Saying no to a charity auction

[getmeout12]

My husband and I have been invited to a charity auction dinner. I don't want to go as it's a midweek event and (we have very busy schedules) and I don't want to feel forced to bidding/buying items in the name of charity when actually we are tightening belts. It's a professional event so giving b as an excuse isn't really an option.

How do I politely decline, do I give an excuse but also request to see the auction catalogue out of politeness and show enthusiasm (then just never bid), or do I just give a flat no.

It's the second event I've said no to the same person so I want to do this sensitively and not to rule myself out of future events, because I otherwise really enjoy their events and company!

Just say no, thank you for the invitation but it’s not your thing. It’s no big deal.

Thanks for invite but mid week difficult for us. All the best with it

and then forget about it. as they will your decline

unless the drip is that you’re chairman of the charity or something

so second you’ve said no to

have you ever said yes?

"Thank for the invitation. Unfortunately we can't make it, but I hope the auction goes well'

I think just say you can’t do midweek due to dc’s commitments. I always decline charity dinners unless I’m committed to a fairly substantial donation as the tickets don’t usually make any profit so it’s all on the raffle/ auction etc.

Also if it’s one of those auctions where they buy the prizes vs have them donated you will win anything you pass the min bid on so beware. You end up bankrupt and the charity only gets the margin rather than the whole lot.