A Quick Guide in Hosting a Fundraising Auction

Any successful event needs careful planning. If you are hosting a fundraising auction, you should sit down, talk with your team, and plan for the event.



Gather the Auction Goods.

Items that will be put on sale may not be expensive and of the same kind. They can be things like handicrafts, trips, commemorative items, sports or concert tickets, and gift certificates among others.



Set the stage.

A fundraising auction can be mixed with other event such as Sunday garden cookout, or spaghetti a dinner, or wine and cheese party. Prepare everything from food, chairs, tables, bid numbers, and stage. Your venue should be ideal to the event. If you are holding it indoors, decorations are essential. If you are holding it outdoors, check the weather forecast. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. The last thing you would want is for the event to be suspended due to weather or any avoidable disaster. Nonetheless, as long as you have a good venue and people ready to shed some money for a good cause, you'll be fine.



Let it be Known.

Have the invitation set. The people that will attend the auction are the people you will expect to bid the give away money without any hesitations. So when inviting people, it is important to talk to them personally and explain what the auction is all about, its goals and mission. Understanding that the proceeds of the auction will go to a good cause will increase the possibility of getting higher bids. Do not forget to print out invitations and auction brochures or catalogues to be given away to the invited people before the bidding starts.



Get a Good Auctioneer.

One secret to a successful fundraising auction is to have a lively auctioneer. He or she may not be a professional or a fast talker; a good auctioneer has to be someone who can stand on the podium and get the crowd going. Because an enthused crowd may buy anything, even the most unlovable object will be sold for a considerable amount. Get it from your group member who has the talent and skill to connect with anyone.



Hosting an action is one of the most effective ways to raise money for a good cause. If you are tasked to prepare for one, use this as a guide to make sure that the auction is a success.