Last year I took over after several years of the same person in charge of our auction. My husband and I had attended the auction for years as we have had children in the school for as long as we have attended the attached church, about 18 years. We were tired of the same old, same old. The previous chair took all the books with her when she left. This actually helped the committee as we had little to go on. We solicited donations from many new companies, and challenged both parishioners and school parents to donate. We offer advertising signs in the gym for a year for donations over $250 dollars. Who doesn't want to see their name in large print? We also offer ads to the same donors. We decided this year that there were some companies we would skip for this year but hit again next year for the anticipation, and not staleness. We have a websitre set up to advertise and explain exactly what will be available that night, and offer raffle tickets for large items ahead of time. We offer a dinner and alcohol, and our event has grown. We encourage new people to get involved, and offer incentives to buy tickets early. New items are a must, as well as an enthusiastic Master of Ceremonies. And have the student project table close last so parents stay until all tables close.
I think you are experiencing something many groups have experienced. The auction has become "same old, same old,'' but it is still an important fundraiser for the school. I think your idea of changing the venue could work. You might want to think of a few other changes along those lines that will make it new and different to liven it up and make it more appealing again to the school community.Switching to appetizers could be fun-- could you consider serving food with a certain theme that would be appealing? Many groups tie some kind of an entertainment event, a live band, an open-mike singing contest, etc. to the auction event.
As far as the auction items go, have you tried auctioning items that the kids have made at school? These items usually draw a crowd and bring in big bucks!
Also, try to advertise ahead of time to highlight some of your best auction items to get people interested.
Here's one of our most popular auction stories -- It has a ton of information on auctions and you might find some good tips in here.
Our school is a private preK - 12 school with about 600 students that annually has a big silent/live auction event. For the last 10 years they have done the same old silent auction, sit-down dinner, live auction at a local hotel. Donations have steadily gone down over the years and everyone is tired of this event but the school really relies on the money that is raised. We get good silent and live auction items but this year the silent auction items went for peanuts and the live auction items only went well because we have an excellent professional auctioneer.
We're looking for some ideas on ways to freshen up this event. We are thinking of bringing it back to campus (because we are a private school we can serve alcohol here) and maybe doing a buffet or just heavy appetizers instead of a dinner. We want to make it more fun so we can get more people involved. I would love ideas on what has worked for you and how we can liven up this event. Do you find live music helps? Any other ideas for venues besides a hotel? We live in a small city and don't have much choice. Our parents and supporters have money to give we just can't seem to motivate them. Thanks for any and all help.
