The Charity Wine Auction- Is one right for you?


Charity Wine Auctions
Many of us have heard about and read articles on the success of High Dollar Charity Wine Auctions.  Napa Valley, Naples, and Destin Florida all have Charity Wine Auctions that gross Millions of Dollars each and every year. Smaller Wine Events like the Rare & Fine Wine Auction by the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas in Austin or A Vintage Affair in Tennessee raise $300K-$400K annually. 
Though few charity wine auctions have set record highs since 2007, 2012 proved to be a promising year, with auction organizers quick to cite the steady growth and relative consistency of the market as reasons for encouragement. The combined total of the 10 highest-earning events by way of live auction bidding was up 12 percent over last year, and up 60 percent over what was raised in 2009, Wine Spectator‘s Lizzie Munro reports. Not all the Auctions for 2013 are concluded yet, but for the record the top 10 in 2012 were: (According to Wine Spectator)*

10. Destin Charity Wine Auction with $894,000 (Though it must be noted they did 1.1 Million in 2013 a 22% increase)
9. Harmony Gala in St Helena California- $928,000
8. Lyric Opera of Chicago- $962,000
7. V Foundation Wine Celebration-$1.1 Million
6. High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction- 1.25 Million
5. Rusty Staub Foundation Emergency Food Foundation- 1.28 Million
4. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo-1.4 Million
3. Southwest Florida Wine and Food Festival- 1.5 Million
2. Auction Napa Valley- 5 Million
1. Naples Winter Wine Festival- 11 Million
*Self Reported Live Auction Totals

It’s easy to take one of two attitudes to these events. Either a “We can’t ever do that” attitude (Because it’s too expensive or we don’t have the Expertise) or a “Let’s get on that Train” outlook which can be very dangerous unless you know what you are getting into.  So what are the pitfalls and the promises of a Charity Wine Auction? Can you get a share of the more than 50 Million dollars that are being raised for Charities across the United States conducting Wine Auctions?

So what is the difference between an 11 Million Dollar Wine Auction and a $ 364,000 Wine Auction?
I asked several experts on Wine Auctions to share their thoughts with me on this lucrative but sometimes expensive type of Charity Auction. Lauren Magli, Director of Events at Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Marshall Jones, the Executive Director, The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, and Harvey Kronberg, a Texas Public Policy Analyst and Auctioneer for two of the Largest Wine Auctions in Austin Texas all had opinions. Some things they agree on and some things they differ.

We began with the date of the event. All three thought that the spring or the fall was not an important issue but Marshall indicated that the calendar date was important. “Our Auction is rarely, if ever, not competing with another charity event the same night.  Austin is not big enough, however; to ignore the Big 3: Texas Football, SXSW and ACL festival.  To my knowledge no one has ever succeeded competing against these events.”Lauren agreed that “The Date is more important than the Venue,” and both believe consistency is the key. The Destin Wine Auction is always the 4th weekend in April and they have changed the site of the event in order to keep the date. So once you pick your date stay with it and stay aware of the other big events in your City. Unless you can Partner with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or the Crewe of Bacchus if you are in the Crescent City for example, better pick another weekend.  

 When we discussed the makeup of the committee there were differing opinions. The Destin event is primarily staff driven with one important addition. The event makes use of high quality well known Vintners like Jeff Smith of Hourglass Winery, Greg Lill of DeLille Cellars and many more. Lauren was adamant that the Vintners, above all else; including the date, venue and auctioneer was the key to success.
Marshalls event is more volunteer driven and his committee is made up of Investment professionals (40%), real estate professionals (10%), lobbyists (10%), wine professionals (10%), attorneys (5%) and others (15%) all that have an almost obsessive attraction and interest in fine wine.
So look to the experts and wine aficionados. Find people in your community first and foremost with a passion for Wine, Food and Spirits. We will look at the Charity Selection later but everyone I spoke with agreed that a zealous love of Wine is the key to good committee members.  

