My team and I worked an event in southern Virginia which was one of the most attractive and creative auction themes I've attended. It wasn't a large audience -- the crowd only numbered around 225 -- but the decor and atmosphere was exquisite! It was one of the more magical auctions I've attended. The theme was Treasures of the Deep. All things of underwater intrigue could be found here. The dark, mysterious, quiet of the ocean seemed to come alive in this fitness facility (not that you could ... Read On >
Blog Post
Silent auction items could include a sleigh ride
With the winter solstice this week and snow in the forecast, we're in the heart of winter. If it feels like a sleigh ride might be on your "to do" activity list this season, don't forget to ask for a donation! Here are a some pointers around procuring a sleigh ride for your silent auction. Always ask. Spring and summer auction teams might not yet have the "procurement mindset" and may fail to remember to ask for a donation, even as they enjoy the sleigh ride with their own family. Don't be ... Read On >
Silent auction basket ideas: use wrap
With regards to silent auction basket ideas, a book could be written about how to make a nice display. Here's my take on one idea regarding wrapping. At smaller benefit auctions, you can be a bit loosey-goosey in how you present a silent auction basket. At larger fundraisers, you need to step up your game. Covering your baskets in a clear plastic shrink-wrap or a bag is smart. Here are the advantages of wrapping a silent auction basket in clear plastic or cellophane. 1) Contents don't ... Read On >
How many live auction items should you sell?
I'm asked this question frequently: "Sherry, how many live auction items do you recommend we sell at our gala?" The answer is a lot like eating prunes: "Will three get the job done? Is eight too many?" <wink> Many factors go into my answer because the "right number of live auction items" depends on the client. (Note that the "right number" of items is different than the "average number" of items. In 2015 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, my school clients sold an average of 15 live ... Read On >
Promoting holiday sale on modeling client’s website
Note to readers: Occasionally I make a post like this one, which is not related to my work as a benefit auctioneer Virginia. (Skip to another post to get auction tips.) +++++ A friend alerted me to this. Catherine's is one of my plus-size modeling clients. I'm featured on their Website home page this week. Fun! Here's a screenshot. ... Read On >