The auction includes a silent auction beginning at 5 p.m. and a live auction beginning at 6 p.m.

“Our theme this year is coast to coast to really emphasize that we have hotel packages, restaurant experiences spa packages, items and gift cards from everywhere,” said Kayli Delamielleure, the director of marketing for the auction.

Some of the packages offered at the event include a two-night stay in a garden terrace room and a couples massage at the Relache Spa at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Another package up for auction is a three-night stay at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa in Vail, Colo.

The packages offered in the auction were donated by alumni and industry professionals. Proceeds from the event go to local charities such as The Junior League of Lansing and The Michigan State University Federal Credit Union Institute for Arts & Creativity, Delamielleure said. Some of the proceeds also go toward funding student activities and trips in the School of Hospitality Business.

“Speaking for myself, because of Destination Auction I got to go to Club Managers Association of America’s World Conference last year in February to New Orleans,” Delamielleure said. “We get scholarships to make it financially possible for students to go.”

Students involved in planning and coordinating this event are learning valuable business lessons, Caiti Darish, CEO of Destination Auction said.

“This event has taught me a lot about dealing and communicating with people,” Darish said. “Not only am I in charge of 13 (executive) board members, but everyday I am communicating with faculty, business owners and alumni.”

Darish said she takes a leadership approach that makes her available for the students involved, but not overbearing so that everyone learns responsibility, time management and their own leadership skills.

Ariel Lessens, chief operations officer of Destination Auction, said she hopes this experience gives her the necessary skills to be successful in the event management industry after she graduates next year.

This is Lessens’ third year helping to coordinate the auction, and she said the experience is well worth it.

“It has been quite a ride the past few years, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Lessens said.

The event has a $10 donation fee at at the door and will provide attendees with food and beverages. As of Sunday, the students already have met their goal of raising $160,000 with a week left of fundraising still to occur.