks to make signs that will be used for Safe Routes to School trainings.  Will probably schedule a work party in late August to build these.  Contact Seth for more details.

• Have you been involved with a Safe Routes to School project in Washington State?  We’re looking for individuals willing to write a letter to the editor in support of your local program and Safe Routes in general.  Contact Seth for more information.

Auction 

We need volunteers for all kinds of tasks at our annual auction on October 22 in Seattle.  This is our primary fundraising event and loads of fun!  Contact Matt Lyman if you’d like to give us a hand.

Be a guest blogger

Work party.

Passionate about a particular bike issue?  Want to share your joy of bicycling with others?  Submit a guest blog post to the Bicycle Alliance blog!  Contact LouiseMcGrody with your story idea.

Monthly work parties

Help us with our monthly mailings and other administrative tasks at the monthly work parties at our Pioneer Square office in Seattle.  The next work party is August 25.  Contact Jay Steingold for more information.

Shifting Gears: Seeking donations for the annual auction!

Jeremy and wife Daniela at 2010 auction.

When it comes to the Bicycle Alliance auction, Jeremy Vrablik has done it all.  He began as a volunteer in 2005 and worked his way up to the position of Auction Chair in 2010.  He is serving again in that capacity for 2011.

But wait.  Jeremy has done more.  He has recruited his friends to join him as volunteers and he has invited others to join him as auction attendees.  He has also solicited for auction donations and he has been a donor himself.  If you were the winning bidder of a pair of Seattle Sounders tickets, then you were the beneficiary of Jeremy’s generosity.

"I support the Bicycle Alliance of Washington because they support me," Jeremy responded when asked why he remains involved with the auction.  "Every time I head out on the road, I know I'm safer due to their efforts.  It feels good to give back a little to those who are watching after me."

The auction is the Bicycle Alliance’s primary fundraiser each year and this year's event is slated for October 22.  Proceeds from this event support our advocacy and education efforts statewide.  These funds help us deliver Safe Routes to School services to districts around Washington and make it possible for us to bring our Hub & Spoke events to bike advocates in their communities.  They help us shift the gears of government policies and change the minds of legislators.

We need your help!

We are actively seeking a variety of donations for the auction.  Unique experiences, getaways, tickets to sporting and cultural events, restaurant and retail gift cards, gift baskets and artisan handiwork are all useful donations.  We have an online donation form for your convenience, or contact Louise McGrody if you have any questions.

Help us shift gears for better bicycling.  Mark October 22 on your calendar and join us for socializing, celebrating and bid card waving at the auction!  Check our auction page for more information.

Success! Auction Raises $84K for Bicycle Advocacy.

Saturday--auction day--was an unsettled day of weather in the Puget Sound.  An overcast and showery morning gave way to some midday sunshine, followed by a rainy evening.

But the atmosphere inside Fisher Pavilion did not reflect the outdoors.  A veteran group of volunteers prepared the venue for a festive Bicycle Alliance auction in record time.  Rows of long tables were laid out with enticing displays of silent auction items, the dessert dash, and wine and beer grab. Dave Shaw and Scott  Ely performed their wizardry as they set up a network of computers that would support registration, capture winning bids and print out receipts at the end of the evening.  Volunteers assisted Foodz Catering with setting the dining tables.  The transformation was complete!

Many guests arrived early and by 6pm the auction was well underway.  People bid on silent auction items, purchased 50/50 raffle tickets, and scored some great selections from the wine and beer grab. 

They previewed the selection of tempting delectable desserts that would be available in the dessert dash.

Bidders hovered over their must-have items as silent auction tables came to a close.

Dinner was served by members of the Cyclists of Greater Seattle (COGS), who generously volunteered their time as our wait staff.

Bicycle Alliance Executive Director welcomed guests to the auction, thanked the event's sponsors and many volunteers, and presented Seattle Mayor Michael McGinn with a Share the Road jersey.

Emcee Dave Ross of KIRO radio took the stage, then thrilled the crowd with his rendition of Michael Jackson's Thriller dance.

Then it was time for the main event--the live auction.  Returning auctioneer Eric Mamroth launched into action.

Live auction bidding began and bid cards were raised high,

and raised higher,

and higher!

At the end of the evening, $84,000 was raised for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.  These funds will help us pursue our 2011 legislative priorities, expand our Safe Routes and Share the Road efforts, and continue our outreach in communities around the state.