When asked had it been their experience that the Wine itself sells for higher than retail value at the Auction again there was agreement. Yes. This is where Charity Wine Auctions differ from the standard Black Tie Gala. In a Black Tie Gala lots normally go for less than retail value. This is because people still want a bargain but also want to feel good about their purchase.   The Texas Rare & Fine Wine Auction has averaged approximately 150% above retail over the past three years. The Destin event had much the same experience with their Auctioneer Dave Reynolds bringing in higher than retail bids on lot after lot. This may be because of the Charities benefitting from the event but it may also be the nature of Wine and Spirits as consumable commodities in general that have a mystique to them and are hard to value. What value do you put on an experience of opening a Bottle of Bond Pluribus Napa Valley 2007 and sharing it with your friends & family?  So with the right crowd who have a passion and knowledge for your offerings who knows how high you can go? This underscores the involvement of Vintners and Wine Professionals in your event.

When it comes to selecting your Auctioneer, everyone I spoke to agreed that a Professional was critical to the Auctions success.  Lauren Magli swears by Dave Reynolds of Reynolds & Buckley as does Dick Grace of Grace Family Vineyards.  But there are literally hundreds of Auctioneers from which to choose.
When searching for an Auctioneer, look for someone with experience in this type of arena and a Charity Benefit Specialist. An Automobile Auctioneer or a Cattle Auctioneer might work for his dinner and not charge a fee, but he can be so fast that people tune out. As a very smart Auctioneer once told me, “A Confused mind does not bid”. Avoid amateurs at all costs as your Event is much too important. It’s also helpful to ask for references and check with your State Auctioneers Association and/or Licensing Body. (The Texas Auctioneers Association or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for example.)  An added advantage is an Auctioneer that brings his or her own team of Ringmen or Bid Spotters to the event.
 A mistake that one Auction in the Southeast made was to have three Volunteer Auctioneers to “Switch Out” as the night went on. This made the Auction go longer and longer and has Harvey Kronberg says, “Your greatest enemy is the babysitter”.  An Auction that lasts too long destroys the momentum and makes it hard to get guests to return. 

This brings up the point of how many lots to offer in your Fundraising Wine Auction. Some say 50. I have seen as high as 122. My own personal experience is the smaller number (say 45-55) in the Live Auction and about a 3 to 1 ratio in the Silent. (1 Silent Lot for every 3 guests) or so at the maximum is for the best.  This can be difficult to achieve when egos are involved from Donors who may view the Silent Auction at “2nd Tier,” but it’s a battle that must be fought at some point. 

 So, even though it is a Wine Auction, should you offer lots other than Wine? Wine Trips, Spirits, Accessories, Wine Dinners? How do they sell?
At the Destin Florida event they offered a dinner aboardThe World. It’s the only private residential community-at-sea where its Residents may travel the globe without ever leaving home. Since it first set sail in 2002, The World has visited over 800 ports in approximately 140 countries. This was not a night aboard, but rather Dinner and the chance to see the ship. It sold for $40,000+.
In Austin Texas, Marshall Jones says “Wine dinners do extremely well and Wine trips sell very well but only if they are well thought out and planned.  They must have a ‘reason’ for the trip and cannot just be an amalgamation of experiences (wine visits, dinners) and stays that were just donated and packaged together.  Spirits do well if there are not too many of them.  We sold a premium Scotch lot to a Scot for 200% value a few years ago!  Local spirits do well in a silent auction.”
The take- away here is that Non Wine offerings are a good idea, but only if properly researched and right for the crowd. Perhaps the 6 foot tall bronze statue of a naked Wine God Bacchus should be tactfully refused. 

The next issue can be a tremendous point of conversation, and can not only affect your event, but can also affect your organization as a whole.  That issue is…The Charity you choose to partner with.  How important is the associated Charity and what should a Non-Profit beneficiary bring to the table to ensure success?  Harvey had a simple rule. The Associated Charity should be one with enough brand awareness so that no long drawn out explanation of what they do for the community is necessary. This does not mean a National Charity as Lauren was quick to point out. “We always choose local charities with local branches” she said. “The money does not go off to a National organization in another city” One good example (certainly not the only one) would be the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of America. They have a national presence and great brand awareness, but are administered by Local Councils with local boards of directors and Troops in your community.
  The right Charity can help you garner sponsorships and donations,   be great resources for manpower and marketing for your event.  And, of course; bring in attendees above and beyond the wine and food enthusiasts.
If you are your own non-profit considering an Auction of this type, consider partnering with another Charity who possesses these qualities.

