Lighting can make a stunning difference in the ambiance of your benefit auction. But if an auction lighting company isn't in the budget, there might be elements that could be managed by an enthusiastic volunteer. I'm not suggesting it would be easy or ideal, but I've no doubt there are some volunteers out there who like to dabble and play. And if I provided an idea what could be done with lighting via this blog post, that might be all of the encouragement you need to get started. So that ... Read On >
Decor
Venetian masks used as auction centerpieces
At a nonprofit auction, the Venetian masks made for a lovely auction centerpiece. Venice is one of the most popular auction themes I see. Maybe it's the city's canals, its Carnival, or just the Italian culture in general that seems to capture our imaginations. At every Venice-themed auction I've worked, masks have been incorporated into the decor. At this fundraiser, the masks had a predominant role in the auction centerpieces. Each centerpiece showcased lovely half-masks. Many of the ... Read On >
Using kids to raise cash at your gala, even when they aren’t attending – Part 1
Over the last few months, I've offered benefit auction ideas on managing your gala in a bad economy. You can use all kinds of techniques to ensure your revenues remain strong in a recession, but one solid strategy of raising money - regardless of economic winds - is to show guests how their donation impacts others. In this case, children. Children (and animals, to a large degree) seem to have universal appeal which you can tap into. Many organizations benefit kids in one way, shape, or ... Read On >
Auction themes play to underwater mysteries with Treasures of the Deep
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 >
Auction centerpiece ideas – LEDs for low-cost glam
Here's a simple way to add glitz to your benefit auction centerpiece... A recent issue of BizBash Magazine Florida featured Uplyte's mini LEDs (light emitting diode) which can be submerged in water and have twice the brightness of traditional LEDs. They have a 12-hour battery life in water, which is plenty of time to drop them into the base of a centerpiece and let them glow through the speakers, dinner, live auction, entertainment, and whatever else you've got planned for the benefit ... Read On >