5. Have a great speaker or a wonderful video.
6. Have a great Fund-A-Need Transition
You have to have this bridge moment from your story, whether it’s inspirational, or sad, or moving, whatever it may be, to the actual getting of the money. You have to explain what a Fund-A-Need is and how it’s going to work and then you have to make it happen. That transition is so key. I can tell when I’m at charity events as a guest, whether or not the Fund-A-Need is going to be successful based on those two or three sentences. What’s the energy? What’s the vibe? What’s the person saying? What’s the auctioneer saying? Do they really understand?
7. Clear Communications with your Auctioneer
Your auctioneer really needs to know what you are all about. They really have to understand who your organization is, what you do, why you do it and why it is important for people to give. That should be your last conversation with your auctioneer before going into your event. Really working with them, drilling down, making sure they understand. Not only what you do, but why it’s important. Because if they can’t communicate that to your audience, you’re not going to raise as much money as you could.
8. Pre-secure your Leadership Gift
It would be amazing if you could have a pre-secured leadership gift secured at your highest level. Whether you're starting at $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $1,000,000 - you do need to have a leadership gift pre-secured so that a paddle goes up. And, yes, I do Fund-A-Needs that start at a million dollars. I won’t tell you my secret on how to get more paddles to go up at your top level, but you can call me and find out.
For more Fundraising Charity Auction ideas and helpful tips on planning your next charity fundraiser, follow Generosity Auctions on Facebook or Instagram @GenerosityAuctions. Abra Annes is the leading Charity Auctioneer based in California. Abra is the owner and founder of Generosity Auctions, the premier choice for Non-Profit Organizations looking to maximize their event fundraising.