The last thing I asked the group was if they could name one thing (They had to pick one) that is the key to the success of the Auction.  Then, I asked if they would name one thing that they have done or seen done at this or any other Wine Auction they have participated in that (for lack of a better term) was just awful? Something they would caution anyone against doing at their Wine Auction?
Marshall Jones credited Harvey Kronberg with the quote “The one thing that makes a successful auction is a combination of three things: product, people and purpose.” He continued “All three of these have to come together to provide the one thingthat makes it all work: Energy”.  The room has to be electric and full of constant energy.  It cannot wax and wane.  It cannot get too high, too low or too stable.  It just has to be.  If I could add my fourth ‘p’ to that mix it would be ‘permission’.  People have to give themselves permission to feel good about spending their time, money and effort in the auction.  Of course, it could all just come down to whether or not there are enough baby-sitters available that night.”
 Lauren Magli agreed with the importance of energy but had a different “One Thing” to add. “The Vintners are the key” she said. “Without them and their involvement you do not get lots that are as High Quality as you want, and then you don’t get the individuals with affluence and influence in attendance.” 

What not do? Lauren and Harvey both agreed with Marshall. He says, “Never, ever, ever keep a dying or dead lot open.  If something hits the wall, kill it and move on.  Period.  I know it is tough if the nonprofit is counting on the money or if it hurts a donors feelings, especially when the donor is in the room.  Slap a minimum on it and then kill it.  Otherwise, Mr. Energy is leaving the building and he ain’t coming back. Life is not about easy choices, it’s about making choices.”  Here again your selection of a Licensed experienced Auctioneer is the key.
Dan Listrom a key Board member of the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas adds to avoid sales sponsored events or time share events of any kind. It confuses Donors and makes record keeping difficult. He also recommends keeping all retail, small dinners or spa services and art items in the Silent. 

So go forth, Auction, Eat, Drink and be Merry!  And Raise Millions!

Good Luck! 

Would you like to know more about the fine Auctions referred to in this post?

Visit http://www.dcwaf.org/ for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
Visit http://www.winefoodfoundation.org/for the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas

And for additional questions and resources visit us at our website : www.sherri.dev
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Silent Auction Observations 2012

Silent Auction Observations from this Season and how you can profit from them:

Silent Auction Observations from this Season and how you can profit from them:

So a few more Auctions before the Holidays are upon us and we finish another great Charity Benefit Auction year! We have conducted or been a part of about 30 Auctions in 2012 and once again we have seen the best (An Apple Pie sold for $1,350)  and the worst ( Let’s open the Casino Gaming tables in the other room at the same time we do the Live Auction) ideas you can imagine. But we have observed a lot of Silent Auctions this year and have put together some ideas that may help you maximize your profits in 2013. Feel free to copy and paste these and send them on to your colleagues. (Just mention where you got them!)

Observation # 1. A confused mind does not bid so make sure you have proper lighting & sound as well as short terse descriptions. Your silent Auction is not a Pulitzer Prize contest.  Tell the bidders what it is, when it is available and why they should purchase it and keep it clear and simple.

Observation # 2. Close Your Auction during the Live and reopen for 15 minutes after.  It may be tempting to keep the auction open all the time or close it before the Live, but all evidence suggests that all the spirited bidding takes place in the last 10 minutes. The heavy bidding doesn’t start until you tell the guests that it is about to close and people in general tend to follow instructions when in big groups. If your Professional Licensed Auctioneer (You knew I’d throw that in somewhere yes?) gives you a 10 minute, 5 minute, 2 minute and 1 minute countdown you have in effect created another Live Auction with competitive bidding.

Observation # 3.  Traffic Flow and ease of bidding is imperative.  Guests must be able to circulate throughout the room without any dead ends or road blocks and they have to be able to get to the Bid sheets. Don’t stack them on top of each other. People will not pick them up and if they can’t find the bid sheet they become confused. (See Observation #1)    Walk around the room and make sure traffic flows easily.  Also show All Bid Increments on Bid Sheet: Don’t leave it to the guests to decide what to bid because this requires them to think. Set your increments so that the value of the item is reached in as few levels as possible. 4-6 is best.

