Posts Tagged ‘Non-Profit’

We have all been to them. I have been to more than most of
you reading this. As an observer of behavior at these Gala events I have a few
tips for those of you planning to attend a Gala Auction this Fall from a
Charity Benefit Auctioneers point of view.

1. Know your limits on both Booze and Banking:
I have conducted many a Charity Auction and 90% go well and with no “Buyer’s Remorse”. However I once heard about an attendee after one of my Auctions who woke up with a hangover and was distressed to remember he now had a $7,000 puppy. On another occasion an attendee was bidding on a trip she was sure others would love to go on and would therefore have lots of people help her with the $16,700 cost.

The first example loved the dog and kept it as a family pet, but regretted the price tag. He had indulged in the “Free Flowing Tequila Bar” and the bottomless Makers Mark glass a little too much. The second attendee was forced (unfortunately) to renege on her commitment. When her friends did not come through she could not afford the trip and had to back out. This caused not only embarrassment for her but the Charity had to go to the “Back up Bidder” (we always get a “Back up Bidder” at our Auctions) but he was bidding at a lower amount so the Organization received less.

The point is set a limit on what you can bid and make that limit about 85% less than what you can really afford because when I start calling the bid I guarantee I am going to get you excited and you will bid more than your limit. Any good Benefit Auctioneer will so plan for
that. In addition if you are planning to bid on a Live Auction item have a glass of wine, or two but know your limits and do not drink so that your judgment is impaired. Have the Makers Mark
afterwards to celebrate your having the winning bid for the BMW at the Fundraising Auction!

2. Review the items before you go:
Most nonprofits now have some sort of capability to show you picture and descriptions of the Auction Items before the day of the Auction, if not a Technological solution to actually allow you to bid on the items like Qtego or Auction Source. Take a look ahead of time as to what they are offering in the Live and Silent Auction.

Talk about that spending ceiling with your spouse and decide you can really use the Room Makeover or whether you will be in town to take advantage of the luxury suite and sideline passes to the Dallas Cowboys game! Is online bidding an option? Put in your bid so the Fundraising Auctioneer knows exactly where to start.
Also, read the description and ask questions of the Auction Chair or staff before the Auction begins. Sometimes Charity’s do forget to put the number of days or number of bedrooms in the trip to Cancun’s description. A few questions ahead of time will keep you from
having to interrupt the Charity Fundraising Auctioneer during the Gala
Auction.

3. Get a room and park the kids somewhere overnight:
This is not a swipe at couples who like to show a lot of affection to each other at the Gala. I have been too many Galas where the crowd emptied at 9PM right after the Live Auction or Awards ceremony was over. Once I wondered if there had been a bomb threat called in and I had
missed it.

If the Gala is at a ballroom of a great hotel like the Four Seasons or the Hilton Hotel why not take advantage of the evening and stay a while? (Sometimes you can get a reduced rate by mentioning the Charity when you book the room) The children can stay at Grandmas or Aunt Sherri’s and you avoid the late night drive home.

Most importantly you do not have to be in that long checkout line that 347 people are in as soon as the Silent Auction closed. The Non-Profit sometimes hires and pays for a great band and I have seen a band play to 50 people while 300 stood in a checkout line and grumbled or waited in 23 degree weather outside for the Valet to bring their car around. This is disheartening both for the musical performer and the charity. They still have to pay the bill.

4. Check the Menu
Ever have something for lunch and be served the same thing for dinner? How much chicken can you eat? Even if the menu is not published anywhere a quick call to the venue or caterer and they can inform you as to what the fare is for that evening. What if you or someone you have invited to sit at your table has an allergy to mushrooms? Whatis one of your guests is Lactose intolerant and the entrée is smothered in orstuffed with cheese? Make sure the Charity knows if there is a special dietaryrestriction or you may be stopping at the Wendy’s Drive Through (Open Late) on the way home!

5. Wear the right Clothes and Shoes:
I am not suggesting that anyone who reads this shows up to a Black Tie Gala in shorts and flip flops. What I mean by that is my wife has a couple if dresses that simply take my breath away when I see her in them. She also has a pair of shoes that I think she is gorgeous in. BUT,
these are not the most comfortable shoes she has (as she points out to me). How many items are there in the Silent Auction?
Do you plan to spend a lot of time standing and guarding your item? What is the dress of the event? Many Galas state on the invitation that their attire is “Austin Funky Chic” or “Crazy Cocktail”! What does that even mean? I suggest that if you are not checking in or the event is not in a hotel that men dress on the high side and then if the event is more casual when you arrive or not at a hotel ballroom just ditch the coat and tie in the car.

Those are my 5 tips. Maybe you have some more or different ones. My overall point is that wth a little advance planning your night out will be magical and special. You’ll have a fantastic time at a great Gala while supporting one of your favorite Charity’s Non-Profits, or Private Schools.
Come join us at the Gala!!