| Good manners can build your auction's reputation for | | | | master bedrooms in this house?") |
| the long haul so it's important to pay attention to | | | | Locations of stores are often also overlooked. "Where |
| gestures like sending thank-yous. Fundraising auctions | | | | is this hair salon located?" is a common question when |
| wouldn't exist without donors, so it's important to thank | | | | the information isn't on the form. Cities often are |
| them. | | | | known by neighborhoods, so saying that the salon is |
| Remember that the donors - not the buyers - are the | | | | on "14th Street" is one detail ... but saying it's in "Penn |
| people who stepped forward first to support the | | | | Quarter of Washington, D.C." helps as well. Details like |
| organization. Before the invitations were sent out ... | | | | this are important, and because donors might forget to |
| before any guest decided on what dress to wear to | | | | include this information on their donor sheet, it leaves |
| the gala ... before anyone set up the decorations for | | | | the task of follow-up to the event manager. She can |
| the night .. a donor stepped forward to help. | | | | send quick email thanking the donor, but also inquire |
| Donors start the auction process by giving a gift. That | | | | about missing elements in the description. |
| gift is given with the expectation that the non-profit will | | | | When the auction is over, a more formal thank you |
| sell it to the best of their ability, thereby raising money | | | | (mailed .. on letterhead) is sent. |
| to further the cause. What a generous gift. | | | | If the item sold well, include the sale price in the letter. |
| I believe you can't thank donors enough, but for the | | | | Write something like, "Your $2000 case of wine sold |
| down-and-dirty "correct" way (if there is such a thing), | | | | for $2500!" Oh, wouldn't that make a donor feel good! |
| here's what I typically see. | | | | When you have shown that you are taking care of |
| Usually the donor is first thanked with a quick thank | | | | your donor's merchandise and selling it well, that |
| you when the item is received. They are thanked | | | | encourages the donor to trust you with bigger |
| again with a letter (mailed ... on letterhead) after the | | | | donations the following year. Whoo whee! |
| auction is over. Let's dive a bit deeper. | | | | If the donation sold for an average price, I suggest |
| The first thank you is commonly sent via email. | | | | writing something more generic, such as, "Your |
| Even though you send a thank you via email, you'll | | | | donation helped NON PROFIT XYZ surpass our goal / |
| usually also have some additional contact with the | | | | meet our fundraising goal / was an increase over last |
| donor because often the donor forms are not | | | | year / etc." It's important to share your success with |
| completed to the degree you need. | | | | the donors. |
| For instance, how often have you had to contact a | | | | I would also encourage you to hand-write a brief |
| donor to get more information on the vacation home | | | | comment or sentence on the letter. It might be: "The |
| they offered? (I.E. "Hi Jim! Thanks for the donation of | | | | necklace was stunning!" or "Glad you were able to |
| your beach house. I've got a question. On the form, | | | | attend the event." or "Your donation was especially |
| you said that home has 4 bedrooms. But are 2 of the | | | | nice this year." Something personal, but sincere. |
| bedrooms filled with bunk beds, or are there actually 4 | | | | |