Twins tickets, homemade items highlight Young Life auction that ends on Sunday

Spring is a time for new and fresh things. New experiences at Target Field with Twins tickets behind the batter’s box. New getaways at local, cozy cabins. Refreshing your walls with local art. Refreshing your forest with help from Dutchman Tree Service or refreshing yourself with a massage.

All of this and so much more can be found on the annual Ely Young Life Sweet Spring Auction.

What started as a humble cake auction is now in its 19th year. The auction accounts for nearly a quarter of the organization’s local budget and includes not only desserts, but outdoor gear, crafts, experiences, and gift certificates galore. The auction used to be an in-person affair, but as with so many other aspects of life, the 2020 auction was moved online. It became Ely Young Life’s highest grossing auction to date. The success of the online platform has led to subsequent auctions being held online as well.

Where does Young Life get all the amazing items on the auction list? While a few come from corporate gifts, the Twin Cities, or other destinations like the North Shore, the vast majority are local. It is our neighbors and friends who are donating their time, talents, and items to support Ely youth. Donations to the auction raise support so Young Life can reach kids where they are: basketball games, band concerts, coffee shops, and just hanging out. The auction also provides scholarships for students to go to camp and helps defray the cost of transportation. 2024 is going to be the biggest camp year ever for Ely Young Life. Over 75 kids and leaders from Ely grades 6-12 will be heading to camp.

Our 19th annual online Sweet Spring Auction is open for bidding now through Sunday, April 14 at 6 p.m. On that day, bidding will close for specific items every 30 minutes starting at 2:30 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m.

Notice when your items close so you don’t get outbid at the last minute! Items can be picked up April 15 and 16 at the Young Life office (40 N 1st Ave E) and most items are available for shipping outside of Ely (certificates are mailed free of charge).

This year’s auction features over 250 items. Familiar favorites include classic desserts like pies and cinnamon rolls and gift cards for Britton’s and Stony Ridge, while items like Christmas at Northwestern tickets, amaretto cheesecake, and service from Dan’s Garage might become new favorites! More information and access to the auction items for bidding are found at ely.younglife.org.

Young Life is an international, inter-denominational youth organization that strives to go where kids are at, build bridges of authentic friendship, earn the right to be heard, and introduce them to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. All kids, regardless of their background or identity, are welcomed. Ely Young Life celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023.