Observation # 4.  Don’t ask for a lot of information on the bid sheet. Ask for Bid Numbers only, no telephone numbers and names on the bid sheet.  It only wastes time and effort and in most cases can’t be read properly. (Ever tried to write with a drink I your hand?)  Make sure you have a complete database before the event and use a reputable Charity Auction Software with pre-printed stickers or smart phone bidding if you need to.  Do not depend on the bid sheet for information on your guests.  This is about bidding and fun. 

 

Observation # 5.  Proper Displays of items are essential. Images for almost everything can be downloaded from the web (Google) and a picture is worth a thousand words. Use short to the point descriptions. As we said before, your silent Auction is not a Pulitzer Prize contest or your chance to write the great American novel.  Tell the bidders what it is, when it is available and why they should purchase it and keep it clear and simple. If it cannot be described accurately in 3 sentences or less then it belongs somewhere else. In the Live or Super Silent perhaps.

Observation  # 6- Silent Auction Consignment companies are not Satan. There are several companies that provide charity auction products and services for charitable organizations. Pick one that works exclusively with 501(c)(3) organizations. Autographed and signed sports and entertainment memorabilia adds an extra level of excitement to your event that your guests will enjoy and appreciate. These companies can supply all the items for your entire auction or supplement the items you already have and save your committee valuable time that they can use obtaining High Level Sponsorships or selling tables for $5,000.

The events they work with include: galas, golf tournaments, benefits and concerts. They can provide memorabilia for the auction, event decorating, sponsorships and PGA golf prizes for long drive. Explore the companies out there and see what they have to offer. Maybe it’s a good fit and maybe it’s not. How will you know if you reject the idea out of hand?

Hopefully these have been some ideas you can use. Share them with your Professional Licensed Charity Benefit Auctioneer, your Gala Committee or your Development Director. See what they think. Have a Great Fundraising Auction in 2013!

 

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8 point annual Donor Communication Plan for Special Event Attendees.

We talk all the time about recognition for Donors at special events like Charity Benefit Auctions and Golf Tournaments.  But what about the rank and file attendee? The couple that came for the first time this year because someone invited them and they just learned about your organization?  They might not be a significant donor today but they could be tomorrow. Keep them coming back with a simple but effective communication plan that keeps you and your mission on their mind.
Here are 8 ways to do that:
1. Hand Written Thank you note within 15 days of event
2. Thank you letter from Event Chair and Executive Director within 30 days of event
3. IRS Letter Paid in Full
4. Fourth of July update on programs and benefits to the community( Ask for nothing just update them)
5. Patriot Day (Sept 11th) update on programs and benefits to the community (Ask for nothing just update them)
6. Veterans Day update on programs and benefits to the community (Ask for nothing just update them)
7. Founding Anniversary card for your organization (The date Varies by Organization and again ask for nothing just update them)
8. Save the Date Card 120 days from event
Now when they get their invitation to come back they know you and want to support you, maybe with a complete table, or sponsorship or raising their Bid Card in the “Paddles up” or “Fund a Cause”.
It may be difficult to resist the temptation to slip an “Ask for support” in with those updates but resist! You don’t want a request for funds to accompany every single communication you have with these new prospects.  
Give us a call at 512-369-3391 for more ideas or visit our website at www.sherri.devfor more ideas!
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5 tips for Attendees at a Gala Auction

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!!
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Dell Cow Parade Auction Ring Crew

I recently attended the Dell Cow Parade Auction in Austin Texas to watch the great Spanky Assiter at work. I left with a new appreciation of what a professional Ring Crew ( Sometimes called Bid Assistants) can do for organizations that utilize their services.
Spanky is a very good Auctioneer, but frankly so am I. So is Andrew Bost of Bost Benefit Auctions, Dean McCurry, Gayle Stallings of FUNAuctions and Scott Swenson of United Country Real Estate Auctions.  But 1.5 MILLION dollars was raised for Dell Childrens Medical Center Foundation that Sunday. Why did Austin break all records and sell Cows for as much as $150,000?  Twice?

It was his outstanding crew of professionally trained Ringmen headed by Spanky’s bride Amy Assiter that kept the bidders focused and continued to encourage them to raise the bid, in a very fun and non- threatening way.  This was in stark contrast to the opening of the event when a well meaning volunteer and former newscaster shouted at the crowd to “Shut Up!”  She meant well, but that was not the way to get bidders focused and feeling good so they could start bidding.  The Bid Assistants had the experience and training to be able to inspire the attendees to bid higher and higher.  And they did.

