Using kids to raise cash at your auction, even when they aren’t attending – Part 2

By Sherry · Monday, January 18th, 2010

This non-profit helps adults and children, but they used a key slide to focus on the "kids" portion of their program.

To read Part 1 on “Using Kids to Raise Cash,” click here,

Over the past few months, I’ve offered several tips on how to manage your charity auction in a bad economy.

You can use all kinds of techniques to ensure your auction revenues remain strong in a bad economy, but one solid strategy of raising money – regardless of the economy – is to show guests how their donation impacts children.

Children (and animals, to a large degree) seem to have a universal appeal and you can tap into that at your auction gala.

Many organizations benefit kids in one way, shape, or fashion, so if you have an angle that you can incorporate into your event, consider doing so. Even when the children aren’t attending your benefit auction, you can still successfully incorporate them into the fundraising plan.

This post covers two strategies:

3. Let a Powerpoint slide tell the story

In a ballroom, Powerpoint slides can provide imagery. At this gala raising money for heart-related causes, a child’s photo was displayed with the text, “Nora Grace’s heart was mended by Dr. Bill Hammill, and she hasn’t stopped dancing since.”

Plus side: Easy to create. One slide can be broadcast on multiple screens so everyone can see.

Negative side: Unless a speaker specifically refers to the slide, guests might never bother to read it.

4. Reach out and call (or text) someone

Guests were encouraged to text scholarship recipients while dining.

This idea incorporates older kids into your gala. Granted, these kids might have outgrown their “cuteness factor,” but they have the added advantage of being able to thank donors with an added degree of articulation!

One fundraising auction was raising money for college scholarships. As you can see in the photo, each table had a table tent listing a student’s name, general information, and his or her telephone number (I’ve blocked out the phone number in this photo). Over dinner, guests were encouraged to text or call the student to chat and say, “Congratulations on your scholarship!”

Plus side: It’s as high-touch as you can get without having the recipient attend the event. It brings a donor directly into contact with the recipient of their donation. I love that!

Negative side: Coordinate in advance. Recipients need to know they could be called. Not all recipients will be choice candidates to speak with a donor.

Kids can make a splash at your event — and help you raise dollars! — even when they aren’t physically present. Use these ideas to get to your donor’s heartstrings.

P.S. As great as this information is, it’s old news. I shared these ideas months ago with readers of my FREE e-zine, Benefit Auction Ideas. Subscribe here.

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