Many people fondly recall the sights and sounds of a childhood trip to the circus. Portland, Ore.-based OnPoint Community Credit Union, host of the 20th Annual Credit Unions for Kids Auction, hoped to evoke those pleasant memories by dubbing the event "A Night Under the Big Top."

At the Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel, more than 300 attendees enjoyed the atmosphere created by primary colors, gumball centerpieces and a gilded cage. Drapery hung from the ceiling to form a tent and a circus ring in the middle of the ballroom served as the stage.

The auction's big ticket items included trips to the Masters golf tournament, the Children's Miracle Network celebration in Orlando, Fla., and a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. However, there were items at every price range, including a $50 paddle raise donation that allowed almost 100% of the attendees to participate. "This way everyone could feel a part of the evening's tremendous success," said Kelly Schrader, senior vice president/marketing and member services at OnPoint and chair of the auction committee.