Say what? Ideas ... for vegetables? A group asked me about vegetables recently, so I thought others might have a need, too. It's not that crazy of an idea. I already broached the topic (sort of) this past summer in my post Four Ways to Sell Farm-to-Table Donations. Here are some fundraising auction ideas for those not-so-lowly, rich-in-antioxidants vegetables. Centerpieces Colorful veggies in a clear vase. See the photos for ideas. GraphicsIf you're hosting an event that focuses on the ... Read On >
Live Auctions
Benefit auction item idea: Restaurant dining at the chef’s table
Here's a benefit auction item idea that will prove popular at your gala: the opportunity to dine at the chef's table in a restaurant. What is the chef's table? Not every restaurant has one, but a chef's table is a table situated within the kitchen of the restaurant. As with real estate, what makes this table unique is the location, the location, the location. By virtue of where it sits (in the kitchen), the table allows the guests to see how their food is being prepared, observe ... Read On >
Charity Auction Tips to Conquer a Loud Crowd
When I visit with some organizations about their auction fundraiser, they insist that their charity auction crowd is unusually loud. "Sherry, we can't ever get them to pay attention," one will say. Or, "Our crowd likes to party." Pardon the expression, but to that I'll respond in a common phrase my Dad uses: "Well no shit, Sherlock." Your guests view the charity auction as a party. Good parties tend to be loud. For your guests, charity auctions are celebratory events. A portion of them ... Read On >
Five places to cut costs in your auction fundraiser. (Spend money wisely to make money.)
How many times have we heard that adage that you must spend money to make money? SuccessfulMeetings.com posted an article last week, "Business Travel Study: Companies That Spend More, Make More." The study was funded by the National Business Travel Association and found that for every $1 spent on business travel, over $15 could be earned. The report examined ten years of data, and cautioned that under-spending on travel during a recession could cause companies to lose out on profit. "Find ... Read On >
Benefit Auction Procurement Trend: Cocktail Instruction
Cocktails are hot! As I travel to different cities, I invariably read an article on the train or plane about some local cocktail bar, or a local bartender who has created a fabulous new cocktail, or the types of music to play at a cocktail party. Why not incorporate a cocktail element into your benefit auction procurement plan? Is there a trendy bartender in your town? Maybe a good hangout that everyone heads to on Friday night after work? At one benefit earlier this year, I sold a clever ... Read On >