Using Masks as Centerpieces and Event Décor
By Sherry Truhlar, Benefit Auctioneer - March 15, 2010
A Venetian theme is a staple for benefits and can be popular for fundraising auctions. The imagery of the city is perhaps most closely associated with its famous canals, followed by its infamous Carnival.
As canals are harder to build into a benefit auction theme, I most often see Carnival masks. Masks are festive elements to use, easily portable, and come in a range of price points.
A gala can set the tone for a Venetian theme on invitations using masks in the design or by using the colors of Carnival, green, gold and purple. Masks can then become the entire décor at the venue appearing in all these locations.
* Direction finders in a larger venue with multiple ballrooms
* Stairways and banisters
* Registration table
* The bar
* Buffet tables
* Dessert tables
* Dinning tables as centerpieces
* Silent auction tables
* On stage as decorations
* Party favors that traditionally come with a stick to hold the masks to guests’ eyes
At a nonprofit fundraising auction, Venice took center stage again. This time, the venue was the Ritz-Carlton and the masks matched the more upscale location.
This nonprofit opted to use the masks in a variety of ways. For instance, in addition to serving as decor elements throughout the venue, they were incorporated into the centerpieces during the dinner auction.
A school hosting a Venetian-themed benefit auction had both hand-crafted and purchased masks which looked lovely. Not only were they used on the silent auction tables in the transformed gymnasium, but they were also functional when used as non-floral centerpieces, made by the kids!
P.S. If you are interested in centerpieces, you’ll also want to read my posts on shrinking floral auction centerpieces and about selling auction centerpieces.
Visit Sherry’s Red Apple Auctions blog for advice and photos on charity auctions.
This article has been published with permission from Red Apple Auctions LLC.
Photos courtesy of Red Apple Auctions LLC.
About the author: Sherry Truhlar, Benefit Auctioneer
Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions LLC works with volunteer auction chairs who want to plan their most successful charity auction yet. In addition to offering the auctioneer “fast talk,” she works with clients nationally to teach them the tricks of auction procurement, audience development and marketing.
Related posts:
- Fundraising Tutorial: Event Feasibility Quiz 1 of 6
- A Charity Gala Isn’t Complete without Centerpieces
- Taking Your Silent Auction Displays Vertical
- Size Matters: Shrinking Your Centerpieces
- How to Increase Sales of Raffle Tickets
