Fundraising gala auctioneer Sherry Truhlar

display

One silent auction display idea for jewelry, furs, and fashion

Gala auctions tend to have no shortage of jewelry. It's across the board at my events ... live auctions, silent auctions, bonuses, games, upgrades, etc. Some groups do a better job than others at showcasing the pieces. And then there are those random clothing items that are donated: dresses, furs, coats, and the like. Given that your silent auction is -- at its core -- a retail store, what's one good silent auction display idea for selling your wares? (Sidebar comment: Gosh, if you've spent ... Read On >

How to display a flag selling at a benefit auction

My team recently fielded a question by LinkedIn reader Ed in Oklahoma City.  Ed was curious about how he should display a couple of flags he'd procured. He would be selling them in his benefit auction. Each would likely go into a separate package, but could be sold individually. He wanted ideas.  "A folded flag doesn't seem too appealing to me," he wrote. Well, it might not be appealing. But that's how most are sold. Typically flags are folded and stored in a triangular wooden case ... Read On >

VIDEO: Using Sticky Note Marketing in your Silent Auction

Ah shucks.  I shot this video right before Valentine's Day but we didn't get it posted in time. No big deal. Though I reference Valentine's Day, the marketing concept I'm teaching works for other holidays, too. Mother's Day, graduation, Christmas ... any holiday, really. (This will all make sense when you watch the video.) Remember: It's not just about getting great items. It's about MARKETING them. So in this video, you'll hear about some silent auction ideas for benefits as it relates to ... Read On >

Everyone’s FAVORITE color on the silent auction tables

My post this week is about your silent auction tables and the BEST color to put on them. It seems to be everyone's favorite color. And it's a perfect time for me to share this insight, as next week is Valentine's Day, which is a popular holiday for the giving of jewelry. (This will all make sense in one moment!) Have you heard this phrase? - "People will find the bar on the 5th floor of a 2-story building." My observation is that after finding the bar at your gala (and munching on an ... Read On >