In fact, printing costs are one of the highest expenses when producing a fundraising auction. Anything we can do to reduce unnecessary printing is good for your bottom line and the environment. One of my clients was brilliant. She dropped her auction catalog production costs from $14,000 to $7900. Impressive, eh? Here's how she did it. 1. Eliminated tabs Tabs are expensive. Although I think the tabs make it easier to find a particular section, I do not think they are worth the added ... Read On >
Non-floral school auction centerpieces at “Night at the Museum”
Many of the galas I work use a floral centerpiece on the table. I certainly enjoy the freshness flowers bring to an event, but I've also seen some interesting non-floral options, especially when it comes to school auction centerpieces, as the one in this photo. Why do nonprofits opt for a non-floral arrangement? 1. Lower event expenses. As attractive as they are, flowers can be expensive. They become a "nice to have," not a "need to have," so they can be quickly cut from a ... Read On >
Oprah’s leaving daytime. Auction fundraisers should request tickets
I am often asked what is the best auction item to secure for an auction fundraiser. Easy answer: Tickets to The Oprah Winfrey Show In your auction, Oprah will outsell tickets to the Superbowl, a private helicopter charter to a Relaix and Chateaux property, and even the chance for a Presidential meet-and-greet. When Oprah tickets are up against any other item, it is -- to borrow a WWE term -- an Oprah SmackDown. As one auction guest told me, "Even if you aren't a huge fan of Oprah, she's so ... Read On >
Three license laws affecting benefit auctions
When I worked as an event planner for GE, I would have been mortified to inadvertently overlook a detail which could have shut down my event. With so many rules to follow from municipal, state, and federal bodies, it's difficult to stay on top of everything. As a benefit auctioneer Florida ... and in Virginia ... and in Kentucky ... and in New Hampshire .. and in some other states, I've learned that licensing varies greatly from location to location. Nonetheless, here are three more common ... Read On >
Proof of silent auction ideas that work: printer’s plate
A few months ago, I shared what a printer's plate is and how to get it. These plates make for nice silent auction items because they are unusual. At a recent event, I was walking the silent auction with my client before guests arrived. As we approached the plates pictured, she said, "We're really excited about these." "Wow," I said, "I wrote about how to get these donated a few months ago, but I don't often see them in auctions." "I know you wrote about it," she said, "That's how I got ... Read On >