We all love a magical gala event. But what we love even more is a magical gala event that raises a lot of money for the organization we’re passionate about. A high mark of success for any gala is a million dollars raised, or more

How do they do it!?

That’s exactly what we wanted to know. So we looked into five 2010 events that did just that, raised $1 million, and in some cases, much more:

• $88M: Robin Hood benefit, New York City;
• $28M: Power of Love Gala for Keep Memory Alive (KMA), Las Vegas;
• $1.6M: Illumination Gala for Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, St. Louis;
• $1.2M: Joffrey Ballet Spring Gala, Chicago;
• $1.2M: Dick Vitale Gala for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Sarasota, Florida.

Dedicated Support from a Well-Run Beneficiary

“Fundraising can’t go off on this level without dedicated staff,” says Anne Kaplan, honorary co-chair of the Joffrey gala. One of the first aspects of creating a great event is having a great staff at the benefiting organization that will work with your committee and chairs.

Jim Samalis, managing director, marketing, communications, and events for Robin Hood, notes the importance, when it comes to fundraising, of the organization being able to document where funds go. At Robin Hood, for instance, a unique and stringent set of metrics are used to track how funds are used by grantees; if grantees don’t meet the organization’s requirements, they don’t get their funding. “We do the research so the donor’s don’t have to,” Samalis says. “We want to give donors every reason to say, ‘Yes.’”

Strong Committee and Donor Base

It’s unanimous: A strong, dedicated, and passionate board, committee,and chairperson(s) are essential. “You need people on the committee to produce,” says Anne Robins, director or special events for KMA. “A lot of people want to be on committees, but they don’t always want to contribute much. This is a collaborative effort.”

“You need a strong board and key chairs to move the event forward,” concurs Amy Sinclair, manager of events at Robin Hood.

To start, personal contacts are invaluable, and the willingness to make the calls—“even those really difficult ones,” says Kaplan—makes the difference in dollars. (Especially in this economy, as the Obama campaign showed, it’s the accumulation of lots of smaller donations that often works best.) Samalis notes that not only did his board fill tables and get financial contributions, they helped bring in donors that provided key services at no cost, such as Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, which provided graphic and technical services gratis. “We received millions of dollars in services pro bono,” Samalis says.

Kaplan also notes that the passion of your committee is directly linked to their ability to inspire checks to get written. And it’s not just right around event time that your committee and chairpeople should be making efforts. “Most importantly, it takes dedicated stewardship of donors throughout the entire year,” states Weddle, “Our cause is such a noble one, but people are busy, so continuing to talk about its importance with our community of supporters throughout the year is crucial.”

Create a Memorable Event

Absolutely, an exceptional affair will result in more funds raised. Kaplan mentions the effective afterglow from the ballet’s gala; the organization received numerous post-event donations because people had had such a wonderful time the evening of.

What makes these events stand out?

Excellent décor, food, and environs are the base. “Add splashes of unexpected fun throughout the event,” Weddle says. “This will make guests remember it and want to keep it on their calendars next year. This year, in sync with our basketball theme, we had the TNT Dunk Squad and Traveling Marching band open the show, and basketball ‘characters’ that showed guests to their seats.”

Along with throwing a stunning event for over three thousand people, the Robin Hood benefit always has surprise entertainment; this year it was Sting. And Power of Love features outstanding wine (guests are welcomed with flutes of Dom Pérignon), world-renown chefs (attendance is limited so that the quality of each dish can remain superb; “We have a waiting list of people who want to attend,” says Anne), and top entertainment—for 2010, Barry Manilow performed.

The primary draw of the Dick Vitale Gala is guest appearances by sports celebrities; it’s their donation (each of them pay for their own expenses for the appearance; the high-profile attraction allows for the high-priced tickets, $1,000 per person, which account for a large portion of the monies raised). The Illumination Gala also utilizes celebrity appeal. “One of the keys to the success is choosing the right celebrity or spokesperson for the event,” says Illumination’s Sherman. “I think this distinguishes our event from others in town. Al Roker, Christina Applegate, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar all add sex appeal, and having them available for meet-and-greets and photos prior to the event at a patron, high-end donor cocktail is fun, and gets everyone jazzed for the evening ahead.”

Sherman also suggests that “an after-party needs to be a highlight of the evening.” Among other features of the Illumination Gala’s post-event festivities, including a DJ, candy, and desserts, “flip flops were passed around to the ladies so they can take their Louboutins and Manolos off. These are the touches that people talk about for days and weeks after.” Keeping things fun and fresh is also paramount to continually bringing in new people every year, notes Robins.

