Every nonprofit depends on generosity… but generosity doesn’t always have to come in the form of writing a big check. Sometimes it looks like a thoughtfully assembled gift basket! Sometimes it’s a gift card to your restaurant. A massage certificate. Tickets to a local attraction. A handcrafted item. A favorite product you sell. Or a collection of small donations that become something truly special.
For local businesses, donating an auction or raffle item is one of the easiest… and often most affordable ways to support a cause you believe in while introducing your business to hundreds of potential new customers.
Research consistently shows that consumers notice businesses that give back. According to the Cone Communications CSR Study, nearly nine out of ten consumers say they are more likely to purchase from companies that support social or environmental causes. Likewise, Small Business Trends notes that community involvement helps build trust, strengthen customer loyalty, and increase brand recognition… especially for locally owned businesses.
At Family Promise of Hunterdon County, we’ve experienced that firsthand. Every donated basket, gift certificate, service, or experience helps us raise more funds to prevent homelessness and keep local families safely housed. Just as importantly, our guests discover businesses they may never have known existed.
And judging by what’s already arriving for our Summer Dinner & Comedy Night on July 24, our local businesses have absolutely outdone themselves.
A Sneak Peek at What’s Waiting…
We can’t reveal everything just yet (where’s the fun in that?), but here’s a taste of some of the incredible items already headed to our silent auction, raffles, and door prize tables.
Summer Scentsational – Imagine opening a basket filled with luxurious fragrances, boutique lotions, candles, and pampering treats valued at nearly $200. It’s the perfect excuse for a little well-deserved self-care.
Discover Frenchtown – One charming Delaware River town… packaged into one unforgettable basket. Filled with gift certificates and goodies from beloved Frenchtown businesses, this basket is perfect for longtime locals… or anyone looking for the perfect excuse to spend a day exploring one of New Jersey’s most unique small towns.
Clinton Arts & Culture Getaway – One lucky guest will receive a membership to the Hunterdon Art Museum, paired with experiences and gifts from downtown Clinton businesses for the perfect day trip in one of Hunterdon County’s most iconic destinations.
Picnic in Style – One of our favorite donations comes from our friends at DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law in Flemington. Picture a gorgeous wicker picnic basket overflowing with summer games, outdoor entertaining essentials, and everything needed for the ultimate afternoon in the park. It’s thoughtful, elegant, and absolutely fun.
Planning for the Future – Courtesy of Aurora Private Wealth, this retirement-themed basket blends practical resources with thoughtful surprises… because planning for tomorrow should still be enjoyable.
Local Expertise – Our friends at Trink Consulting are contributing a special item as well. You’ll have to attend to see exactly what they’ve dreamed up…
Take Me Out to the Ballgame – Baseball lovers won’t want to miss this one. Think tickets, fan gear, and summertime fun wrapped into one exciting package.
The Viral Porch Goose – Yes… THAT Porch Goose. Thanks to our Hunterdon County neighbors at The Original Porch Goose, one lucky winner will take home the internet’s favorite front-porch celebrity. Dress it for every holiday. Give your neighbors something to smile about. Instant conversation starter. Will it actually increase your property value? …We’ll let you decide. 😉
Vermont Weekend Escape – One basket could send you away for an unforgettable weekend in Vermont, valued at approximately $3,500. Need we say more?
Wellness Retreat – Our friends at Cold Sweat Cryo in Flemington are assembling a wellness package featuring services designed to help you recover, relax, and recharge – their fantastic services include cryotherapy, infrared sauna, compression therapy, red light therapy, and more. This basket will be like bringing the spa home with you.
Want to Help?
Here’s the wonderful thing about baskets… they don’t have to be elaborate. Some of our most popular auction items begin with just one donated gift card. Others are created by combining contributions from several generous businesses. A restaurant gift certificate paired with locally roasted coffee. A boutique gift card with handmade candles. A gardening center and a hardware store. Together, small donations become unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a business owner, community organization, or simply someone who loves supporting local families, we’d love to include your donation.
Every item helps us raise more funds to prevent homelessness in Hunterdon County – and every donation tells our guests that this community cares.
Join Us on July 24!
Our Summer Dinner & Comedy Night promises delicious food, award-winning comedian John McClellan, exciting raffles, silent auction treasures, door prizes, and one incredible evening benefiting Family Promise of Hunterdon County.
You really do have to be there to win!!
Purchase your tickets today: tinyurl.com/ClintonComedy
Interested in donating a basket, gift card, experience, or service? There’s still time! We’d love to showcase your business while making this event even more memorable for our guests… and for the families whose lives will be changed because of your generosity.
Together, we can turn generosity into laughter, community into connection, and one summer evening into lasting hope for Hunterdon County families.
- Call us at 908-782-2490Â
- Email us at info@familypromisehc.org
- Sign up for our newsletter: tinyurl.com/HunterdonNews
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Cone Communications. 2017 Cone Communications CSR Study. The study found that 87% of consumers said they would purchase a product because a company supported an issue they cared about, demonstrating the positive impact of cause-related business involvement.
Cone Communications. 2013 Social Impact Study. The research found that 89% of Americans are likely to switch to a brand associated with a good cause when price and quality are comparable, underscoring the business value of community engagement.
Harvard Business Review. Carol L. Cone, Mark A. Feldman & Alison T. DaSilva. Causes and Effects (July 2003). The authors discuss how businesses can strengthen their brands by strategically partnering with nonprofit causes, creating benefits for both the company and the community.
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by Dawn Hartfelder – updated 7/14/2026