Auctioneers who specialize in Charity Benefit Auctions around the country concur on this point.  An Auctioneer and 3 perhaps 4 Professionally trained  Bid Assistants can work an event with about 500 people.   Less if the crowd is smaller.  Ask yourself,  is that easier that recruiting and 7-10  volunteers standing around the tables in ballroom and silently waiting for someone to raise their bid card and then pointing at them?

Now it is understandable why a school or non profit would want to utilize this resource. There is a cost associated with the crew and besides (I am sometimes told) all the moms, dads and grandmas and grandpas love to see their kids or friends waving that flashlight or sparkly wand and working the auction.  After all the donors and supporters enjoy seeing their own working in the crowd and having fun. I get this all the time. “Joe knows everyone so he can really encourage them to bid”. Yes, like that well meaning volunteer but how does this make the donors feel when Joe shouts at them to bid higher?

Non profits many times just do not want to spend the money for extra help, and yes many of their volunteers love to stand up and have fun by “Spotting Bids”. They believe they can and add to the evening and Organizations are sometimes worried about offending them.

But what if that worry was costing you $20,000? $30,000? More?  Would it be worth your while to consider a professional crew?

So you have two choices: 
The First Choice is the volunteer Bid Spotter: A bid spotter stands in an area assigned  by the committee or Gala Chair.  He/She has a set area, and they do not move from their area. If there is a bid they raise their hand or flashlight so the auctioneer can see the bid. They do not yell or “Yep” or make any sound at all and sometimes after a while just loses interest or starts talking to their friends around them. They are normally an attendee so they feel free to have a drink, or two or three (and they should, they paid with money or time to be there) and a strong supporter of the Charity.  This brings another point. Many times the volunteer Bid Spotter feels they need to watch for bids and will not bid themselves. So the Organization has taken 5-8 actual bidders off the floor!!
The second choice is a professional Bid Assistant:

Note: This definition was written by Toney Thornhill , a great Benefit Auctioneer  and is one of the best I have read.  
They are hired by the auctioneer (via, the organization) he is there for one thing, “To Work” he is trained, (there are Professional Ringman schools that many attend) he has worked auctions, and knows the auctioneer.  He moves from bidder to bidder, he is as active as the auctioneer. Many times he does not use a flash light etc, because auctioneers and bid assistants communicate by sound as well as “gestures”.  An assistant “Yeps” a bid and the auctioneer reacts to that, without even seeing the bid, because he knows his “assistant” has that bid.
The Bid Assistant is animated, adding excitement and helping to hold audience attention. He is not afraid to step in again asking the bidder to raise his bid.   It has been proven again and again that a Bid Assistant will more than pay for his fee, before the auction has ended.

 So this begs the question as to why more organizations cannot bring themselves to use trained Bid Assistants.  They can’t bring themselves to spend the extra money when they have volunteers willing to work, or they just do not appreciate the value of the crew. Again they do not realize what the well meaning volunteer is costing them, and I am absolutely serious about it costing $20,000 or more by not using them.  If you have not seen the excitement and enthusiasm that Ringmen bring to the event  as I did at the Dell Cow Parade Auction then you are not making an informed decision.

 If they had been there then they would know what the Ringman does for a rapidly moving, revenue generating  auction.  It does not matter if it is an Automobile Auction, a Business Liquidation or the  typical Charity Gala or Auction.  Bid Assistants, properly trained and experienced are vital to your success!

A lot of Organizations still want to use volunteers and celebrities to auction (sell) their items and try to raise the bids at their one large benefit of the year. But, as more organizations have an opportunity to visit a Benefit Auction using Professional Ringmen (Bid Assistants)  Non-profits and schools are beginning to take notice that other groups are adding to their evenings, bottom line.  That’s what a professional, who does this for a living, can do for you. 
 I wrote this article using some ideas from Tony Thornhill with a Higher Calling Benefit Auction. He is an excellent benefit Auctioneer you can reach through:
 http://www.gigsalad.com/a_higher_calling_benefit_auctions_co_wen
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