MarsCon traditionally hosts a Charity Auction with proceeds benefitting locally-based charities. In 2026, our Charity Auction will benefit VEAP and the Gordon Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund.

VEAP logo

VEAP is the Twin Cities’ largest food pantry, providing access to healthy foods, social services, and financial assistance.

VEAP takes a holistic approach to program delivery together with its strategic partners to build a stronger community.

Our values: Compassion, Collaboration, Inclusion, Innovation, Responsiveness, Integrity.

Learn more about VEAP programs, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Board of Directors, staff, and financials.

The Gordon Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund is another charity that MarsCon’s charity auction will benefit. The GDMSF was established in 2002 for three purposes:

  • To honor Gordy Dickson, local fan and science fiction and fantasy pro writer who died in 2001.
  • To collect money to send potential new writers to the Clarion Workshop for SF and fantasy writers, or some other workshop. (Gordy always encouraged new writers.)
  • To promote accord in Twin Cities fandom by having a project that various fan clubs and individual fans can work on together. 

Live Auction

The Charity Auction is held on the Main Stage on Sunday morning of the con. Auction organizers will accept silent bids prior to the Auction starting at 10am,  if you can’t be in the room during the Auction. 

So, how can I help out with the Charity Auction and other charitable events at MarsCon?
We’re glad you asked!  Here are a few ways to help:

Donate stuff!
We accept donations throughout the year, at planning meetings, and all the way until the convention and even during the convention. If you have something cool that somebody would bid on, you can drop it off in Master Control when you arrive at MarsCon. Master Control is located on first floor, across from the hotel’s front desk. We are able to take donations up until an hour before the auction.

Things to donate can be new or gently used items, gift cards, memorabilia, collectibles, etc.. You could even put together a fun gift basket to be bid on.

Picture of Star Trek action figures new in box, some books, and other items donated for the charity auction.

Bid on stuff!
There is usually at least one treasure that you will really want—maybe an autographed picture of one of the Guests of Honor, a toy, some tickets to a movie, a poster, some books—so show up, bid, and remember that what you spend is going to support worthwhile causes!

  • WHAT: A LIVE Charity Auction
  • WHEN: Sunday morning of the con
  • WHERE: Main Stage (Ballroom III/IV)
  • HOW: Bring your badge, and raise a hand or give a shout to bid. Silent bidding is also available during open viewing starting at 10:00 am on Sunday.
  • WHY: To lend your support to worthwhile causes and contribute to the community

Volunteer!
We always need help setting up the auction donations for display prior to the auction, holding up items for better viewing during the auction, keeping track of bids and tabulating, etc..

Let Us Know!
If you or your group are planning another charitable activity at MarsCon, please let us know ahead of time so we can help you promote your event as well. Contact us with your charity auction questions. 

Thank you for your generosity!