I sell my share of New York weekend trips consisting of a show, dinner, and hotel. Who doesn't enjoy a glamorous weekend? But what about those off-the-wall benefit auction items that might be better suited for the stomping grounds of my youth? I think back to the Kansas State Fair, where this next item would have been easier to procure and would have made a big splash with auction guests. The chance to compete in a demolition derby. Last month I read an article in the Orange County Register ... Read On >
Silent auction entertainment ideas for the 20-something crowd.
I received a random email blast for which I'd not signed up. In other words, spam. As I prepared to hit "delete," the words "Silent Party" caught my eye. Thinking it was something related to a silent auction, I struggled to understand the poorly written press release. Baffled, I looked at the photos and clicked the website videos. Aha, I got it. If you're seeking some silent auction entertainment ideas for 20-somethings (Millennials / young professional) crowd, this might work for ... Read On >
Wow, bulldozer auction item ideas turn out to be REAL business
In late July 2009, you might remember reading my blog post about some benefit auction item ideas I had -- like learning to drive a bulldozer and operate other heavy equipment such as dump trucks or excavators. I envisioned the donation could become a fun birthday party for boys ... or even a memorable party for grown men who might like to test their skills at operating some heavy equipment. I suggested procuring a 2-hour donation from your nearby Heavy Equipment Training Academy. Then in ... Read On >
Great charity auction items come from those “doing it anyway.”
You can get some excellent charity auction items when you ask people to donate something that he or she was going to do anyway. Call it a hobby or skill, they are activities that the donor would be engaged in, regardless of your auction. Meet imaginary Helen. Helen is one of the Mom's at your child's school. The woman's skin is so tan you swear she's at the pool every day. Nope. She's in her garden. Her husband and she bought a modest-sized house with a large yard. She's done unbelievable ... Read On >
Chicago benefit auctions – Submissions due for BizBash awards
If you've incorporated some fresh benefit auction ideas into your gala, perhaps you should be recognized for your work? Here's one way to get a feather in your Auction Chair (or event management) cap. Submit your event to BizBash Chicago. Though there doesn't seem to be any specific award for benefit auctions specifically, you can still submit your gala into almost 20 different categories differentiated by budget, concept, and other elements. I have had two auction clients in 2008 and one ... Read On >