Ways to Raise Funds

There are several different tactics these events employed to create generous giving. The Joffrey benefited from old-fashioned hard work; board members sent out hundreds of letters and made loads and loads of phone call. The personal touch from your chair people and committee members cannot be encouraged enough.

Robins singles out a particularly successful offering featured at the Power of Love: getting specific. Tables at the event feature donation cards, each for a KMA specific program: Give X number of dollars to fund this particular service. “People love to know where exactly their funds are going,” Robins says. During the live auction, the fund-a-need presents similar opportunities. For instance, asking those wanting to donate $1,000 to a certain program to stand. “Almost the whole room stands up,” says Robins. It’s also a way to get people to stand and give more than once.

“We tailor our tactics to the times,” notes Samalis. In the past, the Robin Hood fundraiser featured pricey auction items that only 3 or so percent of the attendees could participate in bidding for. This year, the event also provided devices at the tables that allowed attendees to donate any amount anonymously; to make it fun, the room was divided up into three sections and there was a competition between them to see which could raise the most money. Real-time totals appeared on big screens, and each section featured a celebrity “cheerleader” to encourage his or her group. Seventy percent of attendees donated with the device and the gala raised over $26 million from this effort alone. Every donation helps create a larger total.

At the Vitale gala, commemorative basketballs serve as table centerpieces and double as auction pieces; attendees at each table compete between themselves for the now coveted prize. It’s become such an anticipated tradition over the past five years the gala has taken place, that the bidding gets fierce, says V Foundation Vice President of Special Projects Joyce Aschenbrenner; bids have gone as high as $5,000 to even $10,000. The event also always features impromptu auction prizes (yes, totally unplanned, but they always happen), often game tickets: coaches regularly offer up great seats, and Vitale will, say, throw in a private jet ride to and from and himself as chaperon; this year, a walk-on role in Vitale’s annual Hooters commercial was on the block.

Exceptional service and a personal touch make a difference over at the Power of Love Gala. “We personally handle all of the details for the winners of the auction items,” says Robins. “We provide a unique level of hospitality.”

Build Your Message before and during the Event

Messaging, messaging, messaging!

“It’s all about the messaging,” Robin Hood’s Sinclair succinctly states. People need to have an understanding of what your benefactor does and feel that their money will be well spent, and they need to be excited about your event, so clear messaging about both is key.

One way to draw attention to your event: Create buzz. “Advance buzz is key,” says Sherman. “I would do more social networking in the future, maybe even getting a chairperson to have a blog, which she or he updates as the party moves forward. Use the social media more.” Also build up with “a kickoff party in someone’s chic home,” continues Sherman, “a cover story in a society magazine—advance press that makes it a ‘must attend’ is de rigueur.” The Joffrey gala committee convened months ahead of its event to work on its messaging verbiage.

At the Robin Hood event, building the charity’s message was a primary mission of the evening. “We hit with messaging at cocktails,” notes Samalis, “featuring many grantees in videos, pictures, and stories, showing what the funding has been doing. And we reiterate that throughout the night.” A good key speaker can also help this along; Samalis credits Robin Hood’s speaker, NBC’s Brian Williams, with inspiring donations.

“A combination of messaging and an enjoyable evening,” concludes Samalis, “puts people in the right frame of mind to give.”

Robin Hood

Power of Love Gala

Illumination Gala

Joffrey Ballet Gala

Dick Vitale Gala

In June of 1966 after the immense success of In Cold Blood, Truman Capote, the famed American author, decided that he was going to throw a party to celebrate all his hard work and good fortune. However, this was not to be just any celebration. Capote invited 500 of his closest friends who happened to be the most prominent and popular celebrities at the time (Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow to name a few), and also requested a swarm of journalists and photographers for this so-called “private” party. No expense was spared for lavish decorations or the toothsome cuisine, and on November 28, 1966, guests arrived at the exalted Plaza Hotel in New York City to attend the party of the year or what some would later call “The Party of the Century”.

The most eye-catching and memorable aspect of this party, however, was not the location, food, or even the A-list attendees; it was the title. Capote dubbed the celebration, “The Black and White Ball” and ever since then, party planners and event organizers alike have been running with the theme. A black-tie gala in which guests dress in black and white attire, Black and White Balls are a sure way to keep guests intrigued, excited, and amused.

