Scribendi’s 2016 silent auction was a howl of a success.
“A Howlabaloo,” according to the UNM Alumni website, “is a party. A celebration. A reason to howl, cheer, and show your Lobo spirit!”
This year’s UNM Honors College Homecoming Reunion, a Howlabaloo hosted on October 2nd in the Honors forum, attracted alumni, students, and friends of the Honors College. The doors opened at 5:30 PM, initiating the evening’s festivities, which featured music, drinks, appetizers, awards, a bouncy house (!) and Scribendi’s silent auction.
But before the first carrot stick could be dipped in ranch, the Scribendi staff turned up hours early to set up the auction room. And before that, we spent the last month organizing spreadsheets and taking to the streets, imploring the community for support. We asked friends and family. Businesses and artists. Calls and emails. Santa Fe and Nob Hill.
The response was incredible. Donations ranged from a gallon of rainbow popcorn to a hot air balloon ride. Prior staff members provided a painting and crocheted creatures. Trinity sculpted four clay dragons. Alexandra’s sister spent a weekend penciling a colorful drawing. Meow Wolf tendered a lifetime pass. The result: the most valuable silent auction inventory in Scribendi history.
We took turns managing shirt sales and the auction. Between shifts, we were free to join the party, mingle with guests, and defy gravity in the bouncy house (Jeremy). And by the end of the night, we doubled last year’s auction fundraising. Thanks to the generosity of our honors peers, mentors, and faculty we are one step closer to the thirty-first edition of the magazine. I am moved by the New Mexican compassion for Scribendi and the local arts.
So, what makes a successful silent auction? It’s more than Howlabaloo. It’s hard work. And a dedicated group of people.
Without the help of the HSA, UNM Alumni Association, our sponsors, my lovely co-staffers and our faculty adviser Amaris Ketcham, this would not have been possible. Thank you all.