2025 Online Auction
Can't Make it to the Fundraiser? Bid on items here!
We’re trying something new for this year’s fundraiser. We’ve taken a selection of auction items and we’re making them available exclusively online. We have seven items and/or experiences (descriptions below) so you should be able to find something that interests you. Here are the rules: 1. One bid per person, per item (you CAN bid on all seven items, but only one bid on each); 2. Bids must be above the minimum bid listed; 3. Winning bids must be picked up at the nature center within 3 weeks; 4. Bidding opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29th and closes at 11:59 PM on Monday, May 5th; 5. Bids are “blind” (so don’t aim too low!); 6. In the case of a tie, the first bidder gets the item.
To submit your bid, email 2025auction@sminc-lake-elmo.org. Be sure to include: 1. Your name, 2. The item you are bidding on, 3. Your bid, 4. A phone number where you can be contacted if needed.
Item #1: Painted Walking Stick
This hand painted walking stick is the work of local craftsman Tim Hugley. For the last several years, Tim has been making hand painted walking sticks for hikers to use in Sunfish Lake Park. His sticks have won ribbons at the county fair, and have become in-demand charity auction items for veterans’ groups and other nonprofit organizations.
Value: $75
Minimum Bid: $50
Item #2: Julie Schroeder Painting
An original oil painting (24″ X 36″) by artist Julie Schroeder. This image depicts one of Minnesota’s most iconic pieces of public sculpture. A great addition to any room!
Value: $350
Minimum Bid: $100
Item #3: Handmade Quilt
Donated by one of our volunteers, Deb Meyer, and originally sewn by her mother-in-law, this queen sized handmade quilt has a fascinating story to it (read here). Lovingly crafted and beautifully executed, a functional work of art.
Value: $100
Minimum Bid: $50
Item #4: An SMINC Birthday Party
Have your next party at the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center! Invite up to 10 guests for two hours at the SMINC. A naturalist will be on site to lead nature-based activities (approx. 45 minutes). Includes cake, food and drinks. (Has to be on a weekend.) You don’t have to be a kid to bid on this one!
Value: $150
Minimum Bid: $75
Item #5: Hand Tied Snuggly Blanket with Plushy
A perfect companion for your little one. The blanket was hand tied along the borders, and the plushy is an aromatherapy doll.
Value: $40
Minimum Bid: $20
Item #6: Tree Medicine walk with Paul Red Elk
Paul Red Elk, the last Lakota Medicine Man, is a long time friend of the nature center. He has donated or loaned several items for our exhibits and displays, and often hosts tree and plant medicine workshops in our main room. You and up to 8 guests can join him on a walk through Sunfish Lake Park, where he will share with you his knowledge of native medicine practices and uses for the trees and plants growing in our backyard.
Value: $200
Minimum Bid: $120
Item #7: Summer Camp Day Pass
Enroll a child in one of our one-day Wonder Wednesday camps. Camps are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and vary according to topic: June 11th: Prairie Day, July 2nd: Earth Elements, July 30th: Water Play.
Value: $100
Minimum Bid: $50
