A rose … er, an appeal by any other name is still an appeal

A prospective client called me a few days ago.  “We conduct a silent auction, a live auction, and a reverse auction,” she said.

A reverse auction?

I had to smile.  Perhaps more than any other activity during an auction fundraiser, cash appeals are called a variety of names.

Let’s describe it so we all understand the activity:  An appeal is a direct request of the audience, asking them to make a cash donation to fund the organization.

During an appeal, the crowd is – in effect – giving a group gift to the charity.  “Here’s our money,” the audience cries in unison to the organization, “Live long and prosper!”

So what are the names I hear for appeals?

I’ve heard at least 17 different names:

  • Cash appeal / Appeal
  • Paddle Raisers / Raise the Paddle
  • Gift from the Heart
  • Dutch Auction
  • Mission Call / Mission Moment
  • Fund in Need / Fund an Item / Fund a Program
  • The Challenge
  • Love Offering / Love Gift
  • A Bid Down
  • The Shakedown (a tongue-in-cheek reference, and my personal favorite)
  • And now … The Reverse Auction

Which sounds good to you?  Perhaps regional differences play a role here.

Generally speaking, what you call an appeal isn’t a problem, unless you are calling it a different name all of the time.

Select a name, and stick with it.  You and your auction committee should always refer to it by that name so you, other committee members, and your guests do not become confused.

If you conduct an appeal, what do you call it?