Here's a super hot idea for your charity auction items list. Fashionistas know that Fashion Week happens twice a year -- once in the spring (usually March) to showcase fall fashions, and again in the fall (usually September), to showcase spring fashions. It's held in several cities around the world (New York, Paris, Milan, London, etc.). I've only sold tickets to New York. The tickets sell for a few thousand dollars without hotel or transportation. Why are these tickets so desirable? And how ... Read On >
Recessions are a time to step up your game when hosting an auction fundraiser
Beginning last fall, many clients started asking me about how the economy was affecting fundraising auctions. South Florida Urban Ministries was one of them. The economy was our first topic during our coaching session in January. In the course of conversation, I talked about how a dip in the economy actually spurs some companies to new heights. I cited an example. A few weeks later, the Executive Director used that example in his quarterly letter to donors. Although it was a jolt to see my ... Read On >
Encouraging young professionals to attend your fundraising auction
I spent the last two days with Hannes Combest, President of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), at the ASAE Springtime Expo gala in Washington, D.C. The first night of the event, ASAE hosted an event targeting young professionals, which nowadays are also called Millennials because of their birth year. The reception reminded me of a trend I've seen with regards to fundraising auctions. Many of the galas I work have a population in the age range of 45+. Some galas skew much older. ... Read On >
Schedule the benefit auction BEFORE the headline entertainment
Are you planning on holding an auction fundraiser with headline entertainment? If so, pay heed to your scheduling. The order of events dramatically affects how much you raise in your benefit auction. Here's an example. For the past two days, I've been representing the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) at ASAE's Springtime Expo in Washington, D.C. (ASAE is the membership association for association staff members. NAA is a member of ASAE.) ASAE has decided to incorporate a benefit ... Read On >
Why are you having a benefit auction? (Be honest.)
Imagine the scenario ... You've agreed to chair the benefit auction for a charity in your hometown. The ball is rolling and in a few months, guests will all gather to your event. You've got lots of ideas, but might feel overwhelmed. You've heard that many benefit auctioneers are booked months in advance, so you've decided to call a few today to get an idea of their services. Stop. Don't pick up the phone until you're clear about one point. You'll save yourself and the benefit auctioneer a ... Read On >