Fundraising - Operative word ~ FUN!

Are you in search of a fundraiser in these economic times that will work for your organization? Are you worried supporters of your cause are stressed and stretched to the maximum? As professional fundraisers - The AuctionGreers see this stress on a regular basis. The basics are essential. Most individuals will still pay what they can afford - for FUN! Imagine - the supporters of your cause are enduring the stress you considered everyday! The people who have become defeated will be the only responders to admit they need to be concerned with their own personal family crisis. Invent an economical way to make your event a "getaway" from the economic stress!


Research the events your locals are paying to attend in your area. Visit the venues and ask questions. What is the majority of attendees ordering? Whom do they come and visit? What are they willing to pay for? I promise you if a venue is successful in these economic times - the reason is obvious! A professional benefit Auctioneer may seriously be the best investment made in your fundraising checklist. A professional Auctioneer will know how to add excitement, entertainment, and humor to a creative item and hit a homerun with the dollars she raises! Should you be hosting an event in an economically stressed area, get creative! Have your planning committee research items of the essential nature that consumers are willing to buy! Food, housing, and home essentials are always a safe bet! Creative items can include selling: a private viewing of a building demolition, driving a car for a demolition derby, or even operating a piece of heavy equipment at a local construction site! I have even explored movie extra parts, a radio talk show guest, a live tree planted by a local horticulturist, and the adventure of a hot air balloon ride! I have sold trail rides with world champion horse trainers and cooking classes with a local celebrity chef! The real thing sometimes is what your consumers are willing to pay more to own! Specifically, they are willing to pay real money for something they might invest in any way. They even leave with an enhanced sense of well being given they have made a sensible investment while simultaneously benefitting your cause.

I interviewed a friend who was an interior designer. She was somewhat depressed by the slowing list of new clients; since the recent economic depression. I suggested she donate an hour of frugal design consultation for a local auction! She was thrilled to be able to help! She has further turned the idea into a class to be offered at a local community center for students who wish to try a lower budget - "do it yourself" design scheme. Remarkably, her gift of her expertise turned into a gift for herself. A nice little monthly relief for the slack in cash flow her family had suffered.

The moral of this story is continued to live your dream of funding your passionate cause! Simply don't overlook the obvious! Think on your feet if necessary! Just remain focused on the ultimate goal; generating capitol for your philanthropy! A nonprofit survives the same way as for profit business - it generates money to run its business. The only difference is the non profit's business is supporting its cause. Open your minds to any way a consumer could enjoy opening their wallet and their hearts to maintain your non-profit's goal! Happy fundraising! We will chat again soon!

The AuctionGreers

How can I help The AuctionGreers help raise money for charities?

The AuctionGreers have recently completed a special training course with the NAA, National Auctioneers Association to become: Benefit Auctioneer Specialists - BAS!

Benefit auctions are one of the fasting growing segments of the auction business!
The BAS course is designed to teach the planning techniques that create successful benefit auctions. Auctioneers who complete the course study to receive this designation - learn specialized benefit marketing skills, create a business strategy, and to assist clients with building clientele and profits.

If a live Charity Auction is conducted correctly it can realize upwards of 67% percent of your event's entire income. The other third (33%) of the revenue generated is from the combined total of ticket sales as well as additional event income via: a silent auction, raffles, or other proceeds.

When considering whether or not to hire an auction professional for your event; Can the person you are considering to host the events provide the following elements:

* Can they ask for money and use trained and well tuned expertise to extract thousands of extra dollars from the crowd?

* Can they identify the experienced bidders in a crowd and know what they're likely to buy?

* Do they already have loyal and dedicated auction clients? Could they bring crowd of regulars who could boost your event profits?

* Are they going to be a big help with marketing, planning, and promotion?

* Do they understand bidding increments and how asking for the bigger dollar influences the buyer?

* Are they interested in you continued success and the passion you have for your cause?

If you can answer no to any of the above questions, I can guarantee you that "guest" auctioneer will end up costing you a lot more than it would to hire a professional.

Please let us know if you know of a non- profit organization we could assist! We can add value to any charity's fund raising benefit by offering our professional services. Professional Benefit Auctioneers offer a service to any fundraiser, gala, or event that actually generates income! Our presence adds to the profit side of the balance sheet. A good auctioneer will never cost you money, they'll make you money.

Learn more about The AuctionGreers at: www.auctiongreer.com or find us on Facebook !