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Articles by Sherry Truhlar

• Forgot the Live Fundraising Auction Items in Your Program? Charity Auction Schedules Can Save You
  Sometimes fundraising auction catalogs are misplaced before the live auction begins. Other times a catalog isn't printed.
  Published 06Aug2010, viewed 185 times

• Smart Ideas for Penny Pinching When it Comes to Charity Auction Printing
  With many organizations trying to cut expenses, and with printed materials accounting for a large percentage of any auction gala budget, it's worth taking a look at how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to printing. Here's my opinion on when to splurge and when to save.
  Published 30Jul2010, viewed 142 times

• What to Do When Your Fundraising Auction Guests are Gen X or Gen Y
  If your auction trends the way of many groups, your largest donors are likely 46 years old plus. So what the heck are you supposed to do if you're holding an auction filled with young professionals? Here are some suggestions.
  Published 18Jul2010, viewed 152 times

• Benefit Auction Centerpieces: Two Approaches for Your Gala
  The least expensive way to decorate your benefit auction is to focus on the centerpieces. You've got two primary options for an auction centerpiece, so let's consider the pros and cons of each.
  Published 14Jul2010, viewed 280 times

• Part 2: Auction Tips for Selling Art in your Fundraiser
  This is part 2 of a two-part post discussing the selling of art in your auction fundraiser.
  Published 01Jul2010, viewed 274 times

• Charity Auction Tips for Selling Art in your Fundraiser Part 1
  Traditional art pieces — items like sculptures, paintings, drawings, and mixed media which are produced by a professional artist who makes his or her living from selling artwork - are risky auction items for the standard, non-art benefit auction.
  Published 23Jun2010, viewed 147 times

• Three Free Phone Resources Every Fundraising Auction Chair Should Be Using
  Serving as Charity Auction Chair is stressful enough. Let's ensure you've got at least some basic tools to make planning the charity auction easier.
  Published 16Jun2010, viewed 319 times

• How to Find a Fundraising Auctioneer for your Charity Auction
  If you're new to charity auctions or new to working with auctioneers, you might be unsure of how to go about finding and selecting a charity auctioneer. Here are six steps auction planners can use to not just survive the selection process, but actually enjoy the conversations.
  Published 13Jun2010, viewed 246 times

• Congrats, You Won the Charity Auction item! Will You Bother Redeeming It?
  As I work with clients, inevitably we'll talk about the top-selling charity auction items from the previous year. "How did that couple enjoy the trip to Mexico?" I'll ask. "They never took it," my contact will reply, "Recently a chef estimated that more than 50% of his donations are never used. Did you catch that? More than half of his donated dinners are never consumed. I've noticed this with other items, too.
  Published 15May2010, viewed 345 times

• Silent Auctions - Strategies For Soliciting Donations
  How does one secure the fundraiser auction items? Any benefit auction will be more successful when a variety of items are offered that appeal to a cross section of the guests. Here are a some steps for procuring the goods.
  Published 22May2010, viewed 314 times

• What to Tweet to Promote Your Charity Auction
  Got an auction for charity coming up, and wondering what to tweet? Or maybe you just want to help a charity you love by getting the word out on Twitter? Regardless of your motive, here are some ideas to model. I see great benefit auction-related tweets all the time on Twitter and pulled a few to get your juices flowing.
  Published 27Apr2010, viewed 214 times

• Are We Ready to Eliminate the Printed Fundraising Auction Invitation?
  A quick poll on Twitter makes an interesting data point. Whether it's the canary in the coal mine foreshadowing death of traditional mail fundraising — or printed invitations — is yet to be seen. Certainly as tech-savvy (or simply tech-comfortable) donors age, the electronic version of the charity auction invitation will be used more often, thereby saving planners of charity auctions the costs of printing and mailing invitations.
  Published 27Apr2010, viewed 358 times

• How to Decide the Perfect Number of Live Auction Items for Your Charity Auction
  So what's the answer? What's the perfect number for your non profit or school auction? Truth be told, there is no exact number which works for everyone. But here are five pointers to keep in mind.
  Published 26Apr2010, viewed 435 times

• Silent Auction idea: Wrap Fundraiser Auction Baskets with Clear Plastic Wrap
  There are advantages of wrapping a school or charity auction basket in clear plastic / cellophane.
  Published 24Apr2010, viewed 465 times

