Using kids to raise cash at your auction, even when they aren’t attending – Part 1
Using posters in the reception area is a simple way to remind guests as to where their donations are going.
Over the last few months, I’ve offered tips on how to manage your auction in a bad economy, including blog posts such as The One Thing to NEVER Say on Stage at Your Benefit Auction (a popular one!) and Recessions Are a Time To Step Up Your Game.
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:
1. Signage stationed around the silent auction
At a school auction with a western theme, "WANTED" posters showcased the kids.
The most common way to showcase how your organization is helping children is to incorporate photos of the children into displays. Those might be on foam core displays (as shown in the opening photo) or in something more multi-dimensional, as I saw once at a homeless shelter auction.
Plus side: Easy to do. Signs are reusable for other events.
Negative side: Not as eye-catching; easy to gloss over in the hustle of the silent auction
2. Incorporate images into the decor
If your gala has a theme, one way to make the signage stand out is to create a visually appealing display around it.
The WANTED posters were around the venue on several walls.
For instance, at this school auction with a western theme, several walls were set up around the silent auction and registration areas. The walls had all of the children’s photos on them, and each child had been photographed in western gear. A volunteer had taken the time to write cute phrases for each child such as, “The Masked Bandit: Last seen in the valley,” or “WANTED: For cactus wranglin’.”
Because it was clever, many guests visited all of the walls (not just the ones with their child on it) to admire the creativity of the project.
Plus side: Adds to the decor. Helps reinforce the “why are we raising money” message.
Negative side: Takes more upfront time to create the individual shots.
To read more ideas on using kids to raise cash at your auction, click here.
(c) 2005-2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
P.S. As great as these ideas are, they’re old news. I published this article months ago in my Benefit Auction Ideas e-zine. It’s free, and it’s published twice a month. Sign up here.
Comments
Hi,
We’re a very small start-up on raising funds for our Reading Caravan (we launched in November at “Reading Festival” and many attended… but we’d like to try another approach and program with regards to our literacy program among impoverished kids in our area. Your tip is well-taken, thanks!
Sounds like a great cause, Marge. (Many years ago now, I volunteered for Literacy Volunteers of America to help an adult learn to read.) Good luck with your new approach.
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