Video

May 23

Carnival auction themes from school fundraisers

An elementary school client asked for some game and design ideas. She and her committee are considering a carnival-esque auction theme for their annual fundraiser next year.Imagine red and white stripes. Family entertainment. Festive games. Finger food. "Something to do for everyone," she concluded.Here are video clips I compiled over the last three years, each featuring a different school with a different theme, but yet all three auction themes have the vibe she ... Read On >

May 09

Reusable auction bid paddle sticks: Good for storage and sponsors

I have an old video (it was my first video ever) that educates on what makes for a good fundraising auction bid paddle.It's hideous. It has all the markings of a first-time video, including awkward speaking, less-than-perfect audio, and bad hair.But the content is good.Even 9 years later, people comment on the video, thanking me for the information that helped them decide on a good bid paddle for their fundraiser.One idea the video doesn't share is the idea of reusable bid ... Read On >

Apr 11

Auction item displays benefit from photo books like this

Here's a quick tip on how to improve your auction item displays when you're offering a trip in either the silent or live auction.Use a photo book in your display. "Photo book" is the name I give to books (and I use the term "books" loosely) which feature photos of the inside of the property, outside of the property, and activities to do in the area.Think of it as a handmade version of a traditional coffee table picture book.Sometimes these books are a few pieces of paper stapled ... Read On >

Mar 14

Unique fundraising auction venue: car dealership

Earlier this month I headed to Florida to again work with a Boys & Girls Club whose fundraising auction venue is a local car dealership.Clearly this dealership is a good partner of the nonprofit, greatly inconveniencing itself to transform its space -- sales floor, customer waiting area, service bay and lanes -- into a festive venue to host a sit-down dinner for just under 200 guests.Attendees begin the evening with a reception and silent auction in the service bay and customer ... Read On >

Jun 29

[Video] Should you promote the benefit auctioneer?

Yesterday I received this question from a client. Again this year, we are thinking about putting a Smartphone Auction card in our invite and on the back, adding information about two or three exciting live auction items with details about our auctioneer (you), including maybe your photo. We are trying to inform our guests that we have a new auctioneer. Here is what we were thinking we could say: "We’re putting together an exciting array of auction prizes, including X, Y, Z, and more! ... Read On >