CASA also presents a special “Once Upon a Time” cocktail/mocktail to add to the evening’s festivities along with a silent auction of creatively and generously donated items and opportunities. To celebrate, organizers are inviting the community down to the MDL Alley from 10 a.m. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained.
The first electronic bidding systems used complex and expensive custom hardware systems. However, the advent of the web and small mobile devices like smartphones has significantly lowered both cost and complexity in recent years. Which is best for your organization’s fundraiser event depends on the atmosphere you want and the preferences of your audience. With the event underway, there are several things you can do to boost donations and help encourage people to show up.
Virtual or online auctions have become more popular than ever, and it is easy to see why. Auctions also offer more flexibility in terms of the types of items that can be auctioned off. From unique experiences to one-of-a-kind items, auctions allow for a wider range of options.
Ultimately, the choice between an auction or raffle will depend on the goals of your event and the preferences of your attendees. Auctions may be a better fit for events with a more upscale atmosphere, while raffles may be a better fit for events with
a more casual atmosphere. Consider the type of audience you will be hosting and the goals of your event when deciding between an auction or raffle. Many people are familiar with the concept of a silent auction, viewing it as a way to “get a deal.” By labeling it a silent auction, it draws attention. A “silent auction,” benefiting the same charity and run by the same auction consignment company. Signatures on displayed items are facsimile of actual signatures.
And last but not least, thank all of the planners, phone-callers, donation-securers, and other volunteers that helped organize and run the silent auction. For extra dramatic flair, you can announce the winners of the most competitive and most valued items, or all items, if your auction is small enough. Direct winners to where they can make payments and receive their items. Have fundraiser silent auction to avoid bottlenecks, and make sure your volunteers are trained in processing credit card payments and watching for incorrectly filled-out checks. Some larger corporations have systems in place to make donations for use in fundraising auctions.
Be sure to list all of the included services in the auction description so that people know what they’re bidding on. And don’t forget to put a value on the package so that people know how much it’s worth. Offer a day of relaxation at a local spa, complete with massages, facials, and maybe even a manicure or pedicure. In the UK, this auction practice is illegal.[136] It jeopardizes competition on the auction and can demotivate other bidders from participating.
On the day of the auction, tables would be setup and the items placed next to each other with a piece of paper with lines for people to enter their names, phone # and a bid amount. Knowing the potential value, set a minimum bid that will be accepted. Usually, athletic memorabilia includes autographed photos, balls and uniforms — all of these are easy to store and use the following year. Typically, the final bid on any item ends up being somewhere between 50% and 70% of the market value of the winning item.
Try bundling a museum membership into a larger package or let it stand on its own. Either way, this item is a reliable choice for all types of auction events. For those who are interested in getting a taste of culture, offering a museum membership is a great auction idea that can provide long-term value. Reach out to local museums and ask if they would be willing to donate an annual membership. If you have quality items, this pricing technique should make your auction a success and bring in the most revenue for your charity. You then want to have a series of mid-range items and lower-range items.
Design the bidding sheet meticulously to meet all legal and regulatory requirements for fundraising events and silent auctions. Include clear terms, the contact information of the organizers, and bid instructions while recording all relevant details and bidder details for transparency and compliance. This ensures a fair and compliant auction, fostering trust among all the bidders and organizers and driving significant support for the cause. Encourage your team to reach out to their contact directly and make personal introductions on behalf of your organization. It may also be helpful to attend local business networking events or community gatherings to build relationships with potential donors. By offering a wide range of items and experiences, you can attract a larger pool of supporters and encourage them to bid generously.
With a custom Silent Auction Bid Sheet, you can improve your silent auction by reducing paper waste, encouraging anonymous bids, and organizing important information in one secure place. Closing the silent auction in stages creates energy and builds excitement. Additionally, abrupt silent auction closings can catch your guests off guard and it can out of place. Closing in stages creates a kind of compression for your guests. It makes it easier to section off auction items into these windows so your guests are less likely to feel pulled in three directions for three different items that are closing all at once.