Fundraising auction ideas for vegetables

Yes, I know this is fruit. But you could just as easily put small vegetables in these vases.

A group asked me about vegetables recently, so I thought others might have a need, too.

It’s not that crazy of an idea. I already broached the topic (sort of) this past summer in my post Four Ways to Sell Farm-to-Table Donations.

Here are some fundraising auction ideas for those not-so-lowly, rich-in-antioxidants vegetables.

Centerpieces
Colorful veggies in a clear vase. See the photos for ideas.

Graphics
If you’re hosting an event that focuses on the “feast” portion of the night, incorporate a pretty vegetable into your logo for the year. The graphic can be used on all your printed and Web material.

Decor
Use them as display when showcasing auction packages, both in the silent auction and the live auction. For instance, if you’re selling cooking lessons, or the opportunity for a chef to visit your home and prepare a meal, having a few potatoes and fresh green beans on a cutting board might get the idea across.

Silent auction item

A fall-themed centerpiece used gourds. This could also work as simple decor in other parts of the auction.

A fall-themed centerpiece used gourds. This could also work as simple decor in other parts of the auction.

Put veggies in a basket and sell it as “A Farmer’s Market Special, without the trip to the market.”

Or if you’ve got an auction donation such as a crock pot, juicer, cookbooks, or cooking pots, throw some veggies into the auction package to make the display look less sterile.

Live auction item

CSA’s are hot! It’s a growing trend.

If you can get a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group to offer you an annual subscription, that might be sexy enough to become a live auction item in your benefit auction. I’ve got a couple of clients who could easily sell this donation in a live auction and bring good money.

Or another option … that CSA donation would also be an excellent raffle item. It’s not gender-specific, and it’s something many people wouldn’t necessarily think to buy, but would enjoy it.

Now it’s YOUR turn. Any other ideas on how to use vegetables in an auction?