I don't often get into conversations about fundraising auction decor because there are other, more critical elements to discuss that are tied directly to raising money. Yet for many committee members, decor is the "fun part" of the auction; it's what keeps them engaged. For that reason alone, I think it's worthy of discussion here. And specifically, I want to give a few ideas on how -- if you have an honoree or award winner -- you can honor their presence or their memory by ensuring the ... Read On >
Benefit Auctions Blog
Setting Fund a Need levels vs creating levels on the fly
I'm not a gal who likes to fly by the seat of my pants at a gala. I prefer a high level of preparation so I can better adapt when something does go off script. One place I've made spontaneous changes has been in the Fund a Need. My preference is to set paddle raise gift levels in advance, but here's one example where a spur of the moment change was warranted. At the event, my initial ask was to be $25,000, working my way down to smaller donation levels: $20,000 $15,000 ... Read On >
Double pleasure or half the joy? Splitting auction lot proceeds with other charities
Is it a bad idea to split the proceeds from your auction lot with other charities? If you read the article I wrote about Harvey Weinstein and his ties to the AmFAR Cannes auction, you might think it is. Recall that AmFAR is being investigated, and their problems began when they agreed to Weinstein's demands of splitting the proceeds on the sale of an auction package he secured. AmFAR had never before split proceeds with another charity. (Weinstein wanted half of the proceeds from his ... Read On >
School auction theme: Green for St. Patrick’s Day
I came across a few never-posted photos and videos featuring a few school auction themes. I was the fundraising auctioneer at an event that seems perfect to highlight this week, in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day 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. ... Read On >
Where to sit & what to notice when auditing an auction
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 >