As the year begins to wind down, many companies, corporations, and non-profits begin to transition into the giving season, which brings on a multitude of fundraising efforts. One such way this is achieved is through benefit and charity auctions.
Benefit auctions are fundraising events where guests bid to win items and packages. The highest bid wins the item, and the non-profit organization receives the proceeds. These are highly interactive events that lay the groundwork for long-term engagement with donors. There are a few types of charity and benefit auctions as well and we will go over each of them here.
Virtual Charity Auctions
A virtual auction is held exclusively online through a dedicated website. Bidders can choose from an item catalog and bid in real time online.
Online auctions are cost-effective and let you reach a wider audience. However, you will have to go the extra mile to reinforce your mission, market the charity auction, and keep the entire virtual event engaging for audiences as they are not as interactive as live auctions. Live streamed elements can be helpful for this purpose as it encourages peer-to-peer communication.
Live Auctions
Live auctions are high-energy and often black-tie events. In this setting, an auctioneer will present auction items and manage the bidding process. Our President, Jennie Heal, is a fundraising auctioneer herself, conducting hundreds of benefit auctions each year for schools, non-profit organizations and foundations across the United States.
During these live events, guests typically place bids by raising paddles or calling out their bid amounts. Some charity auctions even integrate mobile bidding tools to simplify the process even further. This can enhance the bidding experience, especially during the silent auction portion of the fundraising event.
Live benefit auctions can be time consuming to plan, however they are very effective when targeted to the right audience for that particular foundation, and raise the most amount for your charity of choice.
Silent Auctions
During a silent auction, the items up for bid are displayed, normally around the pre-event cocktail space. Guests bid on them by writing on bid sheets or using their mobile devices.
These silent auctions are very flexible and can be easily adapted for any audience and price range. They can be easier to plan than live auctions but still require plenty of strategy. A more relaxed atmosphere can be the right move, but you will have to actively maintain the energy and momentum of the event to generate bids.
Upcoming Benefit Events and Auctions
If you wish to show your support, get involved and give back to your community, there are many worthy charities and foundations in every city, just search online for some in your area.
Here are two events that our President Jennie Heal will be participating in as Auctioneer in the Scottsdale, Phoenix area:
March of Dimes
Scheduled for November 14, 2021
First founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, the March of Dimes is a non-profit organization that works to improve the health of mothers and babies. Their Signature Chef’s Auction is an opportunity to enjoy culinary delights from incredible top chefs from restaurants and high-end resorts around the Valley.
Ronald McDonald House Charities®
Ronald McDonald Heart of the House Island Party
Scheduled for October 16, 2021
For over 36 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona has provided a home-away-from-home for families traveling to the Valley for medical care for their children. Their Heart of the House Island Party is a poolside party with delicious food, a reception, and auction to follow. All proceeds will go toward the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona.
Supreme Auctions Proudly Supports Charity Auctions
Supreme Auctions is proud to be a part of and support charity auctions all over the United States . Our President, Jennie Heal, has had the pleasure of working with some of the most recognizable charities, businesses, and organizations including, but not be limited to: Animal Rescue Foundations, The Governors, March of Dimes, Private and Public Schools, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, NHL and NBA teams, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Supreme Auctions and many more non-profits.
Our President’s Humble Beginning with Charity Auctions
Jennie Heal did not begin her career doing auctions, though she did begin attending them at an early age. Growing up in rural Somerset, England, Jennie frequently attended auctions with her father, who enjoyed bidding on grandfather clocks and antiques.
Her first moment as an auctioneer was not planned. Attending her son’s school fundraiser, the event’s auctioneer did not arrive. One of the parents turned to her, knowing she owned an auction company, and asked if she would be willing to help. Minutes later Jennie found herself on the stage for her debut as an auctioneer.
Needless to say the school fundraiser exceeded expectations, which lead to Jennie attending the Texas Auction Academy to obtain her Auctioneer’s license and additionally attending the Professional Ringmen’s Institute.
Today, she serves as a charity benefit auctioneer at approximately 50 events per year. We are proud of her work and are ecstatic to be a part of her philanthropic efforts. You can learn more about her auctioneering or book her for your charity event here.
