Cottage Cove Urban Ministries holds an annual fundraiser each year in early November to partially fund its operating costs for the coming year.  This event consists of a catered dinner, program and silent auction that goes live online a week before the event and is open for bidding throughout the event.  We utilize an electronic system which updates in real time and allows our online participants and event attendees to bid until the auction closes near the end of the program.  Auction items consist of small and large gift baskets, weekend packages of hotel, dinner and event tickets along with travel packages, music products, art and handcrafted items, historical and sports memorabilia and multiple types of gift certificates and cards for food, entertainment and services.  Our attendees come from a cross-section of population of Nashville and surrounding counties and include both residents and business representatives. We like to offer items at multiple bidding levels so that all the participants enjoy the competitive process and variety of merchandise.  The silent auction represents a significant portion of our fundraiser and the more interesting and useful items offered there contribute to the success of the event.  Donors are acknowledged in multiple areas from our website advertising our event, program information and names and logos may be posted on the electronic bidding site depending on level of donations.