(The Margaret Hudson family is donating one of Margaret Hudson's beautiful paintings to be auctioned off at the West Coast Celebration for World Relief. The stunning painting is depicted above and measures 48" x 48", featuring a tea rose, on canvas using acrylics)
As MCC began to celebrate its centennial year in the beginning of 2020, no one knew that the global pandemic COVID-19 would essentially put a pause on all in person gatherings. A year that we hoped would be full of in person quilt sales, auctions, and events to honor and raise funds for MCC’s 100 years of service quickly seemed to be impossible.
While social distancing and quarantine became part of our daily vernacular we sought to care for our health and the physical wellbeing of those around us by moving in person events online.
Alan Claassen Thrush, West Coast MCC’s Donor and Relations Director, states that “It was disappointing when the spring relief sales were forced to cancel their events. We were just weeks away from the Fresno, Idaho and Southern California relief sales, and each sale's leadership was forced to get creative in a short amount of time.”
However, in the midst of great uncertainty and loss, dedicated volunteers persevered and successfully transformed the way in which funds are raised for MCC.
People such as Steven Goossen, West Coast Celebration for World Relief Auction board chair, and board member Janice Porter, are currently planning their next virtual relief sale for the 2021 year. Along with them, many people are working extremely hard to make sure that we remain connected.
“It still takes a lot of work to put an online auction together and to see it through the whole way and to hear the stories of people how they are connected to the sale and how they realize the importance of raising money for the mission of MCC is the reward.” - Steven Goossen
Donated quilt for the West Coast Celebration for World Relief. Photo/ Steve Goossen
While it may seem like an easy task, moving a relief sale online takes a great deal of planning, if not even more so than an in-person sale. Janice Porter says that “communication is the biggest challenge. Zoom meetings, texts... you need to make sure your communication is clear and specific.”
Along with communication, there are other barriers. Goossen says “The biggest challenge is learning a whole new skill on how to present an online sale. In the quilt auction, nobody is able to touch or see the quilt in person, that in itself is a handicap. So how the quilt is depicted, described and photographed is very important.”
West Coast MCC is very thankful for the commitment of those who have continued to give to relief sales even though they are not yet in person. Whether it is volunteer time, donated items such as quilts and specialty foods, or tech support, everyone’s efforts have helped MCC to garner funds and support to continue forward with its mission.
“We have some dedicated people who are committed to their gift and talent and are so willing to share that with us.” - Steven Goossen
Apple Cider ready for pick up at the Oregon Mennonite festival for World Relief Fall 2020. Photo/ Don Bacher
While online relief sales and auctions are not ideal, it has pushed us to become more creative in how we come together. One way in which Porter has done this is through planning a small socially distanced event, saying that, “I am personally looking forward to this sale because we are hosting a mini event at my daughter's house, with games, fritters and extended family members, while the sale is going on.”
Even though this will be the third online auction for West Coast Celebration for World Relief Goossen said that “It still takes a lot of work to put an online auction together and to see it through the whole way and to hear the stories of people how they are connected to the sale and how they realize the importance of raising money for the mission of MCC is the reward.”
Each relief sale board is to be commended for their ingenuity in the midst of tremendous challenges!”
- Alan Claassen Thrush
“Each sale found new ways to promote MCC's mission and raise funds for MCC's global work: from online auctions to drive-through dinners. Each relief sale board is to be commended for their ingenuity in the midst of tremendous challenges!” says Claassen Thrush.
Donated quilt for the West Coast Celebration for World Relief. Photo/ Steve Goossen
While we do hope to return to in person relief sales and auctions one day, we are happy to continue to work together in new circumstances serving our world In Christ's name.
An advantage to online sales however, is that you can attend from anywhere! Check out all of the upcoming relief sales Here!
The West Coast Celebration for World Relief opens for previewing and bidding on April 3rd with the Live Online Auction beginning on April 10th at 10 a.m. (PST). Follow this link to find the Quilt Auction. In addition to the quilt auction linked above, they will also have a Silent Auction.
“On behalf of MCC, Thank You for investing in vulnerable communities during a global pandemic!” Claassen Thrush.
