This is my first year as the Silent Auction Committee Chair and I was wondering what is a sponsorship? Is it money and what can it be for? i.e. things to be auctioned off or supplies for silent auction like baskets and display items?
We kept our tickets together and put big stuffed Mickey and Minnie holding a copy of the tickets on a board advertising it written in the Disney font. We started the bidding at $100 and increments of $25. They went for $50 less than value. Next year we are going to put together a package with airline tickets and hotel/condo stay. Good luck!
I also have to agree that this site is great, however it frustrates me as well when people ask for a list to be sent to them. It took me days to look through the old list ---I learned alot. So I do encourage others to read through the old list first.
It does take time to get a hang of this. Last year was my first time and this year, I have gotten so much better.
There are things I wish I got more of, but I need to put the time into it. For example- autographed pictures and donations from music labels that someone on here suggested. Next week after my event is finally over, I plan on diving into those 2 areas of future donations.
I also can't stress your local places of business. No one likes to get rejected, but it is worth it when you finally get that YES!!
Attending other groups' events is also a great way to support others as well as discover possible potential donations for your event. No one can think of everything.
But put the work into it. There is no easy way at fundraising.
I can see both sides of this one. It does frustrate me when someone comes on and posts, "I live in _____________. Could someone please send me a list of the places who donate in that area?" I come here to collaborate, to learn about types of businesses to contact, and I am willing to do the work. The people that do that don't bother to look through the pages of the post, and don't bother to attempt anything on their own, and that is frustrating. I am absolutely all about helping people out, but I am not willing to do all the work for you, and then have you come in and want me to send you a spreadsheet of all the places that have donated to me. I do agree that it can negatively affect you if you post a specific contact's information - like, "I e-mailed xyz@_____.com and she donated to us." Then there will be hundreds of other people e-mailing xyz. I have found this site to be a lot of help and am grateful to those of you who help others.
