Developing An Auction Dinner (Part Three - Continued)

 I have had the privilege of attending and working with thousands of auction dinners throughout North America for over 20 years. Some had several thousand attendees, while others only had fifty or so. The articles that follow are meant to give an overview of how successful auction dinners are conceived, planned and managed.

For anyone who wants a complete "Developing An Auction Dinner" package, complete with working manuals, workbooks, sample forms and PowerPoint presentations, visit my Festival and Event Planning website.

Event Plan Implementation

8.Cash Donations

Cash donations can be a great boon to your event. They can give you the necessary cash to buy quality prizes, to frame art or to create “little touches”. To help you prospect for cash donation; create areas of need or opportunity that the donors can identify with. Here are some examples to consider:

·         Art prints need to be framed

·         Place mats need to be printed

·         Tickets need to be printed

·         Raffles need to be sponsored

·         Games need to be sponsored

·         Signs need to be created

9. Donated Gifts

Donated gifts are always appreciated, but if they are not of high quality they will detract from the rest of your event. You want your attendees to really value the prizes they win. That being said, it is just as important to thank your donors in as many ways as possible. Here are some ideas:

·         Include there names in the program

·         Mention their names throughout the event, especially when someone wins their donation

·         Send a thank you letter to them after the event and let them know how much money was raised

·         Take an add out in the local newspaper thanking the donors

·         If you are interviewed on radio or TV, mention the name of as many as you can

·         If a donation receipt for tax deductions is available, send it out as soon as it is available

(To be continued)