A Night in Their Shoes Auction Committee Member
Overview
A Night in Their Shoes is The Aidan Project’s signature annual event, bringing together a community of supporters to raise critical funds that help children access life-changing therapy services. The event is held the the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. This year that is Saturday, November 21, 2026
Auction Committee Members play a vital role in the success of this event by securing high-quality, compelling auction items that inspire generosity and participation.
This is a short-term, high-impact volunteer role ideal for individuals who are well-connected, proactive, and energized by building relationships and securing meaningful contributions. There is an opportunity for ongoing participation, and consideration for future Board of Director roles.
Primary Responsibility: Auction Item Acquisition
Committee members are responsible for identifying, soliciting, and securing auction items and experiences that will resonate with event attendees and maximize fundraising outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Secure a minimum of 10-15 auction items
Leverage personal and professional networks to identify potential donors, including local businesses, service providers, and individuals
Solicit in-kind donations such as:
Unique experiences (travel, dining, entertainment)
Professional services
Event tickets
High-quality goods or curated packages
Collaborate with staff to package items creatively for maximum appeal and value
Track outreach and submissions using provided tools or templates
Ensure all items are confirmed and documented by established deadlines
Serve as an ambassador for The Aidan Project, clearly and confidently communicating its mission and impact
Ideal Qualifications
Strong personal or professional network in the Kansas City community
Comfortable making asks on behalf of a cause
Organized and able to follow through on commitments
Creative thinker with an eye for experiences and items that will perform well in an auction setting
Passion for supporting children and families navigating developmental delays
Time Commitment
Approximately 2–4 hours per week over a six month period leading up to the event
Participation in monthly committee check-in meetings June-November (virtual), meeting are held at noon on the second Thursday of each month.
Support Provided
Outreach templates and talking points
Auction procurement tracking tools
Staff guidance on packaging, pricing, and positioning items
Clear deadlines and milestone reminders
Impact
Auction Committee Members directly influence the success of A Night in Their Shoes. Silent and live auction purchases account for over 60% of all funds raised annually by The Aidan Project. Every item secured contributes to funding therapy access, family navigation, and critical support for children.