How do I find silent auction items?

[merrr]

I've volunteered to help organize the Silent Auction fundraiser for DD's school this year and I need help! LOL I knew it would be a project but I didn't realize the amount of work needed until after we had our first official meeting last night.

I've never asked anyone for silent auction items before so I am hoping someone can help me with words to say and/or point me in the direction of some businesses that would be willing to donate.

I'm really excited to do this but I am feeling a little overwhelmed with the task at hand... I was dreaming about it all night last night! Any guidance you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks! ;D

[cwolbeck]

Start asking at businesses that are close to the school that would be willing to donate services or even coupons for services. Most businesses are more than willing to donate.

[camilla]

Can you create a small packet if information to hand out to businesses? Maybe a description of the event, what the money is for and possibly any other materials already in place for the event? Maybe you guys have a Facebook page about the event that the businesses can be featured on as they donate so they get some advertisement. Businesses want to know what they are getting in return a lot of times.

Approach home based businesses too. Tupperware, 31, Mary Kay, Avon etc. I know lots of reps are often looking to get their name out there.

Don't be shy to have ideas of what you want from different businesses. Maybe you approach a restaurant in your area and ask that instead of a gift certificate that maybe they donate a cooking lesson with the chef instead or ask a local business to provide an experience related to their field.

Good luck!

[sarahisis]

also check out smaller fitness clubs. I worked for a company that did silent auctions and got Pearsons to donate a gift basket full of stuff... and maybe you can find people who are willing to make some lavish themed baskets to be auctioned off.
chocolate, baby, movie, baking etc.
and I wouldnt be afraid to contact Waterpark of America, zoo.... landscaping companies (maybe theyd donate 1 week of lawn mowing), spas (maybe for a free pedicure)etc... the worst they could say is no!
I like the idea of making a flyer on what the silent auction is for, who it's benefitting and why donations are so important

[bunsy]

Do you have the list from last year? We start from there each year for our youth auction at church. Also, if there is an email list of parents, many parents have things to offer as well--items & services.

[merrr]

Have you told you recently how AWESOME you are and how blessed I am to have each of you in my life? *hugs*

We do have some records but because I'm new to this school and new to this event process I'm not sure what's all in place. Big kudos to Plum District - I called them today and they've verbally committed a donation! We also went out for dinner and I asked the restaurant if they'd consider donating something and she gave me an email address to send an official request to! I'm SO excited!!!

Now... I have to log off of here and facebook and edit the flyer with this years info FOCUS! LOL

[ReneeW]

For a nonprofit I volunteer for, I ended up contacting all of the professional sports teams for donations. You can visit their websites (Vikings, Twins, etc.) and fill out a form requesting a donation. However, some of the teams are very specific about the types of organizations they give donations to so if you don't fall into their specific area you may be out of luck, AND you need to request quite a ways in advance (at least 6+ weeks) -- but hey, it's worth a try! We were able to get signed photos from the Twins and Vikings.

[bumblebee23]

The boys school is in the process of doing something like this too but they handle all of that. I know the women in charge had started calling local business to see if she could get coupons, gc, etc and one business told her she had to submit a formal letter requesting a donation and they review them and get back to her. So she had started to draft letters. I'm sorry but that is all I know. Good luck!

[aprilandy]

Here are some good ones to request --American Girl, Disney, Keurig, Cabbot Cheese --you can fill out online donation request for all of these ones and the donations are nice.

[aprilandy]

Also do requests to General Mills, Minnesota Orchestra, all the professional sports teams, MN Zoo, etc. These are all easy ones. I just finished our school event and am working on another one that is in March. It is a major project. I send my letters about 2-3 months in advance and then my callers start following up one month in advance. I also have a team ready to pick items up. When is your event? Many of the online donors require a minimum of six weeks prior to the event for the donation request.

[merrr]

I'm having GREAT success so far - thank you again for all the ideas! So far I have in hand:
- 4 round trip tickets for MegaBus
- $100 Certificate to Portrait Innovations
- $15 Certificate to Mikes Butcher Shop
- Assorted items from Barnes & Noble
- $20 Certificate to Zantigos
- Pair of Twins Tickets
- Car care basket
- Tickets to AMC Movie Theater
- $25 Certificate to Green Mountain Coffee
- Cooking Classes
- Brunch for two at Chez Daniel
- Two books, one autographed by the author
- Sign 8x10 of Percy Harvin (Vikings)
- Timberwolves Tickets
- Passes to the Water Park of America
- Birthday Party from Freestyle Yogurt

And I've got well over 100 more requests floating out there! YAY!!!

[ladyandrearose]

Merr: Sometimes Bobby and Steve's Auto World will do oil change gift certificates or a car details. If you send me a letter, I'll ask my owner.

[AuntSueto4]

I have given gift cards to either Cub Foods or Rainbow Foods. The gc can be any amount you choose to donate for the silent auction.

[bumblebee23]

So the school wasn't very lucky about getting donations from the local businesses. I have been giving her ideas from your list Merr - sorry for stealing, sort of! hehe

So thanks! It will be good for out school if we can even get a couple of the items you have gotten for yours. They are just a small school so any little bit helps.

[sarahisis]

now that it's summer, try some ice cream places too.. coldstone, culvers, dq, even cup and cone in WBL