I recently cleared my desk of papers and found this clipping my Mom mailed to me a few months ago. It was a nice event worth sharing. This wasn't an auction, but it was a fundraising gala. Read on... My trip to Kansas this summer coincided with a local fundraiser. It was a well-crafted event and a nice gesture on behalf of the young man who organized it. Adam Hoffines graduated from high school in 2006. He headed to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and graduated in ... Read On >
Blog Post
Benefit auction item ideas: stock the bar | stock the cellar
The upcoming holiday season has me thinking about seasonal get-togethers. Here's a benefit auction item idea fitting to the season. I heard of an older couple who opted to forego the traditional gifts at their wedding. If any guest wanted to give a gift, the couple suggested bringing a bottle of wine so they could "stock the cellar." (I like this idea. I've got enough "stuff" for my house, but the cellar can always be filled.) Similarly, some bridal showers (co-ed) are "stock the bar" ... Read On >
Benefit auction donations from artists (Steve Haskamp shares his perspective)
Meet Steve Haskamp. He's an honest-to-goodness, full-time artist. (He's the creative sort with cool ideas you should add to your benefit auction donations wish list.) If you visit his blog, you'll view his designs which are used on greeting cards at Target, Trader Joe's, children's clothing, books, prints, tote bags, magazines, housewares, and a ton of other stuff. I met Steve through his partner, Dale, who is good friend of mine from college. Steve has one of those jobs I find interesting. ... Read On >
How to Successfully Sell a Puppy in Your Auction Fundraiser
I love dogs and I live in one of the United States' friendliest dog towns (Alexandria, VA). There are lots of dog lovers in this part of the world, and I usually sell one or two donated puppies each year as part of a live auction fundraiser. Selling a puppy in a live auction is certainly memorable and profitable. Here in Washington, D.C., the puppy can bring $2000 to $5000 per sale. Most bidders respond to the animal positively and are eager to pet the little guy while inquiring about its age, ... Read On >
12 ways to market your auction fundraiser using social media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Social media applications like blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be useful tools in helping you achieve mindshare in your auction guests. Not only are these tools free to use, but they enable you to relay short, constant reminders about your cause and auction fundraiser. Creating "something to write" can be overwhelming for some, so here are 12 auction-related ideas on what you (or your public relations volunteer) can post on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, or other social networking ... Read On >