Kathie, I love the idea of the baskets. Like you said, having a basket auction does not seem as demanding. Furthermore, businesses get "hit up" for donations alot. I would love any flyers or handouts you may have pertaining to the basket auction. Our school is having a Spring Fling this year and PTO has been asked to do something in conjunction with the event. The basket auction may be our answer. How much do you usually make on the auction and how many baskets are auctioned?

Thanks a bunch,
Merrie
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I'm chairing our auction this year--my first time--and may I suggest that if you have time, go out in person to solicit donations. Take a friend with you if you can. It's harder for people to turn you down when you look into their eyes and tell them what you want to do for the kids with the money you raise. Another mom and I went out a few hours each week last month, got a ton of stuff, and then had lunch. It was really fun.

I also sent out a flyer to parents asking them to get a donation from their workplace, or from them if they own a business, and many people have brought in gift certificates and products. I also asked for volunteers to help solicit and someone who had organized an auction for a benefit stepped up and she has been wonderful. Her advice is to approach as many businesses as possible and don't worry too much about follow up if you run out of time. It's more important to make that initial approach.

I just got my list of local businesses from the phone book. Locally owned businesses donated more often than chain stores.

Good luck!

thanks so much for all the ideas thats what I'm looking for. They did give me a start up list for businesses, but its pretty old. So I was looking for new ideas.


Cindy

We have had a silent auction at my son's school for many years.
When looking for donations- look at where your parents (of your school) work. Many times they will be a great conduit to getting a donation.
For instance- we have two different families that work at at a music store. One family got us a guitar, and the other a keyboard.
Many restaurants will also give you a gift certificate.
Look for businesses that have a lot to do with kids- a Karate school might donate a free uniform or perhaps a some free lessons.
A Piano teacher might donate a month of free lessons.
A massage is always good.
If you live near a resort area- maybe the hotel will donate a couple of nights for a great weekend getaway. (ALWAYS a huge seller!)
Jewlery is always good. Most jewelery stores will give you a little something to auction. Go to the family owned stores, not the big chains.
If you really want to make your load easier- have a basket auction. We added this in the last few years and it has been a huge hit.
Each class picks a "theme" (like "Death by Chocolate" all kinds of chocolate things etc).
then gathers items for their basket to match the theme. They then label it and put it in some kind of cantainer (we use the term basket loosely)-
and then auction them off! It is always a huge hit- and the different classes get a little competition going trying to outdo each other.
Saves YOU a lot of headaches. Be prepared to do some basket doctoring in case some baskets are not very attractive (something that is really necessary when doing this kind of thing).
Just a few ideas-
Good luck!

I would say contact your local chamber of commerce for a listing of ALL Local businesses. Then cross ref. the yellow pages. We always make sure we call our local 3 wks before event just to remind them we can come pick it up.

I just signed up to do the business letters for our school wide Auction. Any ideas for business and how to get in contact with them. I know a lot of you do this would appreciate any information.

Thanks so much
Cindy

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