I love getting emails from clients thanking my team and I for our work at a gala. And certainly we have many videos from clients and guests sharing their opinions of our work. Some clients even send cookies. And here is an example of a personal touch through a hand-written thank you note. The Queen of Events at Camillus House in Miami, FL is the epitome of old-school manners. Like clockwork, she sends me a note or letter every year. Thanks, Marcy! (And congratulations on raising over ... Read On >
Benefit Auctions Blog
Tell your benefit auctioneer when your nonprofit has a job opening
Here's some food for thought. If you're a non-profit with a job opening, tell your vendors. In the last four months, I've received emails from several different sources related to jobs. Two high-level development women are seeking new positions Two nonprofits have open positions (One is an Executive Director; the other a mid-level Development team member) One fellow auctioneer in South Carolina forwarded me the resume of a friend he knows seeking a development job in DC. "Can you forward ... Read On >
How to run your benefit auction committee meetings
Happy Valentine's Day! Want to show love to your volunteers? Those team members sitting on your benefit auction committees would love it if you respected their time! To that end, here are some tips to keep your meetings running smoothly. Before the meeting ... 1. Ask each committee chair for a time estimate of her remarks. Ask how long she'll need to update the group on her respective responsibilities, whether that's invitations, sponsorships, or baskets. Depending on where you are in ... Read On >
Why I love acrylic stands in silent auction displays
I've written extensively on how to structure a good silent auction display. And despite my particular interest in acrylic frames, I've even talked about how to create displays without using acrylic stands. But I've not covered why I really like using those acrylic styles. Here's why acrylic stands catch my fancy. First, they are frameless. Unlike using traditional photo frames, which have a 1"-2" frame (see photo) around the edges, clear plastic stands are frameless. It leaves more room for ... Read On >
Groundhog Day Blasé: 5 benefit auction ideas to update tired galas
It's the perfect time of year to talk about some benefit auction ideas to combat what I call "Groundhog Day Blasé." This Wednesday, many weather-casters will give a nod to Punxsutawney Phil -- a groundhog (aka "woodchuck") --living in Punxsutawney, PA. They will comment on whether the critter has seen his shadow, thereby predicting six more weeks of winter. One of my favorite movies showcases this annual weather festival. The 1993 Groundhog Day is a comedy in which the lead character Phil ... Read On >