Are fall charity auction dates better than spring dates?
The Chairperson of a school auction fundraiser called me a few days ago to get my opinion.
Her committee is thinking of moving the fall charity auction to a different day and season. Traditionally the fundraiser has been held in December, but they are considering picking an auction date in the spring so as not to compete with their Annual Fund.
“We’re picking our auction date. What do you think?” she asked.
The truth is, I don’t think it matters. As long as a group follows the principles of conducting a successful event, it can succeed. But there are some distinct advantages to fall auctions.
As serendipity would have it, within a couple of days of that phone call, I received a call from a different client. They are planning their third auction fundraiser. The first two years the event was held in the spring, but they are toying with a 2010 fall date. The event manager asked me to provide her with some ideas as to why a fall date could be advantageous.
Here are four advantages to having a fall charity auction.
1. Less competition for auction items and cash
Generally speaking, spring seems to be a more popular time for events. So if your organization hosts a spring event, your auction procurement team will be seeking auction donations, underwriters, and sponsors at precisely the same time as other groups. Spring is tough competition!
2. Less competition for auction guests
Some organizations host fundraisers which have no auction component. They might plan an annual chef’s event, or ”roast” someone prominent in the community. These fundraisers-without-auctions also prefer spring dates. This means that even though you might not compete against these groups for donated auction items, you will compete against them for attendees. You may enjoy less competition in the fall.
3. Better opportunity to sell specialty items (yard art … home decor) in the silent auction
Fall auctions lend themselves to specialty silent auction sections which are geared towards decorating your home. Several of my November auctions will have a silent auction section devoted exclusively to selling holiday decorations. One of my September benefit auctions had a mini-section of Halloween decorations ready to be purchased.
In contrast, I have yet to see a spring auction create a silent auction section around ”Valentine’s Day decorations” or “Easter decor.” We Americans are quick to decorate our front yards with scarecrows on Halloween and Santa Claus in December, but we don’t get as excited about putting a billboard of President Lincoln on the front yard for his February birthday.
4. Guests are in the shopping mindset already
Christmas is a-comin,’ and many of your guests will need presents. Those gorgeous baskets, clever activities, and unique items can easily become gifts for friends, family, and co-workers. Why not work with the natural rhythm of our holiday cycle by picking an auction date that falls during a time when we need to buy?
Got other ideas? Leave a comment!
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Comments
I host an annual fundraiser dance without auction for Jill’s House in DC. For the past two years I hosted it in September, but for this year I will do it in May. I think we’ll get more action. We’ll see.
Sounds like a good idea, Robie. I enjoy September and October events … and that’s usually a beautiful time of year in Washington, D.C., too. Let me know how it goes!
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