A few months ago, I shared what a printer's plate is and how to get it. These plates make for nice silent auction items because they are unusual. At a recent event, I was walking the silent auction with my client before guests arrived. As we approached the plates pictured, she said, "We're really excited about these." "Wow," I said, "I wrote about how to get these donated a few months ago, but I don't often see them in auctions." "I know you wrote about it," she said, "That's how I got ... Read On >
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PODCAST: Benefit auction item ideas – stock the bar | stock the cellar
The upcoming holiday season has me thinking about parties, and that naturally led me think about what we often serve at them ... food and alcohol.If you're seeking some new benefit auction item ideas and haven't yet tried a stock the bar| stock the cellar activity, maybe this is your year to try it. It's a way to have many people make a small contribution that enables you to sell a larger item at the auction.In this podcast, I explain what it is and different ways to execute it. Listen to the ... Read On >
Benefit auction item ideas: stock the bar | stock the cellar
The upcoming holiday season has me thinking about seasonal get-togethers. Here's a benefit auction item idea fitting to the season. I heard of an older couple who opted to forego the traditional gifts at their wedding. If any guest wanted to give a gift, the couple suggested bringing a bottle of wine so they could "stock the cellar." (I like this idea. I've got enough "stuff" for my house, but the cellar can always be filled.) Similarly, some bridal showers (co-ed) are "stock the bar" ... Read On >
Benefit auction donations from artists (Steve Haskamp shares his perspective)
Meet Steve Haskamp. He's an honest-to-goodness, full-time artist. (He's the creative sort with cool ideas you should add to your benefit auction donations wish list.) If you visit his blog, you'll view his designs which are used on greeting cards at Target, Trader Joe's, children's clothing, books, prints, tote bags, magazines, housewares, and a ton of other stuff. I met Steve through his partner, Dale, who is good friend of mine from college. Steve has one of those jobs I find interesting. ... Read On >
PODCAST: How to Successfully Sell a Puppy in Your Auction Fundraiser
I love dogs and I live in one of the United States' friendliest dog towns in Northern Virginia. There is no shortage of dog lovers in this part of the world, and it's not uncommon for me to sell a couple of puppies a year at different auction fundraisers.Most guests respond well to the animal, often asking questions about the breed, temperament, shots, etc. In addition, the sale itself is often high. Here in Washington, D.C., the puppy can bring $2000 to $5000.To make the sale a positive ... Read On >