Connecting Schools With Great Fundraising Ideas.

Many non-profit organizations, especially schools, hold a silent and/or live auction to raise money each year. Both public and private schools have discovered that auctions can be very lucrative.

However, there is a down-side to auctions, as well. Since this fundraising method is so popular, they have become over-done in some towns. In my small community, for instance, there are at least six separate groups that hold annual silent and live auctions. This makes for a very crowded calendar.

While I support each group’s absolute right to raise money, there is an undeniable pressure put on local merchants to donate items to all these auctions, as well as on people in general to buy tickets. If someone is only slightly involved in this community, it is possible he will be invited to six separate events during the course of one year. This can put an individual in a number of awkward situations. While everyone is entitled to say no, the practical and political ramifications can be slightly more complicated than that.

Another interesting, yet unintended ramification of having so many auctions is that comparisons between events in the same locale are easily drawn. I’ve actually heard comments like “Oh, that group’s event is a lot more fun than this one,” or “The live items are so much more creative here than at that other auction last week,” or “The auctioneer they use over at the XYZ School is much more engaging.” I’ve also heard some say, “I don’t know why they don’t move their event to the Fall. This time of the year is just so busy.”

This kind of behavior is natural, and I think we can learn a lot from these types of remarks. In fact, it is my contention that each group holding an auction should be keenly aware of how their event compares to all the other ones in the area.

Although it may be expensive to do so, I would recommend sending someone from your auction team to attend most if not all of the other auctions that can be viewed as potentially competitive. This “spy” should take note of the quality of auction items, the level of event organization, the overall atmosphere of the evening, how much people are spending, and any miscellaneous insights that may distinguish that auction from all of the others.

I don’t mean for this to be interpreted as “spying” in a negative sense. I do not advocate stealing ideas or attempting to hijack any success another group might have achieved. However, I do think it is vitally important to know exactly how your own event fits in to the overall spectrum of auctions in your town. If your event stinks compared to all the other ones, it’s important to know that and then do something to fix it. If your items are bland and forgettable, you should find a creative way to improve your selection. If your auctioneer is not getting the most from your audience, you need to make a change. Seeing how other groups handle their event will help you take this measurement.

Another very important benefit to sending out a “spy” would be to help your group find new, untapped ways to distinguish your event from the pack. For instance, after hitting four or five other auctions, you may realize that nobody is offering luxury items. Or that you didn’t notice anybody doing anything creative with desserts. This is an opportunity for your group. Perhaps your organization could offer a dessert auction, made up of gourmet cheesecakes and other very special confections. If no one else is doing such a thing, you could gain some very positive buzz for that. “Wow, you’ve got check out the dessert auction XYZ School has! I bought the best tiramisu I’ve ever tasted there.”

When your town has a plethora of auction choices on the calendar and a finite number of possible auction-goers, you need every advantage you can get. Please don’t steal ideas from other groups, just try to find avenues that are not currently being used to distinguish your event.

After a few years, your auction will establish a firm reputation for high quality and be much more likely to win the loyalty of your community.

---

Looking for more fundraising choices? With one phone call you can get information on a dozen different fundraisers! Includes Online Fundraising, Popcorn, World's Finest Chocolate, Hershey's, Cookie Dough, Lollipops, Gifts & More. Call 1-866-249-0089 or enter online for free info!

---

Comments RSS