The countdown to Library Lets Loose: ’80s Movies is on (we hope you’re planning to join us on September 19th!), and we’re getting ready to make the silent auction one of the most exciting parts of the night!
This year’s auction is packed with unforgettable experiences, local favorites, getaways, entertainment, food and drink, and a few surprises you won’t want to miss. And this is just a sneak peek. More items and experiences are being added every day, and many of these incredible donations will be combined with other items to create one-of-a-kind packages.
Whether you’re looking for a night out, a new adventure, something special for your family, or a little treat for yourself, there will be plenty to tempt the highest bidder. Even better, if you are unable to join us in person for Library Lets Loose, you can still join the silent auction fun from your phone or computer!
Movie Magic and Entertainment
Since this year’s Library Lets Loose is all about ’80s Movies, it’s only fitting that our auction has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the big screen and the stage.
Bid on four AMC movie passes, popcorn and drink passes, movie candy and fun Transformers and Garfield collectibles, or grab eight B&B Theatre movie passes and four large popcorn vouchers.
Looking for something beyond the movies? You could score two tickets to Fannie at KC Rep, two tickets to a Folly Jazz or Folly Americana show, four tickets to an Owen Cox Dance Group performance, two tickets to any show at the Midwest Trust Center, or two indoor reserved seats to Theatre in the Park’s Dracula this October.
For sports fans, we’ve got something pretty special: two Kansas City Chiefs tickets to the November 22 game against the Arizona Cardinals. The tickets are in Section 328, Row 9, with a retail value of $352.
And for a truly behind-the-scenes experience, Fox4 is offering a tour of the station with Crystal Martinez, plus the chance to watch a live taping. We’re calling that one priceless for a reason!
Experiences You Can’t Buy Every Day
Some of the most exciting auction offerings are experiences you’ll be talking about long after the night is over.
How about a private holiday lights tour through the Kansas City metro aboard a 14-passenger minicoach? Or a Johnson County Crime Lab experience, where you’ll actually solve a crime using tools and techniques employed by the Crime Lab?
You can also bid on a private cooking class for two at Jyoti Kitchen, complete with a copy of Heartland Masala, or learn the ins and outs of mahjong with a personalized two-hour lesson with Kelli Breer.
For those ready to get creative, Scent Makers is offering a pass for two to a public workshop, while Lead Through Style will help one lucky winner discover their perfect colors with a personalized color analysis session.
If you’ve ever wanted to meet one of America’s most famous presidents, you’re in luck. An Abraham Lincoln re-enactor will provide a private meet-and-greet and speech for the winner’s event of choice, whether that’s a party, gala, school assembly, organization benefit or another special occasion.
Book lovers can also look forward to a special experience from Natalie Moussa, who is offering an author talk and book signing featuring her heartwarming children’s book Kingston’s Story, which follows a shelter dog’s journey toward finding a loving family. Half of the book’s profits are donated to animal shelters, making this a meaningful experience for animal lovers and readers alike.
Kansas City Adventures
Feeling competitive? Grab a group lane reservation for up to 10 at Fowling Warehouse KC, pickleball passes from The Greenspace, a family four-pack to Sky Zone, 2-hour 2 person pass at BRKTHROUGH, or an annual membership to Powder Creek Shooting Range.
For art and culture lovers, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is offering a museum basket filled with coffee table books and goodies.
And for a date night with a little extra flair, Up-Down KC is offering a package with 40 tokens, two slices of pizza and a fanny pack.
Food, Drinks and a Little Indulgence
Let’s be honest: a silent auction isn’t complete without plenty of delicious options.
There will be gift cards and goodies from favorites including Fogo de Chao, Q39, Hereford House, Big Grove Brewery, Monarch, Freddy’s, Crumbl Cookies, Servaes Shawnee and more.
You can also bid on a private Total Wine & More class for 20, valued at $600.
And then there’s the J. Rieger Whiskey Wagon. This package includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the J. Rieger distillery for two with a post-tour tasting, five bottles of Kansas City favorites, two four-packs of special-edition KU vodka seltzers, a vintage wagon and drink recipe cards. In other words: you’ll fall off the wagon when you’re the highest bidder!
Treat Yourself
The auction is also a great excuse to do something nice for yourself.
Bid on a customized facial from Élevé Esthétique by Mona, a 90-minute customized facial from NS Beauty Bar, or a collection of wellness experiences from Zen Vita Chiropractic, including neurofeedback, Healing Arc and infrared sauna sessions.
Looking for a little style upgrade? Kendra Scott is offering a beautiful necklace and earrings, while Garmin has donated a Lily 2 watch.
And for readers, there are plenty of literary treats, including a tote filled with books from Helianthus Books, a bookish coffee mug and gift card from Monsteras, and a book-and-gift package from Rainy Day Books.
Smitten is also bringing a little something special to the auction with a gift card and small gift items.
For those who love a little self-care, Walli’s Wellness Studio is offering four class passes and two books, giving one lucky winner several opportunities to relax, recharge and try something new.
Make Some Memories
Some auction items are all about creating something you’ll treasure for years.
Portraits by Christopher is offering an exclusive portrait experience, including a family portrait and a pet portrait, each with a studio session and an 11×14 fine art portrait.
Strauss Peyton has donated both a Family Portrait Certificate and a Legacy Portrait Certificate, offering winners the opportunity to create beautiful, custom portraits designed around the people and relationships that matter most.
And Kansas City fine artist Trisha Stan is bringing two extraordinary opportunities to the auction: a Custom Heirloom Oil Painting, and the chance to own an original live painting created at Library Lets Loose: “As You Wish.”
A Few More Reasons to Start Saving Your Bids
Still looking for something to put on your wish list? We’ve got you covered.
You could bid on a Scheels gift card, a Margaritaville KCK overnight stay, a king suite stay at the Fairfield Inn or Residence Inn, tickets to the KC Wheel, passes to Powell Gardens, or a travel gift card from Marvelous Mouse Travels.
This list is only the beginning. More items and experiences are being added every day, and we’ll be combining many of these donations into exciting packages with additional items. You’ll have even more opportunities to find something you love, discover something new and support the Library while you bid.
Ready to Start Bidding?
The Library Lets Loose silent auction will go live on the Library Lets Loose event website the week of September 14th, so keep an eye out for the announcement and start making your wish list now.
Every bid helps support the work of Johnson County Library and the programs, resources and opportunities that make our Library such an important part of our community.
We couldn’t make this auction happen without the incredible businesses, organizations, artists and individuals who donated their time, talents, products and experiences.
To every auction provider: thank you for your generosity and for helping us make Library Lets Loose possible. We are so grateful for your support of Johnson County Library!
Now start planning your bidding strategy. There are some seriously good finds waiting for you!
Learn more about Library Lets Loose and bookmark the page for Silent Auction fun: LibraryLetsLoose.org.
