Though I've been working fundraising auctions the last couple of months, I only recently conducted my first school auction of 2022. I learned this: Your audience has changed. Based on my experience, I have some advice for those of you planning private school auctions this year. Watch the video to learn my big “a ha!” and what you should do to better prepare for your first post-pandemic, in-person auction. https://youtu.be/2-xoRp5rpTE ... Read On >
school auction
FREE TRAINING: The Future of School Auctions
Register for the free discussion on The Future of School Auctions. Dates: June 16, 2021 and June 30, 2021 ==================== It’s a busy time for school advancement teams. You're overseeing graduations, wrapping up the Annual Fund campaign, and managing other end of school year activities. But soon, you'll be on vacation, and letting hybrid gala ideas percolate in your mind while sunbathing is a great idea. Tomorrow (and June 30) is the conversation. Register for ... Read On >
Perspective matters: 3 stories about school auctions
This past weekend I shared some work stories with a friend who knows nothing about school auctions. She thought they were interesting. Maybe you will, too. The underlying theme is perspective, and how and where you live influences your school auction. ============================ The influx of wealth from China is shaping school auctions At one of my big-city school auctions two years ago, a one-week stay in Greece sold for $25k. The buyer was a student's grandparent. The woman ... Read On >
Who should you believe — the benefit auctioneer, the auction software company, the consignor?
Have you seen memes like this? There are many variations referencing different professions. It reminded me of a conversation I had with a medical doctor at a fundraiser this summer. I was working on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The doctor and I were talking about changes in her job. Patient consultations are different than just a few years ago. To paraphrase, she said: "People are more informed, but on the flip side, some think that spending a few hours in front ... Read On >
Is your school auction doing fundraising by 1000 cuts?
At a recent nonprofit fundraising event, the nonprofit decided they didn't want to push the raffle. If a guest approached a volunteer to buy a $50 raffle ticket — fine. But they didn’t want volunteers to walk up to groups of people and ask guests to buy a raffle ticket. "In a few minutes, we're going to be asking these people to donate anywhere from $100 to $5000. It makes no sense to nickel and dime them for a $50 raffle ticket," was their rationale. This cocktail-styled event had no ... Read On >