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Shout out to my Orlando friends for their oh-so-creative daytime fundraiser…Spa Invitational! A play on traditional golf tournaments, instead these foursomes indulge in spa activities all day long, with a luncheon fundraising auction and donation appeal. It’s fun, it’s relaxed, and it’s so refreshing, in every way. Well done!!
Comments are closed - Categories: GALA GAL Case Study, Great Ideas
Shout out to the Heart Ball for a terrific technique they use across the country. There is one large (maybe 18″ or 24″?) paddle on the table that is to be raised when and only when the entire table gives something in the Fund A Need donation appeal. There’s a lot of hype during the ask about everyone giving something, and celebrating each table as their large paddle goes up in the air! At the one I did, they even had pull-and-pop streamers. You could even use noisemakers, or confetti cannons if your venue will allow. Kudos for a great audience participation incentive!
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I see a lot of great decorations and theming at galas, but this was a first! This Delray Beach gala had the initial reception outside around the pool, and wow was everyone surprised and delighted by the woman in the ball! She was beautiful and elegant, moving gracefully while floating, and dressed in beautiful old Florida style. It was quite a sight!
How can you up your game and wow your crowd?
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I work with a lot of software programs for online bidding, and I recommend that you make sure your software choice makes it easy for guests to set a maximum bid and let the system bid for them up to their requested amount. You’ll see here in Auctria (an affordable online and live event software) that guests can choose how much they want to bid right now AND how much is their limit for this item. You can easily set the system to send alerts each time someone tries to outbid them and thus their bid has been raised to keep them winning. If the bid goes beyond their set limit, they’ll get an outbid notification. Setting a Max Bid is the easiest way for guests to enjoy the night AND win the items they want.
Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, GALA GAL Case Study, Great Ideas, Silent auctions
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
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