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.

©2005 – 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC

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.

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.