Sadly, one of my benefit auction clients is scrambling.

Last year, she booked a restaurant for her non-profit’s December luncheon fundraiser.  A couple of weeks ago, the restaurant called her, mortified.  Due to a glitch in their new scheduling system, they inadvertently double-booked the space!  Her group is no longer able to use the venue.

My client is now scrambling to find a new location.  On top of that, she’s researching the implications and penalties which will affect her organization if she changes the date of her event.

Her situation triggered in my memory an article I read a few weeks ago.

It talked about how some shopping malls were offering nonprofits rent-free (or deeply discounted) space to avoid empty storefronts.

My thought:  Could you host a benefit auction in the shopping mall, in an empty retail space?

I’ve worked some unique venues for auction fundraisers, but I’ve yet to conduct one in a mall.  The article (which is no longer live or I’d share the link) discussed how some shopping centers were offering free or inexpensive space to non-profits until a paying tenant could be found.

The shopping center management got some wins from the arrangement.

1. It’s a chance for them to do something kind for a local charity.
2. They avoid the awkwardness of an empty retail space.
3. It also might be good for attracting new business.  One of the interviewed property owners said that because the space is “open” to the public, prospective renters could walk in and poke around.  Some asked leasing questions, inquiring about square footage.
   

The non-profits also got some benefits.

1. Free or deeply discounted rent.
2. The visibility of being in the mall exposed their charity to thousands of people ambling by their new “storefront.”  Those are potential donors who might otherwise have never heard of the organization.

The downfall?  If the space is leased, the non-profit must pack-up and leave, usually on short notice.

My thoughts:

• Hosting a benefit auction in a vacant store in a mall would be a one-of-a-kind experience.
• You would only need the space for a day or two.
• The venue would have to be large enough to host your guests and allow for catering prep.  (Maybe one of the mall’s own restaurants could be the caterer?)
• As I think about the size of a “typical” mall store in my area, I’m guessing this would best be suited for charity auctions with no sit down dinner (passed heavy hors d’oeuvres with desserts, perhaps) and on the smaller size, like 100 – 150 guests.
• This can’t be a benefit auction you plan for months in advance because the space might be rented by the time you’re ready to use it.  It would need to be planned within a short time frame. It might be best suited for “medical emergency” benefit auctions (when someone is hurt, and friends pitch together to host a benefit auction to help with expenses) … or in response to a venue change, as in the case of my charity auction client.
  

Has anyone done this?  Please share below, if you have.  I’d love to hear about it.

© 2010 Red Apple Auctions Co. All Rights Reserved.

Got your venue secured but still need ideas for auction packages?  No problem!  Get your FREE benefit auction Item Guide here.

We’re going to throw a little more love her way as she’s putting her songwriting prowess on the line by competing in Placido Domingo’s “Opera in the Outfield” here in D.C. at Washington Nationals Baseball Park on September 19.

The contest asks fans to write opera-inspired lyrics to the tune of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Placido himself will select the first, second and third prize winners.  The first place winner will have their song performed live by the crowd.

Watch her video on You Tube and leave a nice comment, or give her some encouragement in-person.  You can see her next on September 11 at the Headwaters Foundation benefit auction.

P.S.  Have I mentioned that Julie worked in the White House as a social aide for many years?

P.P. S. If you landed on this page and thought, “What the heck?  I was looking for charity auction information?”  … click here to get our Item Guide and free ezine.

© 2010 Red Apple Auctions Co.  All Rights Reserved.

You can use technology at your charity auction … and you can use technology prior to your benefit auction to promote your event and get up-to-speed on great ideas.

This post falls into the latter.

Now you can use Twitter, without using Twitter. (It’s true.)

If you’re working in a position that involves marketing and promotion, your organization is likely already using Twitter.

But if you’re a volunteer for a charity auction whose life revolves around the home and community more than around the computer, you likely have little reason to have a Twitter account.  The problem is, it means you’re missing out on receiving some succinct, helpful information. 

I twitter under the account name “Auction Expert.”  Each day, I offer bite-size bits of benefit auction information. I also refer my 600+ followers to other experts and resources to inspire and help them.

Until recently, if you wanted to stay up-to-date with my Twitter posts, you needed to have a Twitter account yourself.

Not any more!

Twitter has a new feature called “Fast Follow.”

If you are located in the United States and want to follow someone’s Twitter account, you can now do so …  even if you don’t have a Twitter account.

All you need is a cell phone that accepts text messages.

To follow me on Twitter on your cell phone, text “follow AuctionExpert” to 40404.  You’ll start receiving my updates via text message.

