Smoking is one of those habits many wish to break. Unless you're part of a spiritual community that bans it at your gala, hit "print" and use this article to make money on that vice. Cigars sell. You might not like smoking. You might like pipes but not cigars. You might smoke cigarettes, but hate cigar smoke. It matters not. Unless you're the big spender procuring and buying ALL of the items at your gala, check any righteous attitude you hold. Do what's best for the cause -- procure some ... Read On >
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Become a charity auction rock star with these just-released procurement tools
With the new year brings a return to routines. I'm attending many committee meetings and watching volunteers working hard on spring auctions. The questions I'm asked most center around charity auction procurement. And no wonder! It's one of those make-or-break areas of an auction gala. If you don’t nail it – if you can’t get the right items -- your guests won’t be bidding and you won’t be raising money. Some of the more frequent questions committees have are: Who likes to donate? Which ... Read On >
VIDEO: Holiday trees as auction fundraising items
Organizations holding November and December events should consider selling decorated holiday trees in their live or silent auction galas. As you'll see in the video, the trees can be decorated elaborately or simply. Children, adults, or professional decorators can lend their talents to making the tree a standout item in your fundraiser. Watch the video below. ... Read On >
VIDEO: Charity auction items – Heavy Equipment Training School
UPDATE: I wrote this original post in July 2009. Three years later (July 2012) I traveled to Spokane, WA for a National Auctioneers Association convention. While there, I dined with two clients from a local hospital foundation. I learned that they solicited this item when they read my idea. The item sold for $1700 in their live auction in Year #1, and $500 in the silent auction in Year #2. These ideas work! +++++++++++++ Charity auction items should be boring, and here's one idea to bring some ... Read On >
VIDEO: How to successfully sell a puppy at your gala
Occasionally a puppy will be listed as one of the items for sale in a gala auction. If you're considering selling a dog at your event, please watch this video. You'll learn tips to help ensure the animal gets started off on the right foot with its new family. Watch the video below. ... Read On >