Thank you for considering hosting a meal for a group of members and friends of First Parish Church of Groton in your home, or at another location. The guests will be those who have placed and matched the highest bids at a silent auction to be held between the dates of March 15 and March 22, 2009.

As with most entertaining, the host determines the place, date, time, menu, and number of guests. Please use the Host Information Form below to provide that information for our Auction Booklet. All prospective bidders will have an opportunity to review this booklet to decide what events they would like to attend.

The Auction Dinners have one big difference from any other party that you might host: The auction will determine the guest list. Bidders placing the highest bids will be your guests. In fairness to all bidders, and to simplify collection of funds raised by the auction, we ask that you not accept guests who approach you directly — especially after the bidding has closed.

On the Host Information Form we ask whether your cost for your event will be considered a contribution to the church, or whether you will want reimbursement for your expenses. This information is not for public distribution — it simply allows us to estimate the funds raised by this auction. If your circumstances change, and you will need reimbursement, please let us know that. If you request reimbursement, we will ask that your expenses not exceed half of the amount raised at auction for your event. We will also ask you to submit receipts for your expenses.

Anyone not requesting reimbursement should retain their receipts, and consult their tax accountant as to possible deductibility of the cost of hosting their event.

If you have any other questions, please contact Ellen Todd at the number listed in the directory, or .