UPDATE: This class has passed. To keep abreast of future calls, subscribe to Benefit Auction Ideas. ++++++ If you've been reading my e-newsletter Benefit Auction Ideas (subscribe here), you know that I've been working to arrange for some teleconferences that will offer you more constructive ideas about specific aspects of your event. For one of my first topics, I'm interviewing nonprofit consultant Amy Delouise about getting Board support for your benefit auction. I've seen first-hand ... Read On >
Tips to Reduce No-Shows at Your Benefit Auction
This past spring, one of my clients experienced a higher-than-usual 9.5% no-show rate at their gala. If all of the no-shows had been seated together (they weren't), it would have amounted to over three empty tables. A significant number of no-shows impacts your benefit auction. First, you've likely already paid for the food so that is an incurred expense. Second, fewer guests means fewer people to bid on merchandise. Third, if it's obvious there are a number of guests missing, it may have a ... Read On >
Does a fund a need hurt your live auction proceeds?
One of the first questions I'm asked if a group is conducting it's first fund a need (also called an appeal, mission moment, and a dozen other names), "Don't you think that we'll make less money in the live auction or the silent auction if we also conduct an appeal?" No, I don't. Nor has that proven to be the case at any of the 50 auctions I conduct onsite annually. Instead, my client just raises more money. We raise the same or similar live auction revenue. We raise the same or similar ... Read On >
Should the People You Serve Be Invited to Your NonProfit Auction?
A handful of the nonprofit galas I work have a dramatically diverse mix of guests. The crowd is comprised of three distinct groups: non-paying clients non-paying (or reduced-ticket-price) employees of the non-profit paying guests Although I can appreciate why a handful of non-paying/free guests might be allowed to attend (e.g. a reward to an employee, or asking someone to speak), a few of the nonprofit auctions I've worked have seen the majority of the attendees -- the majority! -- be ... Read On >
Celebrity Charity – Enlisting Stars to Your Cause
Wondering how to get celebrities to your party? Occasionally I’ll have a conversation with a non-profit attempting to build awareness of their gala. They want to invite a well-recognized actor or musician to the event. The charity’s goal is multifaceted. The presence of a star could draw others to attend their gala The star himself might donate to the auction, thereby raising funds in a more direct way. The close passing of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson - both active in ... Read On >