I refer to auction games, raffles, and activities as the “bells and whistles” of benefit auctions. It's an understatement to call them revenue generators as they do more than make you money. These are the fun add-ons designed to address specific problems, involve the crowd, trigger fun, attract press, and (yes) make you money. Today’s post addresses the “attract press” piece. Many groups seem decent at securing post-gala publicity, but it's the pre-event recognition that will help you ... Read On >
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Making your gala fun with auction games
I’ve said it, and I’ve heard others say it: Charity auctions should emphasize the mission of the nonprofit. Maybe part of the program is devoted to telling the nonprofit’s story. Maybe every live or silent auction item sold has a tie to the mission. Maybe the benefit auctioneer inserts one-liners like, “Remember, .90 cents of every dollar you donate feeds the homeless.” I agree with a mission-focus. But galas also need to be fun. It's rewarding to hear about improved health ... Read On >
Need fresh silent auction ideas? Handheld bidding devices are trendy.
UPDATE: The telecourse mentioned has passed, but the content below is still valid. To keep abreast of future calls, subscribe to Benefit Auction Ideas. ++++++ What’s missing from the silent auction table in this photo? There are no bid sheets. You see four items and no bid sheets. Your silent auction can now “go digital” through the use of handheld bidding devices. There are a few companies offering this technology and each has its own approach. At this auction, guests were handed an ... Read On >
A dirty little secret about growing your benefit auction gala
UPDATE: The telecourse mentioned has passed, but the content below is still valid. To keep abreast of future calls, subscribe to Benefit Auction Ideas. ++++++ Assume you’re the Auction Chair of a benefit auction. It includes a silent and live auction raising $20,000, and you want a bump in that number. You want to grow the bottom line by $5k, so you add two affordable activities into the evening: a $5-ticket raffle and a cash appeal allowing guests to donate varying amounts ranging from $25 ... Read On >
Where to get charity auction items
Wondering where to get charity auction items? If you’re new to auction fundraisers, you might not realize all of your options. There are three primary ways to secure items. 1. The traditional way is to ask friends, family, and businesses for donated items. This is the most common approach and generally the best because it garners you the greatest returns. The donor might give you a product from their place of business, agree to let you sell a one week stay in their ... Read On >