Maybe you don't WANT an auction theme. It's not your style. Maybe it seems like too much work. But still, the idea of nothing on the gala tables or silent auction areas seems UNfestive. What to use? I worked at three auctions this past weekend. Two of them were for schools and one for a nonprofit. One of the schools utilized a tactic I've seen often used at nonprofit galas that didn't have a specific theme. The school decorated the tables with glass beads in colors befitting of their theme ... Read On >
Centerpieces
Use lemon scent to boost charitable giving at your gala auction
Before the live auction begins at your next gala, consider running through the ballroom spritzing a lemon-scented air freshener. Worst case, ask the hotel housekeeping for a clean-smelling window cleaner and do the same thing. Some 2009 research proved that smelling citrus dramatically increases our charitable nature. The study found a big improvement in ethical behavior with just a few spritzes of citrus-scented Windex. Katie Liljenquist of Brigham Young University, Chen-Bo Zhong of The ... Read On >
Auction centerpiece ideas for your next charity gala
Seems to me that all gala planners seek auction centerpiece ideas and table decor tips. Enjoy these three YouTube videos that will get you thinking about your gala's tables. Three tips for success with auction centerpieces Benefit Auction Table Centerpieces: Should you sell them or give them away? Benefit Auction Tip: Shrink those floral centerpieces Every committee with whom I work spends time talking décor and centerpieces. I’d love to know what you've done with centerpieces. What ... Read On >
VIDEO: Fundraising auction ideas using vegetables
One of my food-related charities asked me for some suggestions on how they might incorporate the almighty vegetable into their gala. I revisited some previous events for ideas and here's what I shared with them. Any of you wondering if these fundraising auction ideas would work for fruit should know that -- yes, of course. ;) Watch the video below. ... Read On >
Gala centerpieces don’t have to be flowers
Floral gala centerpieces are the norm at most of our auctions, but are other ways of decorating your table. Check out this NON-floral, balloon centerpiece I saw in St. Louis, MO last week at the Missouri Meetings & Events Expo. The "Boot Camp" theme of the Expo wasn't lost on the company that brought this balloon bouquet. American Carnival Mart decked out their booth in full Boot Camp motif, so this "floral" arrangement is on the green-and-black side. As you can see, the balloons ... Read On >