In recent years, the aims of a Black and White Ball have changed; that is to say that many organizations, companies, groups, and celebrities are hosting annual Black and White Balls not only for extravagant celebration, but also as a benefit to raise money for charities and nonprofits. Guests are guaranteed all the perks and fun of a black-tie affair, while they build awareness and acquire funds for a selected charity at the same time.

One of the most famous Black and White benefits in the country is San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball. This elegant biennial event is held at San Francisco’s Civic Center and repeatedly attracts San Francisco’s finest as well as many from around the country. Guests can expect a stirring concert (Tony Bennett and k.d. lang performed this year), dancing, music from an array of bands, a catered feast, scrumptious cocktails, beautiful decorations, and the Symphony’s own midnight surprise, a highly anticipated tradition.

Proceeds from the Ball benefit Adventures in Music, an organization that brings music programs to the San Francisco Unified School District. Tickets to this event might cost you a pretty penny (prices range from $200 for a party pass to $25,000 for a patron table), but the children in San Francisco’s schools certainly appreciate all that this event accomplishes in just one night. Because the San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball is one of the nation’s oldest annual galas of its kind (its first in 1956 even before Capote’s), this Ball’s guest list and profits only seem to be growing with time.

While the San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball boasts a “midnight surprise”, other black and white balls across the nation offer special traditions and unique touches to keep patrons coming back. Give Kids The World hosts an annual Black and White Ball in Orlando, Florida and presents an extensive silent auction. Such items include a 2010 American Music Awards Experience, VIP Space Shuttle Launch Experience, Weeklong Hawaiian Getaway, “Grease” poster signed by John Travolta, 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational Badges for 4, and much, much more. The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Black and White Ball, which supports the Theatre’s educational and outreach programs, awards the Nevada Ballet Theatre Woman of the Year at their event. Past recipients such as Marie Osmond, Paula Abdul, Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Twyla Tharp, have not only supported the theater, but also all their philanthropic and charitable endeavors.

Many other organizations have used big names to garner media attention and up their charitable revenue. Nelly, a hip-hop artist and celebrity in his own right, hosts an annual Black and White Ball in St. Louis, Missouri. This social event of the season boasts an impressive A-list attendance and therefore, brings in more and more money year after year. This southern celebration benefits Nelly’s Scholarship Program for Lindenwood University, which pays the full tuition for select University hopefuls. Even Chaka Chan returned to her hometown Chicago, Illinois to attend this year’s United Negro College Fund Black and White Gala. This event has raised over $5 million since its inception in 2001.

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce takes unique to the extreme. Their annual Black and White Ball is an outdoor event located in Auburn, California’s historic downtown at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume or to simply wear anything that is black and white, fun and comfortable. After a thrilling evening of festivities benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Auburn, guests can even set up camp and sleep under the stars.

Many Black and White Balls still see great success by keeping their events simple. Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation of Fort Worth, Texas, Bayhealth of Dover, Delaware, and Winthrop University Hospital of Huntington, New York all host annual Black and White Balls supporting health initiatives, hospital programs, and children’s centers. Guests can expect to dine and dance the night away for a good cause.

No matter how diverse these Black and White Balls may be, they do have certain things in common. They all offer dinner and entertainment (at the very least live music and dancing) and most hold auctions or raffles to generate additional revenue. Many have a long list of sponsors and donors, a devoted group of volunteers, and all are put together, organized, and backed by dedicated committees and chairs. Photographers are also great to have on hand. Not only do the guests get to feel like celebrities for a night, but the photos can also be used later for advertisement and media attention.

Regardless of personal touches or special traditions, Black and White Balls are a classy and fun way to raise money for charity.

[Photos by Drew Altizer Photography - www.drewaltizer.com]

About 18 months ago, many clients started asking me about how the economy was affecting fundraising auctions; South Florida Urban Ministries was one of them. The economy was our first topic during our coaching session.

In the course of conversation, I talked about how a dip in the economy actually spurs some companies to new heights, and I cited one such example.

A few weeks later, the Executive Director used that example in his newsletter. Although it was a jolt to see my name in the first sentence on the cover of the letter, I was excited to see that SFLUM was directly addressing the issue with its supporters. He reminded them about the good work SFLUM was doing in the community, he talked about some immediate needs, and he set the tone that it’s time for everyone to band together to help each other. Kudos!

Are you wondering about what to do in these times? Or about that company I mentioned? Read on for some auction ideas related to mindset.