A huge and heartfelt thank you goes out to the 60+ volunteers who helped make this event a success.  Volunteers helped with everything from serving on the Auction committee, doing data entry, picking up donations and organizing items, to performing key roles the day of the event. We also want to thank the folks at Bicycle Paper for their assistance with procurement.

And a special thank you to this year's event sponsors:

Third Place Books - Vulcan - Boeing - John Duggan, Cycling Attorney

 SvR Design -REI - The People's Coast Classic 

 COGS - H4 Consulting - Kat Marriner Graphic Design

Auction: Food, Fun and Fundraising

Join us for our 18th Annual Auction on October 23!

We hope you're planning to join us at our 18th Annual Auction at Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion--and don't forget that our early bird discount on tickets ends this Thursday, September 30! Ticket info and online form can be found at www.bicyclealliance.org/auction. Your ticket price includes a family-style dinner and complimentary Northwest wines and beer.

This year's auction is shaping up to be another memborable event! Eric Mamroth and Dave Ross are returning as our auctioneer and emcee respectively. The Dessert Dash will be bigger and better than ever. The Wine Grab is back by popular demand and we're adding a Beer Grab as well.

We've got some great auction items for your bidding pleasure, including an exclusive 5-day use of 51' sailing yacht for up to 11 persons, a day of sport climbing with Doug Walker, a Mount Tahoma ski hut adventure, Cascade Bicycle Club 2011 passport, 4 tickets to Disneyland, a 5-day safari for 2 at Ezulwini Game Lodge in South Africa, cross-country ski gear, an REI camping package, an Inland Northwest railcycling adventure, a gourmet sushi dinner for 6, Sounder tickets, symphony tickets, massages and more!

We're still accepting donations! Use our online donation form at www.bicyclealliance.org/auction or contact Louise McGrody at 206.224.9252 x303 to discuss.

Volunteers are a key ingredient to the success of the auction! We need assistance with event set up and clean up, as well as help with a variety of tasks during the event. Contact Ron Lindsay, our auction volunteer coordinator, if you'd like to help out.

A big shout out to our event sponsors:

Third Place Books - Vulcan - Boeing - John Duggan, Cycling Attorney - SVR Design

REI - Cyclists of Greater Seattle - Kat Marriner Graphic Design - H4 Consulting

A Shameless Pitch for Auction Donations

Fall is here.  Our days are shorter, there's a chill in the air in the evening, and it's time for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington's Annual Auction.  This year's event is slated for October 23.

Whether you ride with your kids to the park, pedal to work or school, or joy ride on your favorite trails--all bicycling is local and all routes need advocates.  It takes money to organize--and our annual auction helps fund that effort, increases awareness, and helps us cultivate the seeds of bicycle advocacy statewide.

Help us grow--donate today!

Necklace by Katie Yankula

We need donations big and small to generate spirited bidding and appeal to the whole wide world of bicycle supporters.  We would welcome gift cards to restaurants, coffee shops, and your favorite retail outlets.  Are you crafty?  Handcrafted items like knitted socks and scarves, quilts, pottery, jewelry, and woodwork gifts are popular.  Themed gift baskets are also great auction donations.  Are you a season ticket holder? Tickets to the theatre, opera, symphony, professional sporting events, and amusements are needed.

Are you (or someone you know) a nail artist, hair stylist, massage therapist, physical therapist, yoga instructor, dance instructor, personal trainer, dog walker, house/pet sitter, landscaper, or ......?  These kinds of services sell at the auction.

Cyclists are active folks.  Lift tickets to your local ski hill, a round of golf at your local golf course, a guided birdwatching hike, and catered bike rides make good auction donations.  Did I say bike rides?  Entries to event rides, bike tours and triathlons are a must.  New and gently used outdoor gear can also be in demand.

Do you (or someone you know) have vacation property or a second home?  Getaways--posh to rustic--to the mountains, the ocean, lakeside or desert are in demand.  Urban destinations can also be popular.  Auction attendees wave their bid cards for unique experiences:  lunch with a celebrity, private tours, catered activities, gourmet meals, and exclusive adventures.

We've made it easy for you to submit a donation with an online auction donation form.  Please contact me, Louise McGrody, if you have any questions.  You can also call me at 206.224.9252 x303.  To ensure that your donation makes the catalogue, please submit your donation info by September 30, 2010.