| A fundraising auction is a great way for your charity or | | | | Auction'. In such an auction, dates with willing singles |
| organization to get exposure about your great work | | | | are auctioned off to the highest bidder. This makes for |
| while also raising money. Auctions can be quite fun and | | | | a fun social event that can be quite profitable. Beware, |
| silly or more serious affairs. You can take a variety of | | | | however, that some people will be turned off by such |
| approaches in designing your auction and deciding | | | | events, particularly if there is not a natural connection |
| what to auction off. | | | | to the charity being supported. |
| Auction Ideas | | | | Online auctions are growing in popularity. These are |
| For a simple auction, you can approach local | | | | similar to silent auctions, however all the items are |
| businesses and individuals and ask them to make | | | | photographed and shown on a website. Participants |
| donations. You can have a variety of items to appeal | | | | see pictures and descriptions and are given a limited |
| to a wide variety of people, or you can have a | | | | time frame in which to bid on the items. The website |
| specific theme that will appeal to your target donors. | | | | gets updated periodically so visitors can see the |
| Experiences can make great auction items. A hotel | | | | current high bid. As long as you have someone with |
| might donate a romantic weekend getaway; a | | | | the right technical skills and good publicity, this can be |
| colleague with a boat might donate a fishing trip; the | | | | another great fundraising event. |
| local yoga studio might donate a class or two; a | | | | Regardless of what type of auction you choose, you |
| talented cook can donate a dinner for two, with the | | | | will need to be organized. For live auctions, having a |
| menu chosen by the winning bidder. Businesses and | | | | good auctioneer is critical. You want someone who |
| individuals can also donate new or gently used goods | | | | connects with your crowd, piquing their interest and |
| for people to bid on. | | | | rallying bidding wars to ensure each item draws the |
| Tying an auction into an already-planned event can | | | | highest bid possible. This can be a professional |
| make for a relatively easy fundraiser. For instance, if | | | | auctioneer (who may donate his or her time to the |
| your company has an annual holiday gathering, | | | | cause), or just a highly energetic employee or |
| consider having a silent auction at the event. Seek | | | | volunteer. For online or silent auctions, publicity is critical. |
| donations from your colleagues and local businesses, | | | | Since you don't have an auctioneer talking up each |
| with all the proceeds going to a select charity or | | | | item, you need someone to remind your audience that |
| charities. Set-up can be as simple as a table with bid | | | | the event is happening and rallying interest. Make sure |
| sheets. Something similar works well at professional | | | | you publicize not just the auction, but the charity that |
| conferences and can be a great part of a gala night. | | | | you are raising funds for. Find ways to appeal to your |
| Many such events are put on by non-profit | | | | donors to encourage connections to your charity |
| organizations and can be a great fundraiser for the | | | | beyond a one-time auction purchase. Have your |
| organization. | | | | auctioneer mention the good work of your charity, |
| If you want to have a bigger, more formal event, | | | | have posters, brochures, and other materials available, |
| consider having an auction night. You can have a | | | | or even bring in a speaker or two to discuss what the |
| dinner or dessert party with people speaking about | | | | charity has done for them. Finally, make sure you have |
| your cause and why it should be supported. Adding an | | | | fun, interesting items that will appeal to your audience |
| auction will infuse an element of fun to the event and | | | | and open their hearts and pocketbooks for a good |
| allow you to raise more money for a worthy cause. | | | | cause. Your favorite charity will thank you for your |
| Another fun idea is a 'Bachelor (or Bachelorette) | | | | efforts! |