Raffles at Virtual Fundraising Galas can be a good idea. Surprised?  Many of you with whom I’ve worked in the past are probably thinking  “Scott hates raffles, there’s no way he’s going to want it to apply to a Virtual Fundraising Gala.” However; I stick to my previous statement; raffles at Virtual Fundraising Galas can be a good idea. Here’s why. The primary reason I dislike raffles at fundraising events is the method of raffle ticket sales. Typically, once you arrive at a fundraising event and get through registration, the first person that you see is someone coming up attempting t ..read more

For years, I’ve been promoting the idea of having your fundraising event during the week as opposed to a Friday or Saturday night because of the reduction of competition from other fundraising events and social gatherings. Well, with virtual, that has only gotten larger. In today’s COVID world, none of us have very much happening socially… we just don’t have very much going on at all. However, if we do have something occurring, such as a family visit, dinner with friends, or other small gatherings, or even football games, it’s probably going to be on a Friday or Saturday night, thus, competiti ..read more

By Scott Robertson Thanks to Sara Rose Bytnar and I being in a close network with some of the top fundraising auctioneers in the country, I’ve been able to spend my waking hours learning all that I can about virtual galas. As we know, information is constantly emerging and flexibility is key in situation such as this.  Here is what I know as of today, March 17, 2020. These are strange times for our nation.  Many fundraising galas have cancelled or postponed their events as advised by government officials.   If your organization is wondering how you’ll be able to continue fu ..read more

From the planning stages of a fundraising event right through the actual event itself everyone knows their specific role. The Event Chair knows his or her assignment, as do the Chair’s committee, the volunteers and even the auctioneer. The group which often seems the most confused as to their role is the members of the Advisory Board or the Board of Directors of the organization. I hope this Blog clearly states what their responsibilities should be and explain why they play such a crucial role in the success of a fundraising event.    Let me begin by saying, as a former member of sev ..read more

You just hosted a great event the previous evening. You feel really good. The event exceeded expectations for fundraising. Everything went smoothly. You’re feeling very proud of yourself and your team. And you should feel proud. Congratulations. That was a job well done. However, if you’re thinking; “Now that that’s behind me I can take the day off to get some rest. I’ll deal with all those small details that we need to take care of in the next week or two. I deserve a little break.” Think again! The day after the event there are two very important things that need to be done. One is to write ..read more

It’s really no secret; nearly everybody planning or conducting a fundraising event dislikes the registration process. From auction chairs, to event planners, to registration table volunteers. They all hate it.  Now, you can add one more group to that list – the guests. Especially your VIPs.  Let me begin by saying – thank heaven for volunteers. In many instances they are the free wind that keeps the event sailing along. They also fulfill a key position that allows the event organizers and executive committee members to mingle with their guests.  But, as much as we appreciate the ..read more

  Throughout the years, I’ve found distributing bidding paddles at the registration desk can become a real hassle. Nobody wants to stand around with a cocktail in one hand, an appetizer in another, and a bidding paddle under their arm.   Here’s what I recommend. Always assign tables and put the group of bundled paddles on the table with the bidding number and bidder’s name printed on each one, with the numbers and names matching your computer software. When the people sit down, they can unbundle the paddles and distribute to the right party. Make sure this is done prior to the live a ..read more

In the spirit of Halloween, I thought I’d share a frightful tale of a fundraising event gone wrong. I decided to attend a high profile fundraising event as a guest with a good friend of mine.  I was there as a guest because the organization had decided to use a volunteer auctioneer to ‘save money’.  Upon arriving, we were  immediately confronted by two ‘greeters’ who were selling raffle tickets. We were told we could buy one ticket for $5 or 3 tickets for $10 and once we purchased a ticket we’d receive a blinking light up pin so that no one would attempt to sell us any additiona ..read more

Classical Greek philosopher Plato once said, “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.” As a professional benefit auctioneer, I could not agree more.  Throughout the course of the year I’m contacted by various charities and organizations searching for a fundraising auctioneer. When the decision maker makes the call and signs the contract everything moves smoothly along.  Where the system bogs down is when I hear the words, “I’ll need to present your credentials and agreement to our full committee and will get back in touch with you.” The decision regarding who to hi ..read more

Ahh summertime – the four months out of the year when people relax and recharge their batteries.  Families head out on vacation. Picnics are held in local parks. Florida folks tend to head to cooler climates. And charities reconnect with their donors. Oh, did that last one throw you off?  Well, let me explain. Summertime is the best time to reach out to those donors and supporters who gave so generously at your last fundraiser or auction. That’s because your event was probably held between October and May so you’re in that ‘tween stage. The last event is a distant memory but the next ..read more