The Centerpeice Auction

Recently we were working with a client on an event. They had not even planned on having a Live Auction as part of their Gala and had decided about 6 weeks out to add the Live Auction component to the party.

Like a lot of Non-Profits they were struggling with procurement of items, placement and all the usual logistical issues that come with putting on a Live Auction. They had a good number of items but needed a few more to bracket their "Paddles Up" effort ( see earlier blogs on this method of generating revenue) so Sherri and I suggested a centerpeice Auction. It occured to me how many people do not know about this addition to your event strategy.

Are you creating unique centerpeices for your tables each year? These can be created by volunteers and can be quite beautiful and ornate. Many times they are very creative works of art standing alone. But what happens to them when the event is over? Are they taken home by someone at the table? Left for your volunteers to deal with? Put into a closet until the next "Cleaning Day" at your office? You can sell these and generate additonal revenue BUT if you do it correctly you can add another element of fun and frovolity to your Auction!

This is always the first "Item" in the Live Auction. Have your Auctioneer announce that he needs help tonight and then ask each table to appoint an Auctioneer at the table. Have that person stand up.
Then give everyone 30 seconds to sell that centerpeice for as much as they can. Your Auctioneer should say" I want to hear your best bid calling" or words to that effect. 30 seconds later have the Auctioneer call out "Done!"

Now this is the most entertaining part:
The Auctioneer asks each "Table Auctioneer" to remain standing if they sold their centerpeice for more than $50. Then he asks them to remain standing if they have sold there centerpeice for more than $100, then $150 and so on.

Soon there is only one person standing and that person is announced as the "Champion Auctioneer" of the evening. The Table Auctioneers then collect the checks!

Now lets do some math. 360 people at your gala is about 45 tables. 45 tables with each centerpeice selling for an average of $65 is $2,925.00 If dedicated volunteers made these centerpeices and you have maybe $7 worth of materials in each centerpeice that $315. You have now generated $2610 and you have not added a single item to your Auction! You have just sold something you had out there each year.

Caution! You need an experienced Charity Benefit Auctioneer to facilitate this method. A well meaning board member or volunteer can get confused, let tables not have Auctioneers or forget to tell the "Table Auctioneers" to collect the money!!

Good Luck! Drop us a note and tell us how it goes!!