If you are working on an auction our Auction Planning FAQs may come in handy!
Here's a sample:
Q: Do you absolutely have to have a big-ticket item?
A: Not necessarily, but it is wise to have a wide range of item values so all bidders can find something within their budget. Big-ticket items should be used as a draw in your advertising, though in the end, they may appeal to only a small number of your most generous bidders.
For those of you who've been posting on this thread, you'll note the name change from Ultimate Donation List 2015 to simply, Ultimate Donation List. We adjusted the name because we wanted to keep things simple for you. Going forward, I will bump up some of the lists that folks have posted in previous years along with helpful links from our site on auction planning, getting donations, contacting businesses, and thanking donors.
Also, please let us know what kind of information you need! We'll do our best to get it posted on this thread.
The reason it seems no one can tell who I am replying to, is because the original post disappeared.
The OP referenced something about picking the numbers in a different room, and then having runners go and deliver the baskets out to the winners, or having the numbers picked in the back room and then posting them up on a board so people do not have to sit through all the number calling and can just pick up their winnings at the end.
Both are not recommended because unless there are witnesses from the gaming commission to ensure fair drawing of the winners when doing it in a closed space, you could be accused of cheating. It is actually also not permitted to write name on the tickets. Its MUST be numbers in NJ. You can put your name in addition, but a non-identifiable number must be present on the ticket and must be called and verified FIRST before a number. NJ is very strict.
We almost lost our license over this, it was a huge disaster, and we got fined. Never ever again will we do it. We were trying to save every the boredom of number calling. But it turns out...people need to see the number calling to believe it...so it will forever be a part of the night.
Anyone know of a way to mark the tickets without having to draw on the back of each and every one? We have had issue with people bringing in tickets since they know we always use blue and white (our school colors).
I know we should switch the colors up, but its already bought and we do the black line with marker. Any faster way you can think of?
Thank you so much for this information. You are a real sweetheart. 