I talked about how many millionaires have been made in down economies. Our current recession is a natural cycle. Some businesses will fade away for failing to remain competitive, but others will thrive. I’d even suggest that this is a wonderful time for many people to birth their own businesses. Sometimes all we need is a kick in the pants (like a job layoff) to make us take the initiative to make the change we’ve been wanting to make for a long time.

I also mentioned a company that leaped to the top during the Great Depression. Harry and David, the mail-order company which makes those yummy gourmet gift baskets, was facing economic ruin when they could no longer export their Oregon-grown pears to Europe’s affluent market. In dire straits, they thought creatively. They realized that they could start shipping their product by mail.

In 1934, the brothers traveled to San Francisco and New York to pitch their product to industry leaders. They suggested that their pears would make the perfect business gift.

Their idea worked. Orders flooded the store and the pears found a new fan base all over the United States. Harry and David became a direct marketer of fruit and food gifts.  The mail-order catalog industry was born. (You can read their full story here)

Just as Harry and David sought out new customers, you might need to seek new donors. The traditional places you have farmed for donations and sponsorships might be less able to give. This might be the time for you to seek fertile ground elsewhere.

Keep reminding yourself that there is still money being made and there is still money being spent, but you might have to seek it in a different corner of your world. Here’s a statistic to keep in mind:  A May 27, 2010 report from the Chronicle of Philanthropy showed that giving dropped a bit in 2009, but it still amounted to over $595,000,000 being donated each day.  That’s some money you can tap into!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Start procurement earlier than usual. You might get more “no’s” this year, and that’s OK. They have a right to say, “No.” But you also have a right to keep asking the next person, and the next…
• Throw a wider net. Reach out to more potential donors to ensure you procure enough of the right items
• Reach out to more people (call them to personally invite them) to keep your audience numbers up
• Be creative in thinking about what types of items you want to sell. Items that cannot be purchased elsewhere (e.g. lunch with a well-liked mayor; a day with the fireman, etc.) will always draw bidders, regardless of the economy
• Conduct an aggressive pre-auction marketing campaign for your items
• Stay mission focused. It’s important to remind your supporters about what you do
• Subscribe to Entrepreneur magazine (one of my favorites) and see which companies are growing. Target them!
• Maintain your upbeat, positive outlook.  Enthusiasm sells!  You’ll attract more donations for your benefit auction when you personally are convinced that a donor should give

Do YOU have any suggestions/tips in executing a successful auction? Let’s hear them!

The Event: “Gathering on the Green,” Parca Auxiliary’s 22nd Annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, merged high fashion, delicious food, and exciting auctions at a private estate in Hillsborough on May 26, 2010.

The Cause: Since 1952, Parca Organization has been serving Bay Area residents with developmental disabilities and their families through promoting choice, control, and individuality in their lives. Parca offers adult skills training, residential programs, childcare, and support groups for families.

Event Co-Chairs: Kate Parsons and Taryn Sutton, who said, “Raising funds to improve the lives of those with developmental disabilities is a purpose that drives and inspires us all. The funds raised today will make a real difference to Parca Organization.”

The Credentials: This annual event is the primary fundraiser hosted by the Parca Auxiliary, a group of Peninsula-based women who have supported Parca Organization since 1985. Close to 400 guests raised $185,000 through live and silent auctions, Fund-A-Need, and a raffle. One bidder took home a Goldendoodle puppy from the live auction, and another lucky guest won a $5,000 gift certificate donated by Steiners Jewelry in the raffle.

The highlight of the afternoon was a fashion show featuring contemporary American sportswear by Tory Burch and a men’s collection from Wilkes Bashford. The show also featured styles from some of the area’s most popular boutiques, including Hugo Boss, J’me, Les Duex Copins, LuLu Lemon, and Baby Couture.

Diane Conti, the executive director of Parca Organization, summed up the importance of the Auxiliary and its fundraising efforts: “Now, more than ever, we need the community’s support. Because of your generosity, we hope to continue to provide services to those with developmental disabilities so that they may live as independently as possible. Parca is a lifeline for many of these families, giving them hope for a better future.”

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?



Annie Vranizan, Kristy Yamaguchi, Layne Gray & Joanna Rees

Vivanista has developed a new Fundraiser-In-A-Box: VivaStarDance.   Based on extensive  research of several organizations who have successfully completed fundraisers such as this, including Kristi Yamaguchi’s Dancing The Night Away, and Center for the Homeless in South Bend, Indiana, with their Dancing With Our Stars event which this year raised over $300,000. Kristi Yamaguchi, having been the winner of the 6th Season of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, is fortunate that several of the DWTS professional dancers participate in her fundraiser. But even without such star power, charitable organizations can create a powerhouse line-up of civic leaders who are willing to cut loose on the dance floor. Based on the feedback we have received coupled with our own experience in charitable fundraising, VivaStarDance can be a sure-winner for organizations across the country.

