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►Churches too!

 December 10, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Not all galas are annual events. I just had an absolutely awesome time working with the Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota. They were celebrating a 40th Anniversary and wanted to do something big to commemorate this milestone. And big they did!

It’s always fun when it’s an intimate venue and everyone knows each other. We joked and laughed all through the auction, and friends bid against friends, higher and higher, to cheers of delight.

So, if you’re celebrating a one-off special event, or you’re a church, or you plan on having a crowd under 150 people, I just might be your perfect match! Lillie and Marrie would be happy to tell you about their experience working with me 🙂

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Event Logistics, Live Auctions

►Worse than Whoops!

 November 19, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Something happened recently that has NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. I created Clerking Sheets for a gala and emailed them to the client ahead of time. They printed those sheets and put them on 3 clipboards. Check and check. They had staff members lined up to fill in the sheets during the live auction and Paddle Raise (on another sheet).

We did the fundraising and sold 4 live auction items (some with multiples) and then got many Fund-a-Need donations at multiple levels.

After the auction I asked to see one copy of the clerking sheets so I could take a photo for my records.

NO ONE WROTE ANYTHING DOWN.

For the first time ever, somehow the clipboards never got into the hands of the 3 staff members told to do it.

Don’t let this happen to you. Make certain to put the clipboards into the recorders’ hands early in the evening and explain their critical role and what time the fundraising will take place. Having 3 individuals assigned to the job has always worked up to this point. (You can also record the fundraising portion to have as a backup.) Plan ahead. And triple check.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, Fund a Need, GALA GAL Case Study, Live Auctions

Centerpieces

 June 1, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

You might be surprised to know that one of the topics auctioneers around the country talk about the most is centerpieces! We see sooooo many, and every week someone shares the good (or bad!) centerpieces they’ve seen in our national private fundraising forum.

This is a gorgeous example of centerpieces done well. The height lifts the eyes up and helps fill a big space, yet it’s easy for guests to see and converse with each other, and easy for your auctioneer to see both guests’ faces and their all-important bid paddles for the live auction and donation appeal.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics

An easy Live Auction display

 May 13, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

While the best Live Auction display is large (36″ x 48″) foamcore posters on easels in a high-traffic area, sometimes you won’t have the space or the budget for that (though your printer may be able to include the few posters for free – just ask!).

For a simple, straightforward and still effective display, simply print the power point slides and attach with spray adhesive to 11″ x 14″ posterboard backed by a 12″ easelback. Both of those can be found on Amazon for less than $25.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics

Private home fundraiser

 April 23, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

So a wealthy supporter offers to host a fundraiser at their lux private home? This can add a fresh fundraising opportunity to your annual lineup, but it has its pros and cons.

Yes, it’s a destination venue, as many will want to see the home and rub shoulders with the (sometimes famous) attendees. And typically, the host would cover some or all of the costs to use the space, maybe even cover the cost of the catering.

But private home events are often more of a party with some fundraising thrown in, rather than a focused fundraiser that’s a great party. Typically there isn’t seating for everyone, there’s no easy way to gather everyone to a focal point for any program, auction, or appeal, and the sound quality can be a real issue.

Make sure to spend sufficient planning time on sound, lighting (very important if the program will be outside!), bid paddles (yes, they must have bid paddles) and crowd control options.

And hopefully, the crowd invited to a private home event will have both the means and the intention to support your cause that night and into the future.

Comments are closed - Categories: Event Logistics, GALA GAL Case Study

This is how to promote jewelry

 March 17, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Jewelry, like artwork, can be an iffy thing in a live auction. Is it the right color, shape, style, length, size? And can a piece of jewelry stir up as much demand as a luxurious trip or a posh private chef?

In all auctions, we want items where everyone wants to “own it for a moment.” If you want to own it, but so does she, and so does he, but you want it badly, that’s how auction bidding goes up and up and up.

Jewelry typically has fewer bidders fighting over it, and sometimes it can be difficult to know if you’ll even get the opening bid you want. You definitely don’t want a long silence when no one bids.

However, if you’ve got a great piece, it’s likely to do at least as well in the live auction as it would in the silent auction, so make sure you promote it like this poster, with a huge, detailed, clear photo AND the actual piece right next to it with a mirror so folks can see themselves wearing it. They have to envision owning it to bid on it.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions

Event Flow, not Times

 February 21, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

There’s no one perfect timeline, as many factors influence when your live auction and Paddle Raise should take place within the evening’s events. I like to begin the live auction as the first guests are finishing their entrees and start to look around wondering what’s next to entertain them.

After the auction, it’s time to reinforce the mission with a short (2-3 minute) compelling video or live speaker. Then it’s right into the Paddle Raise and perhaps finishing with a Paddle Drop to collect every last dollar in the room in the most respectful and inclusive way.

The one thing guests don’t need to have is exact times each part is supposed to happen. You’re HIGHLY likely to get behind at some point due to slow transitions, food service, longer speakers, etc., and it’s an added pressure you don’t need. Simply give guests the order of what to expect and you’re all set!

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, Great Ideas, Templates

Running Tally Clerk Sheet

 February 5, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Here’s a handy tool to use when recording your Paddle Raise/Fund-a-Need donations. If you’re not already using a sheet that tallies as you go, here’s an example for you!

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, Fund a Need, Templates

Handwritten thank you notes

 January 9, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

How do you thank your donors? Your volunteers? Did you know that EVERY donor (yes, even those who gave $20) should get a handwritten thank you note? It’s been said that major donors make a small gift first to see how they are treated before committing to a larger gift. Are you going the extra mile to share how you’re using their donations and what an impact their gift has made? Thanking and recognizing donors is a year-round activity, not a once-a-year-only chore.

I try to send handwritten thank you notes to those I’ve worked with on an event, and I appreciate greatly when someone takes the time to send me a note, too!

If you haven’t tried it, you can use the Send Out Cards online service to share photos from your event and a personalized message.

Comments are closed - Categories: Event Logistics, Great Ideas

Two trends

 November 4, 2022 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Here are two things you might not be doing: asking for small monthly recurring donations, and including a direct QR code to make it easy for guests to give. Shout out to the fabulous Wounded Veterans Relief Fund for their upgrades to a traditional pledge card.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, Fund a Need

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