It’s like receiving a mini-newsletter, delivered via text messages each day. Learn more about the system on Twitter’s blog.

The other great perk is that you can use this in your own benefit auction for promotion.

If you are Twittering about your charity auction and have a number of guests who don’t Twitter but do accept text messages, encourage them to sign-up for this service.

It’s another way to promote your gala, without any extra effort on your part.

You post on Twitter, but it automatically sends those messages via text to guests who prefer to receive information in that format.

It’s just one more way to get auction technology worked into your event.  It’s more charity auction bang for your (Twitter) buck.

A final auction idea: Enjoy our trending Item Guide, stuffed with the top 100 items I sold in 2009.  It’s “What Sold Divine in 2009,” and it can be yours … instantly.

© Red Apple Auctions Co. All Rights Reserved.

BizBash is now accepting online entries for the 2010 New York Event Style Awards.

If you’re running a benefit auction in the city that never sleeps, get into gear. The deadline is September 24, 2010.

Just last Wednesday the finalists for the Windy City awards were announced.  I spotted a few Chicago charity auctions among the group.  Now I’m hoping to see some stellar submissions from New York’s fundraising auctions, too.

The online entry form claims to be easy, so click-away and check out the rules and categories.

Good luck, my NYC friends.

P.S.  Seeking other great auction ideas? Instantly get your FREE Auction Item Guide, listing the top 100 items selling OVER value in benefit auctions.

© Red Apple Auctions Co.  All Rights Reserved.

This will come as no surprise to you, I’m sure, but scoring a couple of tickets to the uber-popular franchise’s traveling exhibit would be a suh-weeeeet item to add to your silent auction fundraiser.

Harry Potter, The Exhibition has been making the circuit showcasing all the cool stuff that goes into making the wizardry onscreen.  Chicago and Boston were on the calendar earlier this year.  Ontario, Canada is its current home, but the exhibit will be back stateside to open in Seattle on October 23, 2010.

The exhibition seems to be held in science centers and museums.  If you’ve got one of those in a zip code near you, give the place a call.  The official Harry Potter, The Exhibition website promises “more locations coming soon” but only lists two.  Perhaps your museum is on the calendar but it’s not yet updated on the website.

The tickets would be snapped up in your silent auction, especially given the marketing push underway for the first part of the final installment of the movie series (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), due to be released in November 2010.  (The second and final part will be out in July 2011.)

For other magical ideas to sell in your silent auction (or live auction) fundraiser, get my FREE Auction Item Guide, listing the top 100 items selling OVER value in benefit auctions.

© Red Apple Auctions Co.  All Rights Reserved.

It’s mid-August, which means the kids back in my home state of Kansas are back in school.  Here on the East coast, September seems to be the norm.

What does that mean for your school auction fundraiser committee?  Time to get busy!

If you’re a School Auction Chair charged with chairing your school’s winter or spring benefit auction, start your “to do” list.

Here are three activities to put on it.

Plan Auction Committee Introductions: If you’ve been recruiting for key auction committee positions through the summer, now is a great time to get everyone together to clarify roles and make introductions.  Remember that food is a great bonding tool.  Pour some libations, or at least break out M&Ms.

Actively Engage in Recruitment: Continue or start recruiting volunteers for various committees and roles not yet filled.  If your school has a ‘back to school’ night or other type of community-building activity, set up an auction information booth and talk to all the new parents.

Schedule Appointments: Schedule some meetings now with school administrators.  Their calendars will fill up quickly, so taking the time now to coordinate your schedule with theirs might save you later when getting face-to-face time will be more challenging.  You’ll likely have to touch base with the Development Director, Principal, Special Events Director (or whomever is appropriate for your school) a few times on key questions that arise.  Set up a few meetings as it might be easier to cancel one if it’s not needed versus trying to get on the calendar later.

Take charge, School Auction Chairs!  This is your time to organize the troops and lay out the attack plans.  Your season in the sun has just arrived.

© 2010 Red Apple Auctions Co.  All Rights Reserved.

P.S.  For additional school auction help, you’ll love my free gift listing the top 100 auction items briskly selling in fund raising auctions today.

Congratulations to the finalists.  There are several non-profit and associations listed, even in the traditional categories– huzzah!  And some of them even had a live or silent auction as part of the festivities.

Based on my observation of the Washington, D.C. awards, BizBash has traditionally favored event “glitz” over event “financials” (i.e. a large glamorous fundraising event will earn more kudos than a simple event that makes more net profit), so – if you’re placing bets – I’d lean towards that.

Meanwhile, I’ll be waiting with bated breath.  Winners will be announced at BizBash’s Expo on August 19 at the Merchandise Mart.

Good luck!

