How is everyone that asked for airline tickets doing? The last two years both Southwest and Air Tran graciously donated to us. This year no one. Very sad.
I have received a gift certificate from the Houston Ballet for 2 Orchestra Seats. It is Valid for 2011-2012 performance of MADE IN AMERICA. Dates of performance to choose form are:
May 24, May 26, June 1 , June 2 -- 7:30pm performance
May 27 and June 3rd -- 2:00pm performance
We are a school in Massachusetts, so needless to say we can't use this. I would be happy to give it to a school closer to the Houston area for their auction/ fund-raising efforts. My email addy is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested.
Thanks and good luck with your fund-raising efforts!
I noticed the Adopt-a-Friend dolls are marked down to $49 right now on their website. That probably doesn't bode too well for our auction. I didn't get American Girl request out in time, so it's the only doll we'll have.
We have not had our event yet but we have received both a My Twin doll and American Girl this year. I too am curious as to how well the My Twin will do with American Girl on the table as well.
As we were talking in our last meeting and I was describing for someone what exactly a My Twin doll is, several of the moms were VERY quick to point out that My Twin dolls are bigger and "actually quite different" (It was hard not to chuckle)
We are three weeks out and several of my "big" requests are still no replys, I'm really hoping for a big rush of stuff in the next week or so.
Good luck!
I think it's a great idea to have a plan B, in the event that you are left with items that have no bids. It is always a concern for auction chairs and planning can be done ahead of time to keep this from happening.
I love the fact that you are reviewing last year's numbers and bid sheets. This is important and gives you a better vision of what your specific audience likes and their bidding practices.
When planning an auction for under 100 people, I would be very specific with the items that I am offering. I would try to have as many items that could create an emotional attachment to your attendees. This would guarantee that no merchandise is left over and would also create a bidding war for your items. And of course this means more money for your school! I also like to study my audience. Who attends this event? Are they wine drinkers, trip takers, are they sports fanatics? Knowing your audience, and your big spenders will help you plan out what items you should be trying to procure. And I love adding a twist of something different! I received a certificate from a Trapeze School in Santa Monica and we grouped it with Unlimited-ride wristbands from a Santa Monica Amusement Park and a nearby restaurant. This item was a big hit because it was something different and unique. Or, if you do have items that you believe will be less popular with the crowd, try grouping these items together to create a large value. Then place them in a beautifully wrapped box with question marks all over it. Advertise it as having a large value, but keep it's contents a secret. Women will love this packaged item!
If by chance you are left with items, can you keep them for another event? My hesitance to give them away is only because every item has value and is an opportunity to make some very needed money for your school. However, there are many other ways you can use these left over items in a positive way. Does your school have mandatory parent meetings? How about a raffle for on-time parents? Or during that mandatory parent meeting, how about a "second chance live auction"? Of course, if you believe that raffling off some left over items would be an expression of gratitude for the people who have attended, then you definitely should do so. Always do whatever you can to keep your attendees smiling and happy. This will guarantee their participation for years to come.
