I don't always open my Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) e-newsletter each month. This time, I couldn't click fast enough. The subject line was "Watch the demolition of an old power plant." If you're looking for some unique benefit auction item ideas, that's one! Imagine, the chance to watch -- live -- the destruction of the plant in a nearby (but protected) area. Maybe even the chance to walk around the grounds with FPL execs after the big blow-up. If FPL was a sponsor at any ... Read On >
Procurement
Harry Potter items sure to create a spectacle as silent auction items
The Harry Potter enterprise isn't just about books, movies and merchandise. It's also got a robust business in the "exhibition" area. Harry Potter, The Exhibition has been making the circuit showcasing all the cool stuff that goes into making the wizardry onscreen. It's a traveling, behind-the-scenes museum for the movie franchise. Scoring a couple of tickets to the uber-popular franchise's traveling exhibit would be a sweet item to add to your silent auction fundraiser. Chicago and Boston ... Read On >
“Demolishing” the idea of glamorous benefit auction items
I sell my share of New York weekend trips consisting of a show, dinner, and hotel. Who doesn't enjoy a glamorous weekend? But what about those off-the-wall benefit auction items that might be better suited for the stomping grounds of my youth? I think back to the Kansas State Fair, where this next item would have been easier to procure and would have made a big splash with auction guests. The chance to compete in a demolition derby. Last month I read an article in the Orange County Register ... Read On >
Wow, bulldozer auction item ideas turn out to be REAL business
In late July 2009, you might remember reading my blog post about some benefit auction item ideas I had -- like learning to drive a bulldozer and operate other heavy equipment such as dump trucks or excavators. I envisioned the donation could become a fun birthday party for boys ... or even a memorable party for grown men who might like to test their skills at operating some heavy equipment. I suggested procuring a 2-hour donation from your nearby Heavy Equipment Training Academy. Then in ... Read On >
Great charity auction items come from those “doing it anyway.”
You can get some excellent charity auction items when you ask people to donate something that he or she was going to do anyway. Call it a hobby or skill, they are activities that the donor would be engaged in, regardless of your auction. Meet imaginary Helen. Helen is one of the Mom's at your child's school. The woman's skin is so tan you swear she's at the pool every day. Nope. She's in her garden. Her husband and she bought a modest-sized house with a large yard. She's done unbelievable ... Read On >