Item Idea: Research-related excursions
Standing outside the R/V Stenella
Last week I participated on a webinar in which we talked about strategically procuring items for your auction fundraiser. Since then, I’ve had procurement on my mind!
For instance, one of the participants worked for an Alzheimer’s-related non-profit. She asked for suggestions on auction item ideas she could sell which might bring awareness to her mission, and still be of interest to her audience.
Off-the-cuff, I suggested she might want to offer an item that tied to the research of Alzheimer’s. Someone might be interested in a behind-the-scenes tour of a research facility or lunch with a scientist. For instance, many years ago, my parents were fascinated by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Los Alamos labs.
As serendipity would have it, three days after our webinar, I sold two research-related items.
This past weekend, I worked an auction for a group which has researched the same pod of dolphins for 25 years. The organization was founded by a scientist. The auction is in its second year, and our crowd was fewer than 100 people. This is not a “big” auction; it’s still getting off the ground.
The scientists who study this dolphin pod are out at-sea for ~90 consecutive days in the Caribbean each year. In addition, they have a new permit which will allow them to make day-trips for studies off the coast of Florida. Their research vessel is called Stenella. They hold their auction fundraiser in a yacht club near where Stenella docks. This is a smart idea because during cocktail hour, guests can walk outside and get on the boat.
Captain John stands in the galley of R/V Stenella
I’ve been on luxury yachts, and Stenella — although adequately comfortable — is not a luxury craft. This is a ship which has been retrofited to accommodate the scientists and appropriate scientific gear. The guest quarters are filled with bunk beds. Several (six, I recall) guests would share a small bathroom (or “head,” as they call it on a ship).
In the live auction this group sells the opportunity to go on-board Stenella for 10-days and participate in a research trip. For at least six days, the winning bidder would be helping with various research projects, and four days would be devoted to just fun, like snorkeling and island-hopping on uninhabited islands. And since the trip occurs during lobster season, everyone on-board will enjoy some yummy meals.
Sound exciting? For two years in a row, this trip has sold in the 5-figures.
The group also offers a “lunch cruise” on the vessel. Five guests can enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard while sailing around the intercoastal waterways and hearing from one of the scientists talk about the latest in dolphin research. That’s another good use of the ship: Getting people on the craft, allowing them to “see” what happens, and ensuring they are participating in the process …. it helps to sell the mission of the group!
What can you offer your audience that educates them on your cause and intrigues their mind?
(c) 2009 Red Apple Auctions LLC
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, you’ll love my FREE twice-a-month e-zine! Sign up here.
Leave a Comment