At least once a year, I’ll share tips about audio systems for fundraising auctions. (I include links to some past posts under the video.) The reason being is that good audio is a crucial element to a charity auction, but I personally find it difficult to convey its intricacies. Even so, I am giving it a shot in today's video. Over the last two years of virtual galas, our technology issues have been focused on connectivity, latency, and video -- NOT audio. With so much attention on ... Read On >
Advice for private school auction planners for 2022
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 >
Handling COVID safety precautions at your fundraising auction
How are you handling COVID precautions at your gala? Whether you are in an 'open' state or one that is more cautious, supporters want to know what they should expect at your event. Consider devoting a page to your gala website to COVID requirements. If you won't be doing anything -- tell them. If you expect them to upload a vaccination card, proof of booster, negative test, and wear a N-95 respiration mask -- tell them. If you're going to have comfort-level bracelets available ... Read On >
Fundraising auction consignment: It’s OK to use more than one company
Though not ideal, one method of getting items to sell at your auction gala is simply to buy them. And one place to buy them is through consignment companies. During last week's Auction Procurement Masterclass, a student asked if it was OK / allowed to have more than one auction consignment company represented at your gala. The answer is “yes,” and I share why you might want to do that in the video. https://youtu.be/rAKxyORBIYo ... Read On >
Are you procuring “experiences” for your benefit auction? Hm…
In recent years, the prevailing advice I seem to catch online is that nonprofits should put more "experiences" into their auction line-up. Fundraising auction procurement angled towards "experiences" will presumably garner the big bucks. To be clear, we're not talking about experiences like a colonoscopy or dental work. It's more like a trip with a wine tasting. Or a hot air balloon ride. But here's my take: I don't believe that telling a committee member to "go get some experiences ... Read On >