© Red Apple Auctions Co.  All Rights Reserved.

In Washington, D.C. and Florida, I sell my share of New York weekend trips consisting of a show, dinner, and hotel.  Who doesn’t enjoy a glamorous weekend?

But what about those off-the-wall charity auction items that might be better suited for the stomping grounds of my youth?  I think back to the Kansas State Fair, where this next item would have been easier to procure and would have made a big splash with auction guests.

The chance to compete in a demolition derby.

Last month I read an article in the Orange County Register (“Demolition Derby Puts Dent in Dad’s Wallet“) about a teenager who got to have some fun wrecking a car after his Dad bought the item in a charity auction.

Dad beat out 15 bidders and paid $3000 to buy one of the cars — donated by Ben’s Asphalt Inc. — to compete in the “Orange Crush” demolition derby at the OC Fair.

Ben’s Asphalt put about 40 hours worth of elbow grease into three vehicles, prepping each for its debut and demise.  (Even cars destined for the dump must be glammed up.  Sort of like movie stars who put on makeup before heading to jail…)

Derby cars must be “derby-ready,” which means all glass and internal fixtures (trim, lights) must be removed, doors welded shut, gas tanks are often re-positioned into safer areas in the vehicles, and bright paint work to easily identify each car.

In addition to the station wagon — which was driven by the teenager in the afternoon race — Ben’s Asphalt prepared and donated a1983 Oldsmobile and a 1983 Buick station wagon on behalf of two other charities.  Those cars were being sold for the more popular night race.

This auction idea grabbed my attention, so I did some research.  Demolition derbies generally take about 20 minutes.  Cars are not supposed to go over 20 mph.  In fact, this Wikipedia post gives all kinds of interesting data, such as mentioning that water is often sprayed on the field to create a muddy mess capable of reducing the cars to slower speeds.

I don’t know anything about organizing demolition derbies for profit or for charity, but I did think this item sounded like fun.

And if the fairgrounds in your area are organizing a demolition derby, maybe there’s a way to get your charitable cause as a beneficiary via one of the cars?

(Do a search on Google with “demolition derby” and the name of your local county or city.  I was surprised at how many are taking place.)

According to some sources, buying the cars is usually about $500, and then there’s the need to find a mechanic or car enthusiast who can donate his time and materials to get the vehicles derby-ready.  THEN you’ve got a sale-able vehicle.

Another bonus … I rarely see auto mechanics listed as auction sponsors at the charity auctions we work.  This type of item is a great way to reach out to a new set of potential donors and get them involved in helping you make money.

Maybe they aren’t buying a sponsorship directly, but their talent can be used to create a bid-worthy item for your charity auction.

P.S.  Screeeeeech!  Wait!  Don’t jump off this page until you claim your free gift –  the charity Auction Item Guide listing the top 100 items selling for over value at benefit auctions.

© 2010 Red Apple Auctions Co.  All Rights Reserved.

Photo is from the website http://www.mixonwheels.com/v1/

I received a random email blast for which I’d not signed up.  AKA, spam.

But I check most emails before I delete them, and the words “Silent Party” caught my eye.

Thinking it was something related to a silent auction, I struggled to understand the press release.  Baffled, I looked at the photos … then clicked the website videos.

Aha, I got it.

For those of you planning a silent auction for 20-somethings (Millennials), this might work for you.

Let me explain this better than the press release.

There’s a souped-up Hummer that will drive to your event site. Inside the Hummer (official name: “Mix On Wheels“) is a full-fledged DJ sound booth.  It will blast music and lights to get your dance party started.  Two DJ’s run the portable sound show.

But assume you’re in an area with stringent regulations on decibel levels.  If loud music isn’t allowed, how can you have a dance party?

Photo is from the website http://www.silentpartyusa.com/specification.php

To solve the problem, the company (official name:  “Silent Party USA“) gives all 1,000 of your party-goers headsets.  The only people who hear the dance party (or any other announcements) are those wearing headsets.

Can it be used for your benefit auction geared towards Millennials?

It might be fun.  I wouldn’t bother having a live auction with this, but there’s usually multiple activities taking place during a silent auction anyway.

Have the silent auction and make announcements through the headsets … directly into the ears of the guests.

(This is my favorite part.  Headsets on every auction guest has got to be the best sound system ever for an auction.)  As the silent auction closes, the music gets more intense and draws everyone to the dance floor.

It might work, sort of pulling technology into your silent auction in a newfangled way.

© 2010 Red Apple Auctions Co. All Rights Reserved.

P.S.  Don’t leave my blog without claiming your free gift!  It’s my top 100 items sold in benefit auctions.