Happy Earth Day! If you like to be gentle with planet Earth, you might be thinking of ways to "green your gala." Adapting your plates and utensils is a good start. These items were for events that forewent a sit-down dinner and instead served heavy hors d'oeuvres. At a Girls Inc. benefit auction gala I worked a few months ago, the menu consisted of thick crab dips, cheeses, finger food, and the like. Showing off the food were these plates and utensils from Earth Friendly Maryland. My take ... Read On >
Decor
Auction theme ideas: Recycle that shredding
As we 'wrap up' the Christmas holidays (get the pun?), I'm betting that you have some extra shredding laying around the house. Gift packages are often shipped in a generous pile of shredding in order to protect the contents inside. Before you casually toss the packaging material into your local community recycling bin, take a good look at it. Some of the newer types of materials can be used in auction fundraisers. The video below shows three types of shredding I've received and offers ... Read On >
Searching for trendy fundraising auction themes? Use the official color of 2014 (Radiant Orchid)
Congratulations to "Radiant Orchid." From a field of millions, she's been chosen by Pantone to be the 2014 color of the year. You'll soon see this color popping up in clothing, makeup, toys, fabrics ... even websites. To my untrained eye, my 2013 / 2014 website color theme even uses shades of this color. And don't be surprised if you see it in a few fundraising auction themes, either. (For dozens of ideas and photos easily organized to help you with auction themes, centerpieces, and decor, ... Read On >
Fundraising auction tips: The simplest decor idea on the planet
Maybe you don't WANT an auction theme. It's not your style. Maybe it seems like too much work. But still, the idea of nothing on the gala tables or silent auction areas seems UNfestive. What to use? I worked at three auctions this past weekend. Two of them were for schools and one for a nonprofit. One of the schools utilized a tactic I've seen often used at nonprofit galas that didn't have a specific theme. The school decorated the tables with glass beads in colors befitting of their theme ... Read On >
One silent auction display idea for jewelry, furs, and fashion
Gala auctions tend to have no shortage of jewelry. It's across the board at my events ... live auctions, silent auctions, bonuses, games, upgrades, etc. Some groups do a better job than others at showcasing the pieces. And then there are those random clothing items that are donated: dresses, furs, coats, and the like. Given that your silent auction is -- at its core -- a retail store, what's one good silent auction display idea for selling your wares? (Sidebar comment: Gosh, if you've spent ... Read On >