Here's a change for your charity auction catalog: Forego the traditional binding and opt for a ring. One of my client's - a school benefit auction committee - tried an experiment with its catalog. Instead of opting for the common binding, which is often staples or a plastic spiral binder, the committee decided to use a ring. The thinking was that the catalog would be easier to carry. A guest could loop the ring around his finger and still hold a beverage of choice while milling through ... Read On >
Sherry takes 1st runner up in Virginia State Champion Auctioneer contest
It's been three years since I last competed in the Virginia Auctioneers Association (VAA) State Champion Auctioneer contest. In 2009 I took 3rd place (2nd runner-up, as they say). You can see photos from that event here. Since then, I'd not entered the contest. In part, I've been busy growing my business. But another reason was that I hated the heat. The facility -- though very nice and the owner always arranged for this awesome BBQ -- wasn't air conditioned. There I'd be, in a light wool ... Read On >
Salmon or pork turd: Which would you eat?
I'm laughing as I type this. Twice I've gone into a fit of giggles as I imported this photo into the blog. Childish humor, I guess. Those of you seeking some deep, dark benefit auction secrets are about to hear one. Proofread! That's right. Proofread. Have a good writer in your nonprofit or school do a once-over on anything that is meant for the public to read. In this case, the options for the gala meal included salmon (which was delicious) or the pork terderloin. Not a tenderloin, but ... Read On >
Free online calendar of events where you can post your gala charity auction
Looking for free publicity in any shape and form? Here are a few places online you can list your gala charity auction so roaming eyeballs can find it. Eventful.com Free to post and the site itself is divided into many categories ... fundraisers, performing arts, concerts, and the like. Users can also sign up for alerts so if you like a particular type of event, they'll let you know when it's available. Vivanista.org In 2010 San Francisco-based Vivanista added calendar functionality to ... Read On >
Venues for benefit auctions expands in Blue Bell, PA (Philadelphia) with Normandy Farm Hotel
Occasionally my clients will ask me about interesting places to hold a fundraiser. I just read about one cool place in Blue Bell, PA (25 miles west of Philadelphia in Montgomery County). I've not yet visited the venue, but reading about it made me want to jump in the car and race north on I-95. Normandy Farm Hotel has two ballrooms, though neither sound particularly large. I think it would work for small benefit auctions as an intriguing venue. (If you've held an auction in the space, please ... Read On >