(You’ll never guess the weirdest one.)
For nearly a decade, Netroots Nation has been raising money with our community-driven annual Auction. Whether people have donated treasured political memorabilia or offered to make a sumptuous home cooked treat, this annual tradition has raised money (and sometimes blood pressure) through this online silent auction, which has been extended and ends on Wednesday, September 28th at 10pm Eastern.
This year, the auction features several outstanding items, such as:
In years past, Netroots Nation has auctioned off some interesting and offbeat items. I interviewed staff and long time supporters, and found some of the odder items auctioned off over the years to support the Netroots Nation community.
Check out the top 5 weirdest and oddball items below:
#5 - Cat Unicorn Hat
Year: 2010
Valued at: Priceless
(actually, they’re $5 on Amazon)
Sold for: $13, because Halloween could really be a daily holiday for cats.
I feel like the blank stare of the cat in the image tells us everything we need to know about this cat costume.
What I want to know is how anyone every gets the costume to stay on the cat?
#4 - George W. Bush Horse’s Ass Award
Year: 2013
Valued at: $20
Sold for: $50
This piece of retro kitsch was finely engraved with the award name, which must become a part of the time honored tradition of a White Elephant Gift Exchange or an honorary title passed around a local community group.
What’s stunning about this item is that a bidding war caused it’s value to more than double! Again, this speaks to the magical quality of silent auctions.
#3 - Dukakis Campaign Cigarettes
Year: 2008
Valued at: Priceless (because how can you put a price on campaign giveaways AND lung cancer?)
Sold for: $45
This is the oddest piece of misguided campaign chum I have ever seen, as well as a perfect and terrible example of a cultural time capsule.
It’s hard to know what the thinking was behind developing this campaign giveaway, although it does give a whole new meaning towards creating habit-forming behavior on campaigns.
#2 – International Association of Fire Fighters BBQ Apron
Year: 2012
Valued at: $60
Sold for: $100
Yet another example of a bidding war that helped Netroots Nation and was likely fueled by the surprising nature of silent auctions. As the winner let me know, not only was this apron a high quality item, but the ensuing bidding war nearly doubled the value of the apron.
As the winner let me know, it was worth every last penny, both as a sturdy apron during summer BBQ grilling season, as well as the satisfaction of winning the auction item.
#1 - Champion Stud Horse Sperm
Year: 2007
Valued at: Unknown
Sold for: Also unknown
And the number one oddest item ever auctioned to support Netroots Nation goes to the donation of champion horse sperm.
The details of this interesting and unique item are lost to history, but one thing is for sure: no item will ever be too odd for inclusion in this important fundraising tradition!
...And in the running for a future post about oddball Netroots Nation Auction items is this rad patriotic US flag adult-sized onesie.
Be sure to cast your bids and help support the work of Netroots Nation!
The auction closes at 10pm Eastern on Wednesday, September 28th!