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It’s Genius, SignUp Genius

 October 20, 2025 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
a logo for SignUp Genius

This week a terrific nonprofit in Orlando is hosting their 6th annual online auction benefiting programs for seniors. This is no ordinary online auction – there are over 300 items to bid on! Unlike an online auction happening during a gala where people just grab their winnings that night, this online-only event means there are over 300 baskets and certificates that will need to be picked up next week at their office!

HOW do they manage smooth and organized item handovers the easy way? With SignUp Genius. Setting it up is fast, easy and can even be free to use. Simply add the link to your winning invoices and you’re all set to have all their purchases together before their appointment. Give this handy tool a try.

Comments are closed - Categories: Charity, Event Logistics, Online Auctions, Technology

Cool Committee Recognition

 July 17, 2025 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
An AI-generated image of 7 women

I learned about a new live auction idea from a nonprofit in Boca Raton. As the very first auction opportunity, the committee members slowly rose from their seats around the room and took turns gathering in front of the stage as their names were read. Each was holding a gift (a wrapped gift basket, bottle of wine, framed certificate) and all of the gifts became one package that the top bidder would win. It was a great way to shine a spotlight on each individual (literally!) and create a unique live auction opportunity not to be found at any other gala. As you know, creating signature live auction lots only available at your event one night a year is another great way to set your fundraiser apart, give you a marketing hook, and build traditions.

Shoot me an email if you try this bright idea!

(image generated in Google Gemini)

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Great Ideas, Live Auctions

A brunch raised how much??

 March 11, 2025 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
an event space with many decorated tables

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Development team from the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Their signature event, Brunch on the Bay, held its 30th Anniversary recently. Thirty years! That kind of legacy clearly takes hard work, creativity, and a lovingly supportive community. Famously known for its lobster tails (!) and more than 20 other amazing restaurant stations, it’s one of the only events I do that is ideally suited for an open-air tent. They do a great job of mission messaging, and the crowd gives enthusiastically in the Paddle Raise. Deciding all those years ago to brand a brunch instead of a nighttime gala has made USF S-M stand out in a sea of other fundraisers.

If your team isn’t thinking before each event about how to stand out and be memorable, you’re missing an opportunity to build community and loyalty.

a testimonial from a nonprofit executive

Comments are closed - Categories: Charity, Donation Appeals, Fund a Need, GALA GAL Case Study

Large Live Auction Handout

 February 12, 2025 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
a handout with text and small images

When I teach my 3-day BOOTCAMP for Benefit Auctioneers class to aspiring fundraisers across the country, one part of Tab 1 is an entire seminar condensed into a few pages called “65 Ways to Create Prepared Bidders.” Yes, there are literally at least 65 ways that you and your auctioneer can creatively promote your live auction items and get your attendees educated and excited for what’s next.

One of the simplest, cheapest and most effective is a large Live Auction Handout. The one shown fully explains 10 items and has an image for each. We choose to do this on a 11″ x 14″ sheet so that the text is actually readable, but you could use both sides of a smaller size. This is inexpensive and practical because it can be edited up to the final day for accuracy (instead of catalog descriptions written 2 weeks prior).

THERE IS NO DOWNSIDE TO PREPARING YOUR GUESTS TO GIVE. Seriously, a little louder for those in the back, as they say. You get one night, once a year. Do everything you can to create prepared bidders who are excited about the upcoming opportunities instead of dreading your auction.

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Consulting, Event Logistics, Great Ideas, Live Auctions

That final “Donate Now” text

 January 14, 2025 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
image of a text message asking for a donation

So, your Fund-a-Need is complete, live auction is over, Last Hero donations tallied, Paddle Drop numbers collected. You might also have wrapped up your raffle, handed over the wines pulled, and sold some swag.

Now, it’s time to make that one last ask, and it helps to make sure the amount you’re seeking is authentic and the size of the ask is proportionate to what you’ve already raised. Don’t round your number from $14, 324 to $15,000! Nope, state exactly what you need to hit your $100,000 goal. One person might step up and give the whole amount; multiple people might be nudged just enough to give a little bit more.

