I won't send quilted items to charity auctions either as the same thing happens in Canada. I either send a cheque it I am able or an apron and cookbook. I can make an apron in a hour or two and often make them out of donated fabric so I have very little $ invested in them. I also have found that children's Hallowe'en costumes have sold well at silent auctions and I can stitch one of those in a couple of hours too. Definitely no quilts from me!