It was for a Rotary Gala that is held every 2 yrs. I'm not a member but they always choose a charity to split the funds with and the 1st year they partnered with the PTO to raise funds for the new Elementary playground. They have asked me to be part of the committee for the next two galas.
This was the first time I tried this. I think I saw the suggestion on this site. I was gathering items for silent and live auctions. This was in the silent auction so we were able to monitor if items were selling or not. This piece sold for $100 which I thought was fine. We set the start bid at $40. with $5.00 increments so there was some bidding going on with this!
I would say the town leans more towards Democratic and this was donated from the Republican Senator. I don't know if that made a difference or not.
It was a unique addition to the silent auction which is what I look for when I start collecting.
There was about 250 at the event. Our town is about 3000. I don't think it would matter as long as they represent your state. There was another silent auction that was donated by a member that had a connection at the state level. It was a tour of the Iowa Capitol and lunch with a representative. I didn't make any contact at the State level since I knew this was already donated. But I have worked with our local county representatives to help with grants and things and they have been very willing and helpful so I would guess they would have responded if I would have asked for something with the Gala.
You never know until you ask. I have been shocked at some yes's that I have received and thankful that I went ahead and asked!
Jandbmommy - This is an interesting idea (to obtain a flag flying over the Capital Building). Did you use this for a PTA fundraiser or a different kind of fundraiser. Did a lot of people try to win this? Are people that patriotic (I'm asking b/c I'd feel terrible if no one tried to win that prize - though I could certainly put a raffle ticket in that myself to avoid that possibility. Kind of a unique prize! What did you specifically ask for via your government official? Do you think it matters the request is from a densely populated area or not?
Dolly I went to the government website where you can email your government officials. I then copied and posted to both Senators. I received a response from one and he sent and American Flag that had been flown over the Capitol Building.
It came with a paper authenticating also. I asked about tickets to places in DC and they said for this kind of event they gave this. If I had just been vacationing with my family they would have sent tickets or arranged something for us. Good Luck!
