We have a prize wheel that everyone loves! It is a huge success and usually nets over $1,000 alone. We charge $5 a spin and we load the wheel with prizes including some cash prizes but we make sure some of the spaces say "Thank you for supporting our school". It's a great place to to put the smaller donated items too. We also include school spirit wear and tickets for school sporting events.
After hearing many people only get in line once so others can have a turn we decided we were losing money so we have purchased a second wheel and will have 2 running this year. Many people have said it is their favorite game at the Auction.
Our school is a private Preschool - 12 school with about 1500 students. This fall (10/17) will be our 3rd annual fundraising dinner and auction. For the last few years we have done the same program: silent auction, sit-down dinner, live auction at an off campus venue. We have a few videos, our Superintendent speaks, and then we have a professional auctioneer.
I'm looking for some ideas on ways to freshen up this event. 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?
Should we hire in some kind of entertainment?
Comedian?
We just don't want the event to go any longer than it needs to. Usually the program is from 6:15pm-9:30pm (including check-out).