Last Thursday a big box arrived on my doorstep. Unlike so many of the packages I receive, I had to sign for this one. I didn’t know what was in it. After the UPS truck pulled off, I investigated. I couldn’t remember ordering anything that would require such a large box. Plus, it was heavy. I cut the tape to see what was inside. I saw two Styrofoam containers. And then I removed the lid of the Styrofoam container. Aha! I immediately remembered a call I’d received from a consignor who ... Read On >
Procurement
Double pleasure or half the joy? Splitting auction lot proceeds with other charities
Is it a bad idea to split the proceeds from your auction lot with other charities? If you read the article I wrote about Harvey Weinstein and his ties to the AmFAR Cannes auction, you might think it is. Recall that AmFAR is being investigated, and their problems began when they agreed to Weinstein's demands of splitting the proceeds on the sale of an auction package he secured. AmFAR had never before split proceeds with another charity. (Weinstein wanted half of the proceeds from his ... Read On >
The best year-end tip for auction procurement
The holidays are here! As you mingle and jingle through the rest of December, keep this tip for auction procurement in mind. Listen to the chatter. Here's the deal. There's not much auction committee work getting done between now and January 1. Instead, it's a season for socializing. Companies host holiday parties. Friends host open houses. Families reconvene at homesteads. As your co-workers, friends, and relatives swap stories about what they've been doing, pay ... Read On >
4 ideas for handling auction donations that show up AT the event
Your auction catalog is printed. All items have attractive displays. Guests are arriving shortly. Lo and behold, a Board member/volunteer/parent arrives at registration with a last-minute donation. They'd been meaning to get this to you, but just didn't. What should you do? First, turn away as you roll your eyes. Second, consider these ideas. 1. Add the item to the live auction Here's a recent example from this past weekend. Upon arriving at the venue on Saturday night, I ... Read On >
Selling better sex and other awkward fundraising auction donations
These are real fundraising auction donations that have been sold by nonprofits. Vasectomy Vaginal tightening Various cosmetic surgery, cosmetic procedures, and diagnostics (e.g. injections, tummy tucks, impotence evaluation) Fertility treatment (IVF) I'm fairly certain that every donation received made the gala chair wince, followed by a "How am I going to sell this" moment. Though I have sold these types of donations in live auctions, they don't belong there. First, ... Read On >