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 >
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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 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 >
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 >