Get Keyed Up
Treasures and surprises go hand-in-hand in creating a fun event. Add some mystery to your night by having three treasure chests, each containing a different surprise. With many keys for sale, only one will open each chest- revealing a treasure for the lucky winner!
The chests can contain anything from money to a bottle of wine. The treasures should range in value; for example, for a cash prizes, one may contain $1000 in cash, the second $100, and the final chest $15. The variation will add to the intrigue. As the guests register, each has the oportunity to purchase a treasure key. Or, to assure that you get an set revenue, increase your admittance price to include a treasure key so that all attendees receive their special keys at check-in.
Have the chests displayed in a prominent location. Guests can try their luck at anytime during the evening to see if theirs might be the lucky key to unlock one of the chests. The winning key will open the chest and the winner will discover their treasure. For added fun, put an alarm on the chest, so everyone is alerted when it finally gets opened.
Wondering about the logistics? Treasure boxes can be purchased at any party store - or create your own by decorating different boxes that you have on hand. Cheap locks are also available at party stores. Or you can ask your volunteers to donate old locks that they have around the house. Combination locks, like those used for school lockers, also work well. If using a combination instead of a "keyed" lock, simply print out "keys" with different number combinations on the back. For added fun, make sure the printed keys resemble those you would use to open a treasure chest.
Use your imagination and have fun. The attendees will enjoy the game and suspense, and the added revenue will be your reward.
Dollar Auction
Whether used to bid off a few small items or as a means for providing dessert or wine for your attendees, a Dollar Auction is a fun addition to your event.
Set the starting price at one dollar. Each subsequent bid increases by a dollar.
Offer an All-In option so that for a fixed amount (ex. $50), a bidder can purchase a special paddle. Who ever raises their paddle to bid is the automatic winner, and the bidding for this item stops. Whether they end up paying $1 or $50 for an item, the event wins with the extra revenue and the bidder has fun knowing that they are automatically the top bidder.
This is unique activity can make bidding for desserts or event wine that much more exciting.
Add a Cake
A unique way to differentiate your silent auction from all the rest: pair every donation with a cake. Whether eaten as dessert at the event or taken home, the cakes enhance the selection of items up for bid.
At a recent FFA event that we attended, each student was ask to contribute a cake. With different people donating each cake, some are extremely elaborate, while others simply rate high in the taste scale. Some cakes were tied into the theme of the item they were paired with, such as a Belle cake for a Disney themed basket.
Wine Wall
A Wine Wall is a fun way event attendees to donate and always end the evening with a prize.
Here's how it works:
Before your event, ask for donations of bottles of wine and liquor with a retail value of $20-$40.
Post copies of the wine labels on a wall and number each one. This will also help draw attention to the game. Sell $25 tickets which allow the buyer to pull a number from the "wine bowl." The number will correspond with one of the donated wines and the puller will receive that bottle of wine.
For added fun and excitement, put aside the most valuable bottle of wine for a Master Draw. Bidders will love the chance to win an extra bottle of wine. Add the "used tickets" from above into this second drawing for the most valuable bottle. The winner will go home as the Wine King/Queen with this extra bottle of wine!
A Dress Rehearsal
There is no doubt that having a dress rehearsal before a performance is a must. Why not take the same approach with your next silent auction?
A week before your event, take 30 minutes to do a dry run-through. Have your data-entry volunteers on hand so that they will be familiar with your system. A few "attendees" can place bids allowing for a a mock closing. Not only will you discover any potential bottle-necks, but your volunteers will be more familiar with the process and feel less stressed. If you do run into any unanticipated questions, the Pearl Bids team is here to help you sort them out!
This is also a great time for the volunteers to bring up suggestions. By performing the tasks, they may see little quirks that would help the evening run more smoothly. Realizing these in advance will let you decide if a slight modification is in order. Something as simple as moving the drop-off tray may save you a major headache!
Wristbands for Bid Numbers
A new way to pass out bid numbers... When attendees arrive, hand out wristbands with their bid number on it. The bid number is handy throughout the evening and as the attendees circulate and bid on items it is super easy for them to double check their bid numbers before writing them down. Having seen way too many people record the wrong bid numbers on bid sheets, I think this is a fantastic idea.
Our customer went one step further; their event was PROM Night themed, so the bid numbers were handmade for each woman attendee as a wrist corsage! What a great way to make this a night to remember and to put your guests in a good mood! I bet their silent auction was a huge success.
Gold Star Raffle
Reward your bidders whose silent auction bid is at market value or above. These special "Gold Star" bidders deserve a special treat.
For any bid that is placed at market value, or above, provide the bidder with a ticket in a special Gold Star raffle. Choose a special item from your donations that will appeal to a diverse group. Whether a dinner for two or a one-of-a-kind item, this special opportunity for those willing to bid at market value will be appreciated. Pearl Bids makes it easy to pull the names of these bidders and select your Gold Star Raffle winner.
Dessert Dash
Everyone loves to be first! Give each table at your event the chance to donate and win the opportunity to receive their dessert first.
To "play" this fun game: Each table at your event will receive an envelope or box where the people sitting at the table are invited insert cash (or check) bids. After all funds are collected (ie all bids are cast), collect the envelopes. The table whose envelope has the highest amount of cash wins the honor of being the first to "dash for their dessert."
This game can have many fun twists, with the 2nd and 3rd place winner gaining other honors at the events. Whatever the outcome, your nonprofit wins from the funds collected and the competition can be loads of fun.
Gift Giving Party
Looking for a unique and different way to collect donations? Why not ask some of your volunteers to host a "Gift Giving Party"?
Similar to a Tupperware party, your hostess will invite friends to attend brunch/coffee...
The "catch" is that instead of the attendees purchasing items (such as Tupperware), they are asked to each bring an item to donate to your events' silent auction. Your hostess could have a lot of fun coming up with a theme for donations. Whether the donations are large and items to be put together in a basket, it will be a different way to attract items and interest in your event. Some attendees may even choose to make a donation for the event instead of bringing a donation. No matter what they bring, your event will have the extra exposure, the attendees will hopefully have a fun time, and your silent auction will benefit.
An Extra Chance
Undoubtedly, some of your attendees will arrive intending to spend money at the auction but will leave the event empty-handed with their wallets full. Give them a chance to spend that money.
Have a table set up as they leave where they can sponsor a classroom or contribute to a special project. Make sure they receive a personalized thank you card for any contributions that are made or even a small token of thanks. That way, they will be sure and check the table the next year when they leave, even if they are not walking away empty handed!