We have a silent auction for all smaller community donated items ($300 value or less) and a live auction for the big items, classroom baskets and any classroom art projects. We also auction off reserved parking spaces, Principal for a Day, and first row seats to the 5th Grade Promotion.

I agree with 'That Was Easy' about getting the word out. Schedule time in advance to market the event. It would be a shame to get all those amazing items and not have a good turnout. A well thought out flyer that listed the baskets and maybe even the retail values would be a way for folks to see that they can get some amazing items at a bargain price. Don't forget to specifically mention what the money raised is going to be used for! Have fun!

I would think the higher priced items should to go auction individually. You could get into a bidding war if it's something really nice and make a lot more thatn you ever thought you could with a set price. My son's old soccer coach got into a bidding war over a "Homework Pass" with a buddy of his and paid almost $500!!!

If you have cheaper items that might not auction off individually you can combine them in a basket and auction the basket off if you want instead of setting a price. Gardening baskets, and kitchen baskets seem to work best for us but the possibilities are endless. Be creative such as a "Night Out Basket" with dining gift cards and movie tickets.

I would think the key is getting the word out in your community if you have several really nice items like sporting tickets. I would check with your local paper about advertising. Most have a discounted rate for non-profits. If your budget doesn't allow try to make up some flyers and ask local businesses to post.

Would you suggest we use the higher valued items in the silent auction? Is there a minimum value of the basket that works best?

I was able to obtain two sets of sports tickets so far. Each pair is worth $200.00. I am looking into finding a company to donate a vacation or airfare. What type of baskets have you found to be the most successful?

Thanks so much for your help, it is greatly appreciated.

I find a combination is the way to go. People usually go to these things deciding to spend say, $20 on raffle tickets. However, if there is also a silent auction, they may do the $20 on raffle tickets and then bid on an item too. More money!

Actually at our school we do both. The teachers in each grade level decide on a theme for their basket. Then they ask parents to send in items. As an example last year the first grade did a kitchen basket and everyone filled it with w/anything from pot holders to small kitchen appliances. The baskets are very large. The baskets usually go for $100 or more. That money is divided by the teachers in that grade. They are very popular. The PTO handles the silent auction part of our carnival. The silent auction is popular but it depends on the donations received on how much money made.