Typically this ask goes out as an end-of-the-evening text, but it could go out the next day or even the first work day following the event. Make the ask, mention your mission, and MAKE SURE to thank everyone as wholeheartedly as you can.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Donation Appeals, Great Ideas

A better way to do Desserts

 December 10, 2024 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
A platter of bite-size desserts

One Best Practice I always recommend is to HOLD DESSERT until after the fundraising is completed. There’s a lot of psychology and methodology behind this strategic decision.

1) Having a pre-plated dessert already on the tables is anti-climactic. It takes away from your centerpieces, mission messaging and place settings you’ve worked so hard to design. Plus, it’s cluttered.

2) Dessert can be used as a carrot, the big reveal you dangle to generate anticipation. Your auctioneer can say, “Right now our chefs are preparing a fantastic array of desserts behind the scenes, so in the meantime let’s do some fundraising…” It’s been shown many times that some people will leave early once they feel they’ve gotten all the components of the event they paid for. In other words, once they’ve had dessert, a portion of your folks don’t anticipate trying to bid in the live auction (or don’t have the money to give at that level) and will think it’s ok to “beat the line at valet” and leave before your Fund-a-Need appeal gets a chance to stir their hearts.

3) Holding dessert and serving it IMMEDIATELY – as in, within seconds – of the end of the live auction or Paddle Raise or Last Hero or Paddle Drop or raffle winner gives everyone a reason to stay in their seats, get hooked in by the band’s first song, relax and enjoy more aspects of the event you worked so hard to plan.

4) Smaller desserts make more sense, and holding them off for a while gives people a break to digest their entrees without feeling rushed by waitstaff eager to clear plates.

So, think about changing to bite-sized desserts to celebrate all the money you just raised and continue enjoying the evening!

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

Add a Countdown Clock

 October 10, 2024 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
Image of a Countdown Clock

Here it is, the fastest, easiest, most effective addition I’m seeing lately: adding a bold countdown on your big screen(s) at the front of the room to alert the audience that in exactly 12 minutes and 34 seconds you’re expecting their complete attention. Your emcee, auctioneer, or Voice of God announcer can make periodic reminders during this time as well. I like a 10- or 15-minute countdown (enough time for folks to refresh their drinks, wrap up conversations, find their tables, place a few more auction bids, etc.) On YouTube you will find many different themed styles, or you can make your own in Canva. It’s best to embed the timer rather than link to it, as a live link might have ads pop up. This visual cue has proven to be very effective at preparing an unfocused crowd to now give their attention to the stage and speakers.

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

►Don’t Take My Word For It

 January 17, 2020 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

” Anyway, I just wanted to tell you, yet again, that you are a master beyond words. First was the way you pushed so successfully through a couple of “slowdowns” in the bidding on ended up gaining top dollar winning bids.  Second, he thought your set-up with such energized and animated spotters/encouragers in the audience was amazing. Also, I think there were around 700 people in the audience…so know that’s a huge crowd to manage.  Bottom line, I saw Jeanne at breakfast yesterday morning (was with our group of eight) and she asked us what we thought was the highlight of the event this year.  I said it was YOU.  Then, the rest of our group concurred.  She shared that she had heard the same thing from others.” – Karen Davis, Brevard Zoo

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Board members, Live Auctions

►A long-time client says…

 June 17, 2018 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

I am delighted to recommend Jenelle Taylor as an auctioneer. We have been working with her for the past five years, and she has been sensational in every way. She works well with a multitude of different personalities on our gala committee, and she never gets flustered. Jenelle is a bundle of positive energy. She has a wealth of ideas and yet remains flexible and willing to try any ideas others may have. Jenelle is well- organized and a good communicator. She pays attention to every auction detail. Jenelle is bright, personable and fun-loving and her warmth shines through in everything she does. – Nancy Ludin, Jewish Pavilion 

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Silent auctions

►Radio Interview 3/27/18

 April 1, 2018 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of Jenelle Taylor

Interviewed on Money Radio

Want tips on how to find charity events to support in your community? On the weekly FM radio show “The Auction Block” out of Phoenix, Arizona, I share 2 surefire ways to connect with fundraisers at a ticket price you can afford. Can’t afford much? I tell you how you can attend the best events in town for free! Check out the 40-minute interview here on The Auction Block Facebook page, or search for The Auction Block podcast, episode from 3/27/18. The charity event content starts about minute 17:00; before that I share how I went from middle school teacher to cruise ship auctioneer to GALA GAL!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Board members, Charity

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