When it comes to getting people to attend your event, the tactics run wild. You might have tried to "steal" guests via the cold-invitation approach. One of my clients poured through the benefit auction catalogs of nearby charities, made note that so-and-so supported THAT event, and then sent them an invitation to their own gala. It was effective. Remarkably, the nonprofit's highest silent auction spender that year came from sending the woman a "blind" invitation. I seem to recall she even ... Read On >
Benefit Auctions Blog
Auction decoration ideas: Elegant (yes, elegant) balloons
I don't like to write about auction decoration ideas. If it doesn't make you money, I'm less inclined to spend time educating you on it. And rarely do auction decorations make you money. But many of the volunteers on your benefit auction committees LOVE talking about decor, don't they? They get excited planning the colors ... considering the centerpieces ... thinking of ways to incorporate fun elements. It pains me that your budget for the decor may grow out of control. (It's so much ... Read On >
Party sign-up for the Moms
The majority of the school auctions my team works occur in the spring. As we approach Mother's Day, I start talking about "buying this jewelry for your wife" and "What a nice Mother's Day gift this item would be." Here's an activity that the Moms might enjoy. It could be advertised as a Mother's Day appreciation gift. Party sign-ups like this can be incorporated into the silent auction. Moms Night Out at the Movies Enjoy an evening out with the girls at the Avalon Theater. Join your friends ... Read On >
The OTHER thing to never say on stage at a benefit auction
Back in 2009, I penned an article that got quite a bit of traction on both my blog and social media outlets. It was called, “Never say this onstage at a fundraising auction.” (You might want to read that, if you haven't.) It’s time to revise. I now have TWO things to never say on stage. When I wrote the original article, I was doing so in the midst of an economic recession. Some of my clients were hell-bent on reminding their auction guests that the country was experiencing an economic ... Read On >
Silent auction entertainment that startles
One of my auctions this past weekend used this silent auction entertainment idea. As the idea is fresh in my mind, it’s a perfect time to give you some pointers on using this concept. They’re called living statues. Also called “human statues,” the idea is that a person stands “frozen” until he receives a donation or otherwise wants to startle a passer-by. At that point, he changes his position. Here’s why I like this form of entertainment ... and some tips on getting the most out of ... Read On >