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Last Minute Gala Success

2/17/2017

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This month I worked with a client that contacted me in October to host a gala in January. I don’t normally suggest organizations hold fundraisers in January because of all of the other events competing for donor dollars and attention like the end of the holiday season, end of year vacations, and the upcoming tax season. In a perfect world, auction season doesn’t begin until March. However, I’m never one to back down from a challenge, so I took them on!

The Lawrence Hall of Science was looking to raise money for their biotech laboratory. When they approached me, they wanted to host a gala unlike any other they’ve hosted in the past. They wanted the event to be held in the museum and they were relying on donations from sponsors in the corporate and biotech industries. Although we only had a few months to prepare, I constructed a plan to host a mini live auction with one item and a high energy, inspiring fund-a-need. In our preparations, I helped the Lawrence Hall of Science review their pitch video and assisted the Executive Director in crafting her fund-a-need remarks.

The goal for the gala was to raise $50,000 for the biotech laboratory. With the guidance of Generosity Auctions, The Lawrence Hall of Science raised $110,000 and exceeded their expectations! While they would have been happy to raise a quarter of the amount for the lab, they were able to reach half of their total goal in one night! Because of its success, they plan to make an event like this part of their annual fundraising plan.

While it’s always difficult to put together an event with limited time, having the right fundraising team can help you not only meet, but exceed your fundraising goals.

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.

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Best NonProfit Podcasts: Nonprofits Are Messy

2/13/2017

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I am a Podcast freak! I listen to them in the car, while I exercise, getting ready in the morning and when I fall asleep at night. I cannot get enough.  I wanted to share a podcasts that is newish and that I am loving right now. If you are in the nonprofit world, you should be listening to Joan Garry’s show.

Joan Garry hosts the Nonprofits are Messy podcast. The podcast addresses a lot of topics that are important to nonprofits. I love ‘Get Over your fear of fundraising’, ‘Building a culture of optimism’, ‘Leadership transition’, and ‘Successful marketing and communications’. I adore this podcast because the topics are relevant and I always seem to learn something new. I love Joan’s style of interviewing and she asks very well thought out questions. She also had a wonderful voice to listen to and just ‘gets it’. I highly recommend you check out the Nonprofits are Messy podcast and subscribe to all of Joan’s channels like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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.
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2017 Fundraising Event Trends - Mystery Lots

2/5/2017

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For the next few weeks, I will be sharing my Top 10 fundraising trends of 2017. Check back here for 2017 Fundraising Trends - Exotic Travel, here for Theater Seating, here for Live Streaming Video, here for Social Media, here for Dutch Auctions, and here for Alternative Times.

Here’s a mystery to solve. “Calgon, take me away to a place where strong hands can melt my cares away. What is it?” If you guessed a spa treatment, you’re correct. And, if you hold your next fundraising auction with mystery lots, your donors can have fun bidding on mystery items.

Having mystery lots at your auction means that items don’t have a description, but rather clues associated with them. The goal is to provide clues that are easy enough for donors to figure out, but not everyone will be able to guess. Mystery lots work best for physical items like jewelry, art, or wine and can be incorporated into either your silent or live auction. Your mystery lot items should not be high in value. They’re a great way to include a diversity of price points for silent auction times and a fun way to start off a live auction. Incorporate this fun and goofy addition to your next fundraising event.

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.

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2017 Fundraising Event Trends - Alternative Times

2/3/2017

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For the next few weeks, I will be sharing my Top fundraising trends of 2017. Check back here for 2017 Fundraising Trends - Exotic Travel, here for Theater Seating, here for Live Streaming Video, here for Social Media, and here for Dutch Auctions.

Like clockwork, most organizations’ fundraising auctions occur on a Saturday night. Gala season begins in February  and runs through May/ June. It stops for July and August and then picks up again from September - Mid November. When you choose a Saturday night for your gala, please note that you will be scheduling your fundraising auction on the same night of at least 2-3 other fundraisers in town. Your donors will have to choose which event to attend and if they don’t attend your event, that’s one less gift that you can count on this year.

In 2017, break the mold of the Saturday night Gala and host your fundraising event during an alternative time. Try a mid-week evening, a luncheon or even a breakfast/pre-work event. Don’t forget Friday & Saturday nights.

When you choose to hold your Charity auctions during an alternative times there will several advantages for both your organization and your donors.

Get Done Early
When you choose to host your fundraiser on a Monday - Thursday night you’ll need to  end early to be successful. Typically that means ending by 9:00 p.m.  Because the majority of your events will be coming straight from work, the dress is less formal and, because you’re pressed for time, the achievement of reaching your fundraising goal is front and center.

People Can Come
Many of your donors do not have plans on weeknights, making them available to attend your weeknight fundraiser.

Save Money
Because most vendors’ prices are lower on weeknights, you will save money on your food, decor, sound, AV and other elements your vendors provide at your fundraising event. Saving money on vendors means more money for your organization.

Not Just the Nighttime
Don’t limit yourself to holding your fundraiser at night. Think about hosting a Saturday brunch or lunch fundraiser. You don’t have to wait until the sun sets to raise money!

Some Disadvantages
There are some disadvantages to hosting an auction during an alternative time. It may be unrealistic for you to host a fundraiser on a Wednesday night if you live in a city with an insane amount of traffic. Additionally, because your event will be shorter than traditional galas, you’ll have to forego event extras - like a multi-course dinner, entertainment and extravagant  theme.

Hosting a fundraiser during an alternative time can be just what your organization needs to invigorate your current donors while attracting new donors.

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.​
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