• Fundraising Auction Entertainment Ideas: Guest Photos
  Portrait photography good activity for fundraising auctions. The big perk is that you can use those photos in a multi-purpose way long after the event is finished.
  Published 22Apr2010, viewed 245 times

• Creative Non-Floral Centerpieces for Charity Auction Fundraisers
  Most often an organization will opt for a non-floral centerpiece at fundraising auctions due to cost. As attractive as they are, flowers can be expensive. Flowers are a "nice to have," not a "need to have," so they can be quickly cut from a benefit auction budget . But you still want to have an attractive table arrangement. Here are a couple of ideas to help get your charity auction off and running.
  Published 21Apr2010, viewed 1121 times

• Easy-To-Implement Auction Ideas: Quick Ways to Cut Fundraising Auction Costs
  In their auction planning, my clients have cut expenses in the following areas over the last two years. Their efforts are proving wildly successful with higher fundraising totals than ever and more satisfied guests. Here are some ideas to help your event hold down the bottom line.
  Published 18Apr2010, viewed 347 times

• A Staple and a Less Frequent Theme in Benefit Auctions: Charity Galas themes of Venetian & Money
  Whether you are heading into new water with your benefit auction theme or settled on a tried and true theme, use these two examples as motivation to cover every detail and really wow your attendees this year.
  Published 14Apr2010, viewed 285 times

• Silent Charity Auction Item or Live Charity Auction Item: Does It Matter Where It's Sold?
  If my client is only conducting a silent auction, I am never asked whether an item belongs in the silent auction or live auction - there's no choice! But if the auction fundraiser includes both components, the "silent versus live" debate often arises. In this article, I discuss how an auction item can be affected by its placement in a silent section versus the live auction.
  Published 18Apr2010, viewed 297 times

• Unusual Fundraising Auction Venue: Airplane Hangars
  Fundraising auctions can be made more memorable when held in interesting locations. This post covers an auction fundraiser held in an executive airplane hangar.
  Published 13Apr2010, viewed 271 times

• Charity Auction Procurement Item Idea: Family Photo Party
  I've been thinking of ways to improve a photography donation and recently read something that might offer a fresh twist on this traditional, but a little tired, auction item.
  Published 29Apr2010, viewed 176 times

• Avoiding Three Licensing Mistakes Which Could Hurt Your Fundraising Auction
  No one wants to have their fundraising auction shut down for inadvertently misunderstanding a law. In this post, Sherry tells you three of the most common licensing mistakes.
  Published 31Mar2010, viewed 209 times

• Oprah's Leaving Daytime in 2011 -- Time to Request Tickets for Your Auction Fundraisers
  Oprah has effectively turned in her resignation letter to CBS and will be leaving The Oprah Winfrey Show at the end of 2011. That means non-profit auction committees have around 18 months left to try and secure one of the top-selling auction items of all times.
  Published 30Jan2010, viewed 1381 times

• Proof Silent Auction Ideas that Work: Revisiting Printer's Plates
  Newspaper printer's plates make for interesting silent auction items at your benefit auction fundraiser. Here's an example of what they can look like.
  Published 14Jan2010, viewed 246 times

• Benefit Auction Ideas: Asking an Artist to Donate - Steve Haskamp Shares His Perspective on Auctions
  Benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar talks with an artist to get his opinion on benefit auction donations related to art.
  Published 30Mar2010, viewed 635 times

• How to Successfully Sell a Puppy in Your Auction Fundraiser
  Selling a puppy is a popular benefit auction item in Washington, D.C. charity auctions. To ensure the creature finds a "forever home," here are some pointers.
  Published 29Jan2010, viewed 303 times

• Auction Item Ideas: Stock the Bar | Stock the Cellar
  If your audience is more likely to enjoy shots than shiraz, consider hosting a Stock the Bar pre-auction party.
  Published 01Jan2010, viewed 255 times

• Celebrity Charity - Do Your Research to Enlist Stars to Your Cause
  When a charity is looking to build its fundraising auction gala via use of star-power, the key is to ask the right celebrity to participate. This article examines the chosen charities of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, suggests why they opted to give to the charities they did, and offers tips on how you should enlist your own "star-power."
  Published 28Dec2009, viewed 596 times

• Silent Auction Item Displays: How to Create Vertical Displays Without Using Acrylic Stands
  Vertical displays are important to a good silent auction display. Acrylic stands are an excellent option, but if you don't like the look of those stands or if you have more manpower than financial power, here are some ideas.
  Published 27Dec2009, viewed 489 times

