Guided Hike
Who doesn't love to find new places to hike and explore? Have a hiker in your mist donate to lead a guided hike in their favorite local spot.
Perhaps your guide is a botanist. Or maybe they are a history buff. Or maybe they just know the area well and have some great hikes "off the beaten path." Whether it is an item for a family of 6, or set price item that can be purchased by multiple couples with a picnic lunch included, a guided afternoon outdoors is sure to attract bidders!
VIP Seats
Who doesn't want front row seats to watch their child in the school concert, performance, or graduation? Parents would love to know the their VIP seats are reserved and there is no need to arrive super early. These VIP seats make a super auction item!
Set aside a couple of sets of VIP seats for each event and see how popular they are. You can even add little extras, such as signed programs or a special "intermission treat" to boost the popularity of this one of a kind item!
You'll be surprised how excited people will be to make these special events even more priceless.
From Trip to Spectacular Excursion
You've got that big ticket vacation. (See the Pearl Bids Blog on Adding a Dream Vacation for tips.) Use a touch of TLC and transform this already super trip into a spectacular package.
First, draw your attendees to bid by adding visuals to your display. Use colorful posters of the vacation area, a basket of goodies to take home now, or a visual presentation. If the trip is to a ski condo, add a basket of "after ski goodies." Or put together a Disney themed basket to go with the trip to Disney World. The more attractive and eye-catching your presentation, the greater the draw.
Next, transform your package into something truly amazing. Add value with little extra touches. For a trip to Cape Cod, contact a local restaurant to donate a dinner for two. Why not have the trip begin with a welcome bouquet from a local florist? See if a local bike company will throw in bike rental into your package.
These little extras will enhance the package and help draw more bidders to your table. These big ticket items often make great live auction items as well, but these little extras will get your guests excited before the bidding begins and could just be what's needed to take your item to that next level.
Your Very Own Parking Space
Do you have a separate parking lot for staff & teachers? See if there is an extra space available. Auction off a parking space for the year. You can even purchase a sign saying "Reserved for the Smith family."
Or check with your local sign maker as they might like to donate the sign. Your parents will love the idea of not having to wait in a line to drop off and pick up their children.
One of a Kind Art
Who does not love their kids art? Ask your teachers to have her kids do a special painting, drawing or collage. Mount each piece on matte board, or go all out and put each in a frame. Parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents will want to bid - either for themselves or to get the item as the perfect Christmas gift for that loving relation.
Camping Trip for Newbies
Lots of people love to camp. Get someone to host a camping trip for someone who has never camped before. The host should be ready supply all the equipment, just in case the new campers don't have everything needed.
Handy(wo)men at Your House for a Day
Do you have a couple of contractors in your community? Take a group photo (with toolbelts and all) and create a donation. (Materials not included.) Who couldn't use a a few hours of their skilled time? It's a great way to get through the honey-do list!
A Helicopter Ride
Does your local TV station cover traffic reports by helicopter? Call them up and ask if they want to donate a ride for a kid for one morning. With a little luck they will make a local news story from it and your son/daughter will be famous!
Fundraising ideas for kids: Sports Training by a Professional
Get to know your community!
Is there anyone who played in a professional ball? Ask them if they will to volunteer 1 or 2 hours to do a private training for a talented student or kid. Most former professional athletes will love to be asked .. and it is a unique and exciting experience for the kids. Will your athlete hold several sessions so that several families can win this exciting package? Pearl Bids supports multiple winners without duplicating the donation.
Give your Favorite Teacher a Day Off
Do you have a principal who can substitute teach for a day? Ask them to sub a class for one of their teachers for a day. This fundraiser works well at elementary schools where parents love to give their favorite teacher the day off. Do you want to go really go all out? Throw in a baseball ticket or a spa day for the teacher. This item goes for big bugs each year.