The Auction Benefits....

The NY 4-H Forestry Invitational Team

The 4-H Forestry Invitational is the national championship of 4-H forestry, which brings together youth teams from around the country. New York's team has performed well consistently and it touches every corner of our state. Their proposal to NYFOA was outstanding(!) and it outlined several key areas where financial support from NYFOA would make certain critical improvements. For more information on the Invitational, please see: http://www.4hforestryinvitational.org/.

NYFOA Woodlands Mini Grants for Educators

NYFOA Woodlands Mini Grants offer up to $100 each to successful educator-applicants that bring forestry into the classroom. The money helps offset the cost of forestry-related teaching materials like compasses, diameter tapes, seedlings and tree tubes. While $100 each is not much, it can make all the difference in whether some children learn and care about NY's woodlands today and in the future. Please share the NYFOA Woodlands Mini Grant Information with your child's teachers and encourage them to apply. Here is the NYFOA Woodlands Mini Grant Application Form.

Our 2017 Auction Goal...

NYFOA's Membership Committee has rekindled the tradition of having a silent auction coincident with our annual meeting in the springtime. We're excited about these two youth forestry programs and we'd like to help fund them strongly. The NYFOA Auction is the perfect vehicle to help raise funds and to share some fun together! We're hoping to raise $5,000 with your help and we'll keep you informed every step of the way. Will you help achieve this goal?

Auction FAQs...

How does the Auction work?

Kind and generous members donate items and services and kindred members buy them. All of the proceeds go to the auction's beneficiaries. There is no “auctioneer.” The donations are made available for inspection both in person at the annual meeting and online for those not in attendance. Prospective buyers place bids in person by writing on a piece of paper near the item. The highest bidder is the winner! Payments go directly to NYFOA.

What can I do to help?

That's an easy one! You can make a donation and make a purchase. Some donors will choose to donate cash to help the beneficiaries. Here is the Silent Auction Donation Form.

What kinds of items and services are welcome?

It's important to have a nice selection of donations across a range of prices. Some members might like to spend $25 and some might like to spend $1,000 to help the youth forestry programs. Here are some examples, but please don't let this be limiting:

1. Member offers handcrafted items from their studio or workshop. Wood, glass, metal, paintings, sculptures, etc. $25-$500 value.
2. Member donates portable sawmilling services. Perhaps another member will donate time to cut and gather logs from your woodlot for the sawyer. The range of possibilities for service offerings is endless. What are your specialties?
3. Member offers their timeshare, cottage or condominium to another member for a vacation stay. $200-$2,000.
4. Member offers to give a Timberframing Workshop. Participants learn history, materials, tools, techniques. ~20 people, $50 each, $1,000 value. What kind of fun workshop could you provide?

When would you like to have the donations in hand?

Sooner rather than later, since we're a small team. We'll collect donations as soon as you can provide them. In fact, we already have a bunch, including cash donations.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. NYFOA is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Limitations may apply so please check with your accountant beforehand.

I really like the idea and have more questions, who can help me?

Me! Dean Faklis dfaklis@frontiernet.net.... or feel free to use the auction email address: auction@nyfoa.org.

I have a few hours to spare over the winter, does the Auction Team need any help?

Silent auctions are FUN and they really bring the membership together to help advance the mission. The Auction Team needs a bit of help before/after the auction and at the auction to help the bidders. If you can help, please let us know. The “jobs” are easy and you'll likely meet some new friends.

Please join us by making a donation ASAP (Silent Auction Donation Form) and by making a purchase. If you'd like to make a donation but are not sure what to give, send us a note (auction@nyfoa.org) including your price range. We have some ready-to-go ideas! Thanks!

2017 Donors (Updated Frequently)

Some of the Donated Items:

NYFOA Woodlands Mini Grant Information

NYFOA Woodlands Mini Grant Application Form

Silent Auction Donation Form

Please write us with questions! auction@nyfoa.org