• Benefit Auction Fundraisers Are Rarely Appropriate Events For the Clients of Non-Profits
  What is the purpose of your benefit auction? If the focus is fundraising, non-profits should think twice before inviting clients to their event.
  Published 27Dec2009, viewed 386 times

• Charity Auction Item Idea - Heavy Equipment Training School
  Brrrrm. The sound of the bulldozer might just be that unusual auction item everyone will be talking about at your next auction fundraiser. It can make for an unusual silent or live auction item!
  Published 27Dec2009, viewed 561 times

• Benefit Auction Item Idea - The Potato Cannon
  "One of a kind" auction items will always perform well in an auction. A potato cannon ... made by the school's beloved maintenance department ... in an all-boys Catholic school ... is a perfect example of that. What is a potato cannon? True to it's name, the cannon is designed to propel potatoes hundreds of yards.
  Published 17Dec2009, viewed 495 times

• Four Ways to Invest in Your Benefit Auction Success
  Whether you are a volunteer Gala Chair or a paid Special Events Manager, you want your event to be a success. This article looks at some investments which will make your job easier and make you look good!
  Published 14Dec2009, viewed 445 times

• Benefit Auction Item Idea - Procuring Walk-On Movie and Television Roles
  "One of a kind" items always sell well in benefit auctions, and what is more unique than getting to participate in a movie or TV production. A walk-on part refers to the opportunity for someone to be part of the background of a movie or a commercial. Here are three suggestions on how to procure these auction items.
  Published 12Dec2009, viewed 309 times

• Benefit Auction Procurement Trend - Four Ideas For "Farm-to-Table" Donations
  Procurement is a hot topic for benefit auction committee members. This article provides four ideas volunteers can use when soliciting for items in creative dining.
  Published 10Dec2009, viewed 400 times

• Fundraising Auction Procurement Trend - A Cocktail Instruction Party
  Cocktails are hot! As I travel to different cities, I invariably read an article on the train or plane about some local cocktail bar, or a local bartender who has created a fabulous new cocktail, or even the types of music to play at a cocktail party.
  Published 30Nov2009, viewed 428 times

• Benefit Auction Procurement Idea - Stock the Bar Or Stock the Cellar
  Organizing a benefit auction "pre-party" is a fun, social way to solicit for an auction item (or two!). Create a "stock the cellar" or "stock the bar" item for your benefit by hosting one of these events.
  Published 30Nov2009, viewed 457 times

• Benefit Auction Centerpieces - Should You Sell Them Or Give Them Away?
  One way to make money at your benefit auction is to sell your centerpieces. But that's not always a good idea. Consider these two points before you decide to sell.
  Published 30Nov2009, viewed 425 times

• Benefit Auction Ideas Using Vegetables
  If you're a food-related non-profit (or maybe just the lucky recipient of a big vegetable donation), you might be seeking ways to incorporate vegetables into your benefit auction. Here are some ideas to get those vegetables sold or displayed in your fundraising gala.
  Published 29Nov2009, viewed 506 times

• Benefit Auction Ideas - A Great Auction Item For Your Dining Category is a Chef's Table
  When procuring items for your benefit auction, always ask the restaurant if they can offer you the Chef's Table. It's a choice location in the restaurant and could add donation dollars to your bottom line.
  Published 29Nov2009, viewed 583 times

• Silent Auction Item Idea - Newspaper Printer's Plates
  One item which often appears in our Washington, DC benefit auctions is a printer's plate. Printer's plates are unusual items that are popular to sell.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 276 times

• Benefit Auction Tips to Reduce No-Shows and Ensure Guests Are Present to Bid
  No-shows at your benefit auction gala are disappointing for many reasons and can impact revenues. Here are four strategies for reducing the number of no-shows to ensure your auction is a smashing success.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 302 times

• The Proper Way to Thank Donors to a Benefit Auction
  Wondering how to properly thank donors of auction items? Good manners can build your auction's reputation for the long haul so it's important to pay attention to gestures like sending thank-yous. Here are some ideas on how to do it right.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 219 times

• How to Choose the Best Day For Your Benefit Auction
  Trying to decide on what day you should hold your benefit auction? Tuesday lunch ... or Friday night? If you're pondering how to select the right day, this article gives suggestions on why some organizations gravitate towards specific days of the week.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 264 times

