Last April I wrote about one positive point of a down economy: discounted charity auction venues. Given the number of charity auctions which are held in hotel ballrooms and unusual venues, a falling price point for rental space is attractive for many groups. Some venues are still aggressively competing on price. Vibrant Table Catering & Events in Portland, OR recently sent out a tweet (below) Hey Non-Profits The Treasury Ballroom waives rental for midweek events. Great for your spring ... Read On >
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Congrats, you won the item! Will you redeem it?
Last October I wrote about how dining at the Chef's Table can be a popular auction item to sell (and a relatively easy item to procure). If you're already asking for a donation, why not see if the chef has a table in the kitchen and ask if that could be the special table for your winning bidders? Earlier this month on Twitter, I caught a link to the Chicago Business Journal. Shia Kapos wrote on this very subject. "Chef dinners on the charity auction block: a behind-the-scenes look" visits with ... Read On >
Using kids to raise cash at your gala, even when they aren’t attending – Part 2
Read Part 1 here, then come back to learn the final benefit auction ideas you can use to incorporate kids into your gala (even if they aren't physically present.) This post covers two strategies: 3. Let a Powerpoint slide tell the story In a ballroom, Powerpoint slides can provide imagery. At this gala raising money for heart-related causes, a child's photo was displayed with the text, "Nora Grace's heart was mended by Dr. Bill Hammill, and she hasn't stopped dancing since." Plus side: ... Read On >
Using kids to raise cash at your gala, even when they aren’t attending – Part 1
Over the last few months, I've offered benefit auction ideas on managing your gala in a bad economy. You can use all kinds of techniques to ensure your revenues remain strong in a recession, but one solid strategy of raising money - regardless of economic winds - is to show guests how their donation impacts others. In this case, children. Children (and animals, to a large degree) seem to have universal appeal which you can tap into. Many organizations benefit kids in one way, shape, or ... Read On >
How to Find a Benefit Auctioneer
If you're new to charity auctions or new to working with auctioneers, you might be unsure of how to go about finding and selecting a benefit auctioneer. Here are six steps auction planners can use to not just survive the selection process, but actually enjoy the conversations. #1: Locate some benefit auctioneers If you're starting from a blank slate, visit the National Auctioneers Association website and use their "Find an Auctioneer" search tool. Auctioneers with a "BAS" (Benefit ... Read On >