At a conference I attended this past summer, consultant Lori Jacobwith gave a presentation on storytelling. She shared a framework for creating a story. Storytelling is a powerful way to educate and connect guests to your cause, regardless of your event's style. In some cases -- and certainly during the events of which I'm a part – the complete story is often revealed immediately prior to me asking guests to make a contribution during a paddle raise / fund a need. When you host events ... Read On >
Video clips from hybrid and virtual galas – acknowledging at-home bidders
This past month has been a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid galas. I've been working on getting comfortable with different approaches. These clips represent some new layouts and technology for me, which better allow me to acknowledge and involve at-home bidders. ==================================== Hybrid gala 100 in-room guests / 100 at-home guests Selling a trip to Martha's Vineyard What to watch: Bids from at-home guests whereby I engaged them by looking at the ... Read On >
What to sell at your association gala auction
If you work for an association, your live auction will have a few different items in it than a standard nonprofit auction. In this video, I give examples for four types of associations I've supported and examples of auction items to sell. Industry trade associations for businesses Associations with regional chapters or affiliations Associations for professionals to join, such as structural engineers or cosmetology Associations for individuals interested in a particular hobby, ... Read On >
The case for good auction item descriptions (EG: Far Niente wine)
I like to be prepared for my fundraising auctions, as I know it matters in different ways to the donor, the nonprofit, and the guests. In this video, I share a recent example of how the printed description of a donation (a vertical of Far Niente wine) didn't seem to match the label of the wine. The last thing I wanted to do was screw up the description of the 5-bottle donation. It's pricey, and the donation even included a unicorn 2016 vintage. Furthermore, about 300 C-level people would ... Read On >
Hybrid galas: How I’m taking bids from the virtual bidders
Over the last two years, the one big constant has been change. I’ve had substantial changes take place in my work and personal life. You may have, too. When it comes to changes in fundraising galas, we covered ticketing strategies, VIP boxes, games, and other elements of virtual gala fundraisers in my Conversation series. (My Virtual Gala Cheat Sheet is still a popular free download.) And now, as we shift into yet another new gala style -- hybrid galas -- I'm finding myself making ... Read On >