Earlier this month one of my school auction clients returned to a non-traditional space that fits their event well. The venue is an atrium at the nearby botanical gardens. Their school auction themes have run the gamut, and this year, the committee opted for colorful Mumbai. In the video you'll see the elements the Auction Chair incorporated into the evening. Even without decorations, the atrium is beautiful (and the snow outside made it even more so, I think), but this is a school ... Read On >
Theme
Video: Brand your fundraiser with a consistent gala auction theme
A few years ago I worked with an American Heart Association chapter located in a less populated area. Because of their size and budget differences, they approached their gala differently than the larger chapter I worked with in Washington, D.C. To conserve money on design and printing, they collaborated with two other regional AHA chapters. All three used the same gala theme each year in their respective locations. The marketing materials, forms, and even some decorative pieces of the ... Read On >
Auction theme ideas: Recycle that shredding
As we 'wrap up' the Christmas holidays (get the pun?), I'm betting that you have some extra shredding laying around the house. Gift packages are often shipped in a generous pile of shredding in order to protect the contents inside. Before you casually toss the packaging material into your local community recycling bin, take a good look at it. Some of the newer types of materials can be used in auction fundraisers. The video below shows three types of shredding I've received and offers ... Read On >
Searching for trendy fundraising auction themes? Use the official color of 2014 (Radiant Orchid)
Congratulations to "Radiant Orchid." From a field of millions, she's been chosen by Pantone to be the 2014 color of the year. You'll soon see this color popping up in clothing, makeup, toys, fabrics ... even websites. To my untrained eye, my 2013 / 2014 website color theme even uses shades of this color. And don't be surprised if you see it in a few fundraising auction themes, either. (For dozens of ideas and photos easily organized to help you with auction themes, centerpieces, and decor, ... Read On >
The right charity venues make selecting the school auction theme easy
A couple of years ago I spoke at an event in St. Louis and talked with the Silver Rails Event Center in La Plata, MO. It's a railroad-themed inn and railroad museum (based on an 1800s railroad depot), located on the historic Wabash line. I've written before about unusual venues for benefit auctions. As the event coordinator told me about her railroad-inspired space, it brought to mind another story. Here's a penny-pinching, common-sense suggestion ... If you want guests to walk into a themed ... Read On >