Fundraising gala auctioneer Sherry Truhlar

Benefit Auctions Blog

How smart planners get more done before 9 AM than the Army does all day

With this headline and my physical proximity to the Pentagon, a bunch of men in uniform could be knocking on my door later today.  (If I could only be so lucky...) But knowing auction planners, my provocative headline is only a tad tongue-in-cheek. (If you're scratching your head, watch the Army commercial.) When you're organizing an auction with thousands of details, time is precious.  Despite the pressure, some of the most fun people I know plan benefits. They are creative, interactive, and ... Read On >

Steal this “walk-a-thon” idea for charity auctions

An old friend who never writes -- except to ask that I spend money buying into her latest business venture or charitable adventure -- emailed to ask that I support her in yet another walk-a-thon.  This time, I declined. Even though I'm not contributing, others will. Walk-a-thons, bowl-a-thons, dance-a-thons ... you name it, "a-thons" have become popular in recent years. A business colleague confided that his informal research indicated "a-thons" were at the peak of their trend.  "It's that ... Read On >

VIDEO: The one thing to NEVER say on stage at your auction

When it comes to benefit auction ideas, sometimes the simplest tips are worth thousands of dollars. This is one. Experience has taught me to never, ever say or reference this when you're on stage at the auction. Watch the video below.   What else should -- or shouldn't -- be said when you're on stage?   Well, if you're running a Fund a Need at your gala, there is an art and a science to it.  It's a process unto itself, often replete with videos, speakers, someone "asking" for the ... Read On >

Sit! Using a flash mob to seat unruly charity auction guests

I've enjoyed watching flash mob videos, especially those in New York City where I'm familiar with the venues.  Even just two weeks ago I stumbled across a flash mob on Bondi Beach while researching an Australian trip for a charity auction. But I'd never thought of using the concept to seat guests at the auction gala. In a June 2011 Chronicle of Philanthropy article, gala guests were encouraged to sit down via the incorporation of a flash mob dance routine during the reception. The ... Read On >