You spoke. We listened.
Over the past week, 28 people cast their votes to decide which travel packages would headline this year’s Project Nic Benefit Auction October 25 – November 8. Online ballots, and in-person paper ballots — the response was incredible.
And we got an upset.
Here’s what’s coming to the auction.
The Headline Trip: Alaska
Alaska takes the top spot with 64% of the vote — 18 ballots to Maui’s 10.
Glaciers calving into the sea, whales off the rail, and mountains that don’t quit — all from a stateroom where somebody else does the cooking. This one is going to generate some serious bidding energy in the room.
And let the record show: Maui, last year’s runaway champion, has been dethroned. It was close enough that the Hawaii loyalists among us are not going quietly — and honestly, we love that. Bring that energy to the paddle on November 8.
The Weekend Getaway: Ancient Lore Village
Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, Tennessee took the weekend with 65% — 15 votes to 8.
Storybook hillside cottages in the Smokies, axe throwing, archery, and chef-crafted dinners. It’s the kind of getaway that sounds too good to be real — and it is very, very real. It’s also the one on the ballot you could drive to, which makes it a genuine contender for anyone who’d rather not deal with an airport.
The Angel at Rose Hall in Eureka Springs put up a real fight and has fans in this congregation. It’s on the shortlist for next year.
Honorable Mentions
A few of you wrote in suggestions we weren’t expecting. Colorado, New England, and Japan all made the ballot by hand.
Somebody in this church is dreaming big, and we respect it. We’re keeping every one of these in mind for future years — and if you’re the person who wrote one in, come find us. If you have a connection to a property, a condo, or a timeshare week anywhere at all, write-ins are exactly how great auction items get discovered.
What’s Next
Online bidding opens October 25. The live event is November 8 — Orphan Sunday — at Heart of Life Church in Garden City, Missouri.
We’re still gathering items between now and then. Travel stays, experiences, gift cards, services, handmade pieces, themed baskets — if you’d bid on it, somebody else would too. Reach out and we’ll get it on the list. Donation deadline is September 13th.
Every dollar goes directly to the more than 330 children in our shelters across five countries.
Start planning your bid. November 8 is coming fast.
