This past spring, one of my clients experienced a higher-than-usual 9.5% no-show rate at their gala. If all of the no-shows had been seated together (they weren't), it would have amounted to over three empty tables. A significant number of no-shows impacts your benefit auction. First, you've likely already paid for the food so that is an incurred expense. Second, fewer guests means fewer people to bid on merchandise. Third, if it's obvious there are a number of guests missing, it may have a ... Read On >
Does a paddle-raise hurt your live auction proceeds?
If a group is conducting its first paddle raise (also called a fund a need, mission moment, and other names) "Don't you think that we'll make less money in the live auction or the silent auction if we also conduct an appeal?" No, I don't. Nor has that proven to be the case at any of the auctions I conduct onsite annually. Instead, my client just raises more money. We raise the same or similar live auction revenue. We raise the same or similar silent auction revenue. And by adding in ... Read On >
Should the People You Serve Be Invited to Your NonProfit Auction?
A handful of the nonprofit galas I work have a dramatically diverse mix of guests. The crowd is comprised of three distinct groups: non-paying clients non-paying (or reduced-ticket-price) employees of the non-profit paying guests Although I can appreciate why a handful of non-paying/free guests might be allowed to attend (e.g. a reward to an employee, or asking someone to speak), a few of the nonprofit auctions I've worked have seen the majority of the attendees -- the majority! -- be ... Read On >
Celebrity Charity – Enlisting Stars to Your Cause
Wondering how to get celebrities to your party? Occasionally I’ll have a conversation with a non-profit attempting to build awareness of their gala. They want to invite a well-recognized actor or musician to the event. The charity’s goal is multifaceted. The presence of a star could draw others to attend their gala The star himself might donate to the auction, thereby raising funds in a more direct way. The close passing of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson - both active in ... Read On >
Making the best of a $250 bad situation
Lord & Taylor department store in Tyson's Corner, VA has a great selection of fine dresses. It's one of my favorite stores to shop when buying gowns and cocktail dresses for benefit auctions. During the store's May sale, I was in a hurry. I quickly scoured the racks, bought three dresses, and took them home. One of the gowns was a Donna Ricco one-shoulder dress. Normally I wouldn't buy a one-shoulder dress for work, and $250 is the top-end of what I'd pay, but it fit so well, hit at the ... Read On >