I am chairing a charity auction this fall to raise money for cystic fibrosis research because my daughter has cystic fibrosis and I am trying to raise as much money as possible for a very worthy cause. Having said that, I should also add that fund raising is not easy these days with the down turn in the economy. Auctions don't raise as much money as they did last year, and I don't think that people donate "stuff" as easily either. (Which is probably a good thing because how much more stuff do any of us need?)
My thought about the auction is that we need to offer different items than those offered in the past - not more stuff - but opportunities that money can't buy. For instance - one client said he would really like to learn how to make cocktail drinks - so maybe I can get a professional bartender to donate an evening of service to teach a group of friends how to make all those popular new drinks and they could make a party out of it. Or - another client said he wants to learn to make sushi. If I can find a sushi chef willing to donate an evening - another instant party for a group of friends.
Another approach is to identify unusual things that money can't buy - such as a walk on at the Washington opera as a supernumerary (don't you love the word?) or to throw out a pitch at a professional baseball game? I already got a great suggestion from an ActiveRainer about a hot air balloon ride, so thanks a lot for that!
Any ideas of things you want to learn? or unique experiences that you want to share? I really want this to be a great event and I need help so I am counting on your thoughts. Thanks in advance - there is not a more creative group anywhere than ActiveRainers!
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