I recently found some auction photos and videos I never posted from 2016. One school auction video seems perfect to highlight this week as St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated this weekend. The Green Gate Gala is so named because of a green gate found on the Catholic school's campus. The school color is green. The event is held around St. Patrick's Day and boosts the Irish vibe with Irish dancers, shamrocks, and similar thematic elements. The event is held in the school gym. ... Read On >
Benefit Auctions Blog
Different perspectives from the front and back of the benefit auction ballroom
When I was in the 5th grade, the room was arranged with an aisle down the middle and rows of three desks clustered on either side of the aisle. I was in the last row seated with two friends, Bryon and Tammy. As an adult in a classroom setting, I like to sit in the 2nd row next to a wall. But as a 5th grader, I was assigned to sit in the back. We snickered over 5th grade antics. Tammy and I would pretend Bryon had no brain and we'd talk "through" his head as he sat between us. It was ... Read On >
Fake flower auction centerpieces that may be more creative than the real thing
In just a couple of days, flowers -- especially roses -- are going to be delivered to doorsteps and offices all over the USA, brightening the faces of many as they are honored by a beloved for Valentine's Day. Fresh flowers are still a popular centerpiece choice for many auction galas, but if your budget can't swing fresh, then let's look at fake. Two of my clients figured out how to fill their tables with colorful flowers on the cheap. Last fall I worked two auction fundraisers ... Read On >
Why hold an auction? The intangible benefits of auctions
What is the purpose of a fundraising auction? Most people will immediately think of the most tangible benefit of a fundraising auction -- MONEY. Nonprofit auctions are generally launched to raise cash. When the event is over, the gross and net income are often reviewed by the committee and Board. The auction might be stamped as "successful" if it has achieved a certain financial goal. Tied to this, once an auction is on a nonprofit's annual calendar, it's rarely removed as the income is ... Read On >
Grape expectations: Selling premium wine as a revenue generator
Wine is a commonly included item at many fundraising auctions. It's used to bring in money via games such as wine pulls and ring toss games. It's sold as complete packages in silent auction and live auction lots. Bottles are often added to other packages to enhance them. Select wine tastings can be offered to sponsors as a benefit. And -- the focus of this article -- wine upgrades can also be sold outright as a money-making activity. Selling better wine to be served at one's ... Read On >