• Why Are You Having a Benefit Auction? (Be Honest When Telling Your Auctioneer)
  Why are you holding a benefit auction? Chances are, your reason will fall into one of these five common points. Be sure to share that reason with the benefit auctioneer.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 219 times

• Do Cash Appeals Detract Or Siphon Money From Other Benefit Auction Activities?
  Do appeals detract from your benefit auction fundraiser? Will guests be less likely to bid on a silent auction item or live auction item knowing they have an opportunity to give a cash donation? This article addresses this common question.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 190 times

• Fundraising Auction Entertainment Idea - Mechanical Bull
  Looking for some entertainment ideas for your benefit auction? For a western-themed auction, consider a mechanical bull. It was a popular activity at this fundraising auction for an all-boys private Catholic school.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 301 times

• Benefit Auction Procurement Idea - Family Photo Party
  Many photographers donate a photo sitting to benefit auctions. What if your local photographer agreed to donate a Photo Party instead? Read this article to learn about this new idea.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 389 times

• Four Methods to Conquer a Loud Auction
  When I visit with some organizations about their auction, they insist that their event is unusually loud. "Our crowd likes to party," one will say, or "We can't ever get them to pay attention." Truth is, I've yet to see an auction which really is louder than I imagined.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 182 times

• Benefit Auction Item Idea - New York Fashion Week Tickets
  Here's a juicy idea to discuss at your next benefit auction procurement meeting. New York Fashion Week tickets will sell fast at your fundraiser, and securing them might be as easy as talking to the best-dressed woman on your auction committee.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 217 times

• Benefit Auction Item Idea - Research-Related Excursions
  Many non-profits fail to realize that a research lab can become a fascinating auction item. If you're stuck on ideas for auction procurement, a tour of your lab might be the hot commodity you seek. Here are four examples of research-related auction items we've sold at events.
  Published 27Nov2009, viewed 190 times

• Raffle Prizes - Where to Get a Great Prize When You Can't Find Anyone to Donate One
  When conducting a raffle, it's best when the prize has been donated to your organization. But when you have no appropriate donations, it becomes necessary to buy an exciting prize for the lowest price possible. Here's a great website to consider when you are shopping for that compelling prize.
  Published 25Nov2009, viewed 256 times

• A Simple Trick to Improve Raffle Ticket Sales and the Guest Experience at Your Benefit Auction
  Raffles are common activities at benefit auctions. This simple idea will help your volunteers sell more tickets and ensure your guests remain in a jovial mood to buy.
  Published 25Nov2009, viewed 265 times

• Charity Auction Procurement Idea - Use Your Location to Make Connections to Celebrities
  It's always better to start with a warm lead when asking for a fundraising auction donation. Your location - your city, state, or region - might be a good starting point when warming up celebrities and peoples-of-note to your cause.
  Published 28Oct2009, viewed 171 times

• Family Reunion Auctions - Ideas on How to Conduct Them
  Family reunion auctions are a great way to cover the expenses incurred with planning the event. This article describes how one family organizes their reunion auction and offers some ideas of items typically sold.
  Published 28Oct2009, viewed 322 times

• Want to Be an Auctioneer? Five Reasons People Stay Out of the Profession
  According to the statistics from InfoUSA, the United States has 10,034 full-time auctioneers and a whopping 302,603 attorneys. In this article, the author - an auctioneer herself - considers some of the reasons people aren't entering the business.
  Published 23Oct2009, viewed 236 times

• Charity Auctions & Social Media - 12 Ways to Promote Your Auction Using Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn
  If you've got a volunteer P.R. person whose ready to promote your charity auction, give her this list of 12 ready-to-use ideas on what to say. Using a soft sell, she'll be able to develop a steady stream of content to help promote your auction, develop sponsors, solicit donations, and more.
  Published 23Oct2009, viewed 501 times

• Benefit Auction Raffle Idea - A Lighthearted Way to Sell Raffle Tickets That Leaves Guests Smiling
  Got some raffle tickets you want to sell? Need to fill a few more seats at your benefit auction? This is a fun way to promote and sell tickets that is guaranteed to leave your guests smiling as they pull out their wallet.
  Published 22Oct2009, viewed 319 times

• Five Savvy Ways to Reduce Costs in Your Benefit Auction Budget
  In a shrinking economy, you might feel the need to tighten expenses in your benefit auction budget. Here are some good places to cut costs without any stinging or harmful effects.
  Published 21Oct2009, viewed 205 times

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