This isn't exactly an auction auction item, but at the local CF Chapter they do several Bid for a Cure events throughout the year. They have Wine events and CF Single Gala Events and so on, and they have someone with a connection to CF, either with CF or who have had children/sister/brother/spouse/other that passed away with CF (or anyone with a moving story basically), speak. It is great the person speaks about their experience and how CF has affected them and then how they feel about having the CF Foundation to support them and have people donate time and funds and so on. At the end of the speech an auctioneer gets up and asks who is willing to bid for a cure for the speaker (if they have CF) or for the person that is affected (if they are still living) and if they are not still alive for those living with CF. I did this last year and it was truly moving. I spoke at a wine event, there were numerous silent auction items - mainly pieces of art, I spoke at the end after the silent auction had ended, and at the end of my speech the auctioneer asked for bids starting at $500 - for everyone that was willing to bid for a cure for me $500 to raise their hand - then $250 and $200 and so on down the line. People also had the chance to bid alternative amounts if they chose.
It is a great alternative to a regular auction and it is an extremely moving experience for those that participate. I know it brought me to tears when I did it as well as being very successful. In the events I have been to and witnessed the Bid, since then, it has been very successful and just as moving for the speaker.
Just an idea I know probably not exactly what you were looking for, but still a great way to get the word out to the people attending and may not know exactly what CF is about.
Lindsey