WHAT IS VIVAStarDance:VivaStarDance is a charitable fundraiser in which seven community leaders are partnered with professional dancers.  Each pair learns one two-minute long ballroom dance-style routine which they perform for attendees at a fun-filled evening fundraiser.

One month prior to the actual event, the public is encouraged to vote for their preferred participant on-line.  Each vote cast costs a nominal amount which is a direct donation to the charity. Hence, donations are generated far in advance of the actual event.

The event will include an Auction and a Fund-In-Need.  After the seven performances a winner is crowned.  All guests are then invited to the dance floor to strut their stuff.

HOW IT WORKS:

• Identify seven community leaders who are willing to give of their time and energy to learn a ballroom type dance and will generate advance buzz
• Identify appropriate local professional dancers who are willing to donate a portion or all their time to the endeavor which includes choreographing a dance, training their partner and performing for the audience
• Pre-event promotion encourages voting and ticket sales
• Tickets to the event include cocktails, dinner, the performances, and dancing

REVENUE:

• Ticket pricing (dependent on city):
  • Regular priced ticket: $75 – $250
  • VIP ticket: $250 – $1,000
  • Pre-event online voting: $25 – $50 per vote

• Auction Ideas:
  • Ballroom Dance Lessons
  • Tickets to a taping of ABC Show ‘Dancing With The Stars’
  • Fund-In-Need

• Additional revenue opportunities:
  • Raffle
  • Corporate Sponsors
  • Program Book

DETAILS:

• Audience:  Men and Women
• Volunteers: Moderate
  • Dance coordinators: 7 (one for each pair)
  • Ticket sales: 2
  • Promotion: 1
  • Finance: 1
  • Production: 2 – 4
  • Auction: 2 – 5
  • Partner/sponsor relations: 2
  • On-site: security: 2
  • On-site: Auction & Fund-In-Need spotters: 1 per 40 guests
  • On-site: Clean-up: 2 – 4

• Major Costs:  Venue, catering, marketing, costumes
• Level of effort:  Moderate
• Planning Cycle:  6 – 9 months

HOW VIVANISTA CAN HELP:

• Download for Free
  • Budget template
  • Committee formation tips
  • Timeline
  • Job descriptions
  • Solicitation letter to prospective donors
  • Graphic design
  • Event invitation
  • Final Report

• Premium Program: Vivanista manages the event logistics for a fee
  • All templates and guides as listed above in a ‘Chair Bible’ binder
  • Pre-event
  • Creative direction
  • Credit card processing, including ticket sales and pre-event voting
  • Marketing including graphic design, and social media marketing
  • Interface with volunteer committee
  • On-site: Oversee event volunteers
  • On-site: Manage logistics
  • Post-event: Final Report
  • Post-event: Revenue reconciliation
  • Cost: Depends on scope of work and timeframe.  Minimum of $5,000 + expenses.

SUMMARY:

VivaStarDance is a fun community-oriented fundraiser that as potential to become a must-attend annual event and generate substantial revenue for your charity.

Email events@vivanista.com to find out more about how you can host your own VivaStarDance!

We asked Vivanistas to name the favorite Silent Auction items they had seen.  What became abundantly clear is the most popular items were ones that couldn’t be purchased.  Even more interesting is the simplicity of the packages.  Here are ten of our favorite:

1. Cooking Class with a well-known chef
2. In-home chef for a dinner party
3. Eco-trip to the Galapagos sponsored by National Geographic
4. Tour of the jail with the sheriff and then a ride in his car
5. Free valet parking for your next event (up to a certain number of cars)
6. Preferred parking spot at a child’s High School
7. Photograph of child in major print advertisement
8. Front row seats at NY Fashion Show
9. Private winery tour by winemaker with vertical tasting of wines
10. Shoe of the Month Club

What about you: what’s your favorite Auction package?

Login and Comment below

With the economy suppressing charity fundraiser ticket sales, more and more organizations are looking to Live Auctions to help make up for lost revenue.  Many are huge successes, but here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your own:

• If you have international travel packages, you will substantially increase the value by including airfare. If you have no participating airlines, ask your committee if they or their spouse are willing to donate miles. Remember that AMEX points can be turned into miles; if you get enough donors at, say, 100,000 miles or more each, you can put together some pretty great trips with even business or first class flights.

