Fundraising gala auctioneer Sherry Truhlar

Sherry Truhlar

Quick on the draw: Jerome wins an Immy

Some men are known to have a ready supply of pick-up lines. But what about "sell" lines? One of my benefit auction team members has a number of "sell" lines.  He uses them when he's selling raffle tickets, which is an activity he LOVES to do over any other benefit auction task.  His name is Jerome.  If he's worked your benefit auction, you've seen him in action. When his standard sell lines stop working, Jerome has been known to up the ante by tempting guests with another one of his ... Read On >

VIDEO: An easy benefit auction idea? Use surveys.

Surveying your guests is so easy and reveals wonderful information, but it's often not done. With online surveys being so easy to create and cheap to send, you'd be silly not to try one. Did guests like the theme? Enjoy the program? Love the auction? You won't know until you ask. Watch the video below. ... Read On >

Auction centerpiece ideas for your next charity gala

Seems to me that all gala planners seek auction centerpiece ideas and table decor tips. Enjoy these three YouTube videos that will get you thinking about your gala's tables. Three tips for success with auction centerpieces Benefit Auction Table Centerpieces: Should you sell them or give them away? Benefit Auction Tip: Shrink those floral centerpieces Every committee with whom I work spends time talking décor and centerpieces. I’d love to know what you've done with centerpieces.  What ... Read On >

VIDEO: Fundraising auction ideas using vegetables

One of my food-related charities asked me for some suggestions on how they might incorporate the almighty vegetable into their gala.  I revisited some previous events for ideas and here's what I shared with them. Any of you wondering if these fundraising auction ideas would work for fruit should know that -- yes, of course.  ;) Watch the video below. ... Read On >