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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

►Raffle pricing

 May 1, 2015 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

poster showing raffle ticket pricing

Fingertips for $40

Recently a client asked me about raffle (Chance to Win drawings) pricing.

“I found this on-line as a guideline to selling tickets. Does this make sense?

Raffle ticket sales:  3 tickets for $5, 6 tickets for $10 and finger tip- to-finger tip $20″

Here’s my take:

1. Raffle chance pricing depends on the value of the prizes to be won.

2. Calculate the math equation: How much do you want the raffle to raise (have a goal),  who will be asked to buy tickets and what pricing feels exciting to them, and how many tickets (at what level) can you expect to sell? PRICE x QUANTITY = MONEY RAISED

3. In the example you found, “3-$5 and 6-$10” are the same odds, so there’s no incentive to spend $10 rather than $5.

4. The PURPOSE of unequal odds (increased chances for paying more) is to wildly slant the odds in favor of those more generous. We want to encourage folks to donate more. In Florida (and other states-check your state gaming statutes*) all chances to win do not have to be equal.

5. So, I like

3 – $10, 8 for $20, or fingertip-to-fingertip for $40.

That way the focus is just on selling $40 worth, and if someone is considering $20, have them grab a friend and get tons more chances by splitting the fingertip-to-fingertip (which might be 40-ish tickets)

If the prize(s) are smaller, you could go with 2-$5, 7-$10, fingertips for $20

*A reminder to always know and follow your state regulations on raffles, which often fall under gambling policies. In some states, nonprofits are limited to one per year or need a special license. In Florida (and other states) drawings are required to have a “no purpose necessary to be entered” option, which is why setting any pricing for a chance drawing must be disclosed as a “suggested donation” See the Florida statute here, and happy fundraising!

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Other Money Makers, Raffles/Chance Drawings, Templates

►Jazz Up Your Save-the-Date Cards!

 July 8, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Image of Save the Date card

Creative social media spin on a boring Save the Date card

Do you send a Save-the-Date card to your mailing list? Do you send it as soon as you sign the contract for your venue, or wait until 2-3 months before your big day?

Here’s a great, creative example with a hip nod to our obsession with social media, available on Etsy for $35 http://tinyurl.com/etsysavethedatecard

 

This sample was part of  the “10 Geeky Wedding Invitations” article http://tinyurl.com/geekyinvitations packed with fresh ways to get guests to save your special date on their social calendars.

Check it out, and this year, add some personality to your standard Save-the-Date card.

 

Comments are closed - Categories: Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Templates

►Pique interest with Sneak Peek

 July 16, 2012 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Fundraising Consultant GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor Auctioneer

Send an e-blast Sneak Peek of best auction items a few days prior to event

Ever have one of those days?

(Hang with me for a moment, Sneak Peek Template link below!)

I was just typing an e-mail and used the phrase, “The Board’s interest was piqued,” and I KNEW “piqued” was the right usage, but then…

I’ve found that blogging makes me ultra self-conscious about what and how I write.

In case you’ve ever run across someone (incorrectly) trying to “peak” or “peek” someone’s interest, I’ll expose my Grammar Geek self for a moment.

Anyway, here’s the Auction Sneak Peek Template I mentioned. I share this with non-profits (in fact, I typically create, edit and format it for them) so that we can promote a sharp, 1-page PDF attachment showcasing the best auction items and getting everyone prepared to “attend and spend.” This can be used as an e-mail attachment,  added to the website, uploaded to a Facebook page, Tweeted, or even saved as a .jpg.

Using this template can

1) save you time, and

2) make you money.

Oh, and one more thing. Would you believe that the first time I named this template I wrote  Sneak PEAK Template?

(shaking my head) One of those days!

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Consulting, Event Logistics, Templates