I agree with Brian...I ask parents to approach businesses with which they already have a relationship. I also advertise the heck out of the businesses which donate, pleading with parents to shop there and let them know that they appreciate the business' donation to our silent auction.

I had one restaurant which said, rather than donate, could we do a "Our School Eats Out" night. Basically the restaurant was hoping to up their business on a typically slow night (Monday). We advertised it to our parents and teachers. The business had a great night, and gave the PTA 10% of the profits. We even had teachers "Serve" the food. The kids enjoyed that part!

My point is you need to show the business what's in it for them!

I own a party rental company in Minnesota. We get just as many calls for donations as we get for rentals.

The biggest consideration when we decide if we're going to donate is whether or not people within an organization are already big clients of ours.

Look at Target. Target donates 5% of it's proceeds back to local communities...you can sign your school up with them so you receive these proceeds based on your purchases.

We've recently started a new program. We don't like turning people away but we're all out of "free" unless we can afford to offer more. When people call now I tell them that I'm sure people within their organization use services like what we offer. If people within their organization secure a reservation with us we will donate a rental equivalent to 10% of their order and other orders from people within their organization.

Point of my story...make sure that you consider your role in supporting the businesses that support you.

Hello Ladies,

This is my first year helping with getting donations for our auction. I live in Morris County NJ. Does anyone have a list of companies that you have used and got positive responses from them? If possible would anyone like to share their list with me? I am learning so many new things from these message boards, and I want to thank everyone who puts their precious time into it! I have come to realize that this job is very time consuming As being "New" I would really appreciate any kind of help, tips, suggestions of thing to do and things not to do, and also if anyone lives in NJ as well, maybe you can share your list with me

Thank you so much
Jennifer
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Make sure you go big! While we were getting ready for our big silent auction, I decided to go online and search companies that donate, and the result was fantastic!
Some of the BIG ones that have given to us every year are as follows:

Air Tran Airways (must fill out application 6 weeks in advance)
The Drake Hotel in Chicago
Bank of America (Gift Cards)
Disney Vacations ( Must fill out application 12 weeks in advance)
Scentsy ( Wickless Candles )
and lots of local hotels in our area gave gift certificates for suites.

Hope this helps!

Hey there I just wanted to throw out there that there are A LOT of home based businesses as well that would love to get their name out there such as Beauticontrol, Pampered Chef, Tupperware. I'm sure those types of business would LOVE to donate as well! I'm always looking for events to donate to.

My event is in March and I have learned to send my letters out in November. I am still receiving replies each week with gifts still arriving. I did re-send a few after the new year since some had met their budgets in Nov and a few that had said no then were able to give. I started doing it this way last years since I came across so many companies that required requests be sent at least 90 days prior to the event.

Good Luck!