Call it coincidence, divine intervention or luck, but I'd bet that you've had a situation whereby you see or hear something, and suddenly it shows up somewhere else. Like when you consider buying a particular type of car, and suddenly that model is all you see on the highway. That serendipity is what led me to write about today's subject. ============================== Thanks to a cancelled flight that left me scrambling to get from one fundraiser to another late last month, I've ... Read On >
Other
Why hold an auction? The intangible benefits of auctions
What is the purpose of a fundraising auction? Most people will immediately think of the most tangible benefit of a fundraising auction -- MONEY. Nonprofit auctions are generally launched to raise cash. When the event is over, the gross and net income are often reviewed by the committee and Board. The auction might be stamped as "successful" if it has achieved a certain financial goal. Tied to this, once an auction is on a nonprofit's annual calendar, it's rarely removed as the income is ... Read On >
![David Shankbone [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons](https://www.redappleauctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/512px-Harvey_Weinstein_2010_Time_100_Shankbone-150x150.jpg)
The OTHER allegations: Harvey Weinstein’s ties to a fundraising auction
In October 2017, the New York Times published a story detailing decades of allegations of sexual harassment against producer Harvey Weinstein. Throughout 2018, Weinstein has been in court fighting charges. This focuses on a less-publicized dealing -- funneling donations through a charity via its fundraising auction gala. AmFAR is the charity, and I feel badly for their leadership. You may also cringe when you read it. It's a story about a wealthy, headstrong donor directing a ... Read On >
4 ideas for handling auction donations that show up AT the event
Your auction catalog is printed. All items have attractive displays. Guests are arriving shortly. Lo and behold, a Board member/volunteer/parent arrives at registration with a last-minute donation. They'd been meaning to get this to you, but just didn't. What should you do? First, turn away as you roll your eyes. Second, consider these ideas. 1. Add the item to the live auction Here's a recent example from this past weekend. Upon arriving at the venue on Saturday night, I ... Read On >
Reminder cards for photography at gala auctions
Photography seems to be a part of every event I work. The photographer might be professional or amateur, paid or volunteer. The photography itself takes many approaches: Photobooths with guest props Flip Books Frames Boothomatics Backdrops Portrait Photography Similar but different -- changing the traditional photo donations found in the silent auction A recent gala had a venue that spread guests between two floors and a balcony. To ensure all knew that a ... Read On >