• Keep it as short as possible. If you figure 3 minutes per package, it only takes 10 packages to get to 30 minutes, which is a long time if it’s not the only activity at the event.

• Evening auctions are always more successful than those during the day. Why? You guessed it – more alcohol is consumed, and men get into the competitive spirit.

• Make sure your auction packages are unique, not available just anywhere. Examples of easy-to-create packages include:  In-home dinner parties: served by committee members with the meal cooked by a local celebrity chef.  Cellar Starter: Ask committee members to donate a special bottle of wine. You can even ask that the wines be within a particular varietal, year, or appellation.

• The flow of the auction is important to scrutinize.  Make sure the first package is exciting and has a high probability of being sold for more than the established value.  This further builds enthusiasm about the auction as a whole, and the buzz can roll over to a less-desirable package.

• On the big ticket packages, check whether donors are willing to double their donation. Even if you have to pay for the second item, it may be worthwhile if a bidding war propels the amount far above its value. A good Auctioneer can encourage bid bump-ups by offering top bidders the package.

• Get a professional Auctioneer, or at least someone who has successfully been an auctioneer before. They can easily make more than any fee they might charge (some will actually guarantee it).

• Try not to buy items that will be auctioned off. Many guests will know when something has been paid for (Pebble Beach Lodge stay, Abercrombie & Kent excursions).

• Start the minimum bids low – well below 50% of the value, it is more likely bidders will get excited by a low starting price and a bidding frenzy may ensue. Starting the minimum bid too high may preclude anyone from jumping in, and the Auctioneer uncomfortably may need to lower the minimum to instigate bidding.

• Consider having someone in the audience willing to start the bidding on an item, this is especially true with Funds-In-Need.

Whether you are a true gourmand or simply a gal who enjoys a good meal (I fall into this second category), you and your benefit auction audience will love a farm-to-table dining experience.

While on the train traveling back from New York to Washington, D.C., I read Amtrak’s magazine, Arrive. It had a feature covering the farm-to-table movement. Several restaurants known for their work in this area were mentioned.

What is the farm-to-table movement? In essence, it’s about sourcing ingredients locally.

Imagine the chef’s in your town all heading to the neighborhood farmer’s market and planning their menus for the day or week around the seasonal vegetables, fruits, and meats bought at the market. It’s fresh, often organic, and seasonal.

I recently dined at one of these restaurants and wanted to give you four fundraising auction ideas on how you can incorporate this hot farm-to-table trend into your own charity auction.

Seek a donation from a local restaurant promoting the concept.

In your auction marketing and subsequent write-ups, advertise the farm-to-table meal. Explain it — just as I’m doing for you right now. Your audience needs to understand it.

Some farmers are jumping on the trend and offering meals on their own farms. Check in with them.

Ask for a backstage farm tour and two seats at a place like this one in Illinois or this one in Colorado.

Contact one of the several companies who are in business to organize meals “on the farm” at various farms.

Try Outstanding in the Field (which travels around the USA), Dinners at the Farm (which focuses on Connecticut locations), or Plate and Pitchfork (which focuses on Portland, OR locations).

Can’t find anything locally? Create your own dinner for the charity auction!

Talk to a progressive, fun-loving farmer, or someone with a really big yard. Explain the concept. Show him pictures. Give her a vision.

Then ask your local “hostess with the most-est” to coordinate a dinner. Give her ideas. Show her Web links. Convince her this will be the biggest thing happening in your community of 1000 people since Old Farmer Gray’s barn exploded when those troubled kids accidentally blew up their meth lab. (I was raised in a small Kansas farming town and I have stories to tell…)

She could even contact local gardeners. They could each donate a dish made with their own backyard produce.  At your auction, sell tickets to the dinner for $30 each, or $50 each, or whatever price point makes sense for your community.

Depending on your auction, these donations could be sold in the silent auction or the live auction.

Mmmm good. I can taste that delish’ meal now. And folks – once you get those dinners together — remember it’s polite to invite your auctioneer.

A New York Times article After A Peek at the Police Dept., A Thanks With a Check, by Michael S. Schmidt, explains how many high profile New Yorkers – from Dan Rather to Barry Diller, got to get an insider’s look at the day to day operations of various units inside the Police Department.

Although these were not actual auction items, approximately 40% of the participants made donation to the Police Foundation. They got to accompany task force units, observe counterterrorism teams and visit precinct stations. Who wouldn’t want to see those!