More Than an Auction: How the Chi-Town Family Festival Silent Auction Supports Chiloquin Youth

Every year, the Chi-Town Family Festival brings our community together for two days of music, food, family fun, vendors, and activities for all ages. But one part of the festival has an even bigger purpose behind it — the Silent Auction.

The Silent Auction is more than just baskets, gift certificates, antiques, and fun items to bid on. It is one of the ways Chiloquin Visions in Progress (CVIP) raises funding to help support programs that directly benefit youth and families in our community.

As a small rural nonprofit, CVIP works hard to provide opportunities that many larger communities may take for granted. Through community support, grants, volunteers, fundraising events, and donations like those made to the Silent Auction, we are able to continue growing programs that make a real difference in the lives of local youth.

One of those programs is Chiloquin Learns After School (CLAS), which provides after-school activities and support for elementary students. The program creates a safe and welcoming environment where kids can learn, build friendships, explore art and science activities, receive homework help, and simply have a positive place to go after school. This past year, the program continued to grow and even developed a waitlist due to the strong community interest.

The Silent Auction also supports the Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp (CTAC), a free summer program that offers local teens opportunities to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and participate in activities many may not otherwise experience. Through CTAC, youth have participated in kayaking, hiking, art activities, STEM learning, bike skills, career exploration, cooking activities, and educational field trips throughout the region. The program is designed to help teens build confidence, teamwork, leadership skills, and stronger connections to their community.

Another growing program supported through CVIP is the Chiloquin Bike Club. What started as a grassroots youth activity has continued to expand and recently became an official CVIP program. The Bike Club provides after-school activities focused on bicycle skills, safety, fitness, and recreation. It also helps youth stay active and engaged while building confidence and responsibility. The club regularly participates in local events, including the Fourth of July Parade and the bike rodeo during the Chi-Town Family Festival.

The Silent Auction also supports the Friends of the Chiloquin Library (FoCL), which works to encourage reading, literacy, and educational opportunities within the community. Through library support, children and families have access to programs, activities, and resources that help promote lifelong learning.

This year’s Silent Auction will once again take place during the Chi-Town Family Festival at the Chiloquin Rodeo Grounds. The festival continues to grow each year and includes live music, a farmers market and craft fair, food vendors, kids activities, water slides, bounce houses, and much more.

We are currently seeking donations for the Silent Auction. New, gently used, antique, collectible, handmade, and business-donated items are all welcome. Gift baskets, outdoor gear, artwork, services, gift certificates, and unique local items always generate excitement and help raise valuable funds.

Every donation matters. A donated item today can help support a child in an after-school program tomorrow, provide supplies for a summer camp activity, support literacy efforts, or help expand opportunities for youth throughout our community.

Donations can be dropped off at the Chiloquin Community Center or Chiloquin City Hall. Community members and businesses interested in donating can also contact CVIP for additional information.

The Silent Auction is proof that small acts of generosity can create a lasting impact. Together, our community continues to invest in its youth, strengthen local programs, and help create opportunities for the next generation.

To learn more about the Chi-Town Family Festival, visit:  www.chi-townfamilyfestival.com.