Oh I wish I had a video that captured the vignette I’m about to describe ... In late September I was in Ohio speaking. The next day, I met with a public school foundation for a private consultation. The group is dramatically changing their gala, so I was sharing photos from appropriate events to give them ideas. One of the Co-Chairs said, “Do you have other photos I can see?” As if on cue, the Executive Director whipped out her copy of Creative Auction Themes, Decor & Centerpieces, handed ... Read On >
Benefit Auctions Blog
Fundraising auction tips: The simplest decor idea on the planet
Maybe you don't WANT an auction theme. It's not your style. Maybe it seems like too much work. But still, the idea of nothing on the gala tables or silent auction areas seems UNfestive. What to use? I worked at three auctions this past weekend. Two of them were for schools and one for a nonprofit. One of the schools utilized a tactic I've seen often used at nonprofit galas that didn't have a specific theme. The school decorated the tables with glass beads in colors befitting of their theme ... Read On >
Should you accept last-minute fundraising auction donations?
One of my onsite clients was approached by one of their other vendors. He offered them a consigned condo. They forwarded me his email. I nearly fell off my chair when I read it. Here are the first few phrases of the email: Hi CLIENT, Here's the "offer" email I typically send out 30 days before an event... ----- I hope you are making good progress on your donations for your upcoming event. I wanted to help with what I think is a win-win offer. My wife and I have a condo in ... Read On >
How to market last-minute charity auction donations
Here are some ideas on how to market charity auction donations that arrive "last minute," meaning anything acquired after the catalog is printed. Small items are less of a worry. If a $25 gift card isn't properly promoted, you could give it to a hard-working volunteer and feel good about it. But what about something like an $85,000 donation? (See photo.) Charity auction donations that are valuable and attractive to guests must have onsite marketing. It's important to get the word out for ... Read On >
Ready to see bidders “freak out?” Here’s how … don’t include Extended Bidding in your mobile bidding silent auction.
Yesterday I explained the difference between Max Bid and Extended Bidding. I don't want to tell you what to do, but if you don't understand the difference between the two features (and most people won't...), you should read that post FIRST. +++++++++++++ Max Bidding doesn't work that well because most people aren't honest with themselves when it comes to putting in our "real" top bid. We put in a number that we "hope" to buy the item for. We don't put in what we are REALLY willing to pay, ... Read On >