Episode #30 - Why Charity Aucton Items work

BEHIND THE SCENES: How the Autograph Industry really works

Do you remember when you were a kid and you went to watch your favorite professional player while hoping to get his autograph?  You got as close as you could to the dugout, hoping he would pop his head out and possibly give you an autograph. 

That’s what most people think how companies like BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising gets items autographed, it’s the direct opposite.  Around the world, autographs of professional athletes are highly sought after.  In North America, there are millions of Sports Collectible stores which mainly specialize in the local teams. 

How it truly works may make you mad, but the athletes maximize their earning by conducting autograph signings.  In reality, the normal NFL career only spans 3 years.  Plus the athletes have to pay their agents, publicists, trainers etc.  So in order to earn more money, they respond to what the fans want – paid autograph signings.

The reality of how these are conducted honestly is mechanical.  The Athlete is paid a certain amount to sign a certain amount of items.  Routinely, it’s 1,000 total pieces or more.  The items range from Helmets, Pictures, Jerseys, balls, bats etc.  At some autograph signings, the national shows, there could be as many as 50 well known athletes.  These "Bulk Item" autograph signings for wholesalers are referred to as "the Back Room."

At the signings, autograph authenticators such as JSA & PSA/DNA are asked to be present to actually witness the items being autographed.  It’s truly amazing, there will be stacks of pictures & jersey’s for each athlete.  Rows and rows of helmets, cases of baseballs.  How do you think businesses like ours actually get the items autographed?

However, celebrities and musicians rarely sit down to do an autograph signing.  The main stream or ultra famous stars do not do autograph signings at all, they truly don’t need to.  In order to get their autographs, companies like ours employ “Chasers.”  The people watch to see what celebrity is in town and wait outside a venue that they are appearing and ask for their autograph.  They are normally 8x10 photos.  The celebrities or musicians will sign the items in passing with their autographs looking more like “Chicken Scratch.”  The “Chased” autographs are hard to authenticate.  Furthermore, they NEVER EVER sign more than a few 8x10’s.  Chasers cannot carry stacks of guitars or stacks of 16x20 large photos. 

However, it is incredibly rare to get an entire cast of a certain movie or even harder, the entire band to sign one item.  You can find autographed guitar pick guards that one of the band members signed, but you will NEVER find a “Body” signed guitar (which means signed around the large part of the guitar) signed by the entire band.  You will find them true, but you will also find Big Foot autographs and Loch Ness Monster being ridden by Elvis autographed photos too.

Another important fact, when a celebrity or athlete dies, their autographs become extremely rare for obvious reasons.  The prices skyrocket!!!  As time passes by, the autographs are harder and harder to find.  But then this is easy to understand right?

So, I hope this gives you a “Behind the Scenes” explanation of how Authentic Autographs are actually acquired.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Auction Item leader, providing everything a charity could want and be successful with including 100% authentic, 3^rd party authenticated auction items from athletes and celebrities.  BW Unlimited also carries a wide array of Décor and Jewelry.  In order to better serve charities across North America, BW Unlimited formed its own Travel Package company – CharityTravelPackages.com.  Offering a wide array of Charity Travel Packages ranging from “Once in a Lifetime,” Concerts, Vacations, VIP Experiences and much more.   

If we can help you, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.  Check out our Charity Travel Package website at www.CharityTravelPackages.com.

Episode #30 - BEWARE of Counterfeit Autographs. The Reality of Autographs.

The “Grinch” who stole your Success

The Grinch who stole Christmas is probably one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time.  Then after Jim Carrey brought the cartoon into reality, the popularity of the movie skyrocketed.  But as in the movie, the Grinch’s job was to ruin a merry Christmas for everyone.  And with fundraising event planning committee, we all have a Grinch.

If you’re reading this, I bet you already are thinking of your very own Grinch.  You know the Negative person who is the wet blanket.  “That won’t work”, “I don’t like that idea”, “We shouldn’t do that”, “I disagree”, “What happens if we don’t sell tickets” and on and on and on.  I see them all the time; in fact, sometimes it’s even the person in charge of the event or the charity.

When I’m initially meeting with a charity, I try to shake the trees to find the hidden “Grinch” because there will always be one or several.  Here are several reason why there is always a “Grinch”:

#1 – They were in charge in previous years of planning and hosting your fundraiser.

#2 – If your NEW ideas are successful, that means they were not.  No one wants to look bad.

#3 – Fear of change.

#4 – Fear of the unknown.

#5 – Fear of Failure.

All of the above are viable reasons why “Fundraising Grinch’s” exist.  But, you shouldn’t let them deter you.  Build a committee around positive, supportive people.  Building a happy committee is the key to your overall success. 

Your “Fundraising Grinch” will be the “wet blanket” and their negativity will take over your committee.  The best way to change them, is don’t even try.  Recruit the people you need to be successful and will support the mission you are on.

Remember – NO FUNDRAISING GRINCH’S.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can and will assist you by helping you build a positive, educated, supportive committee who will carry out the mission of the event toward its ultimate success.  To learn more, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Episode #28 - Kids Sports Team Fundraising

Episode #26 - Friend Raiser vs. Fund Raiser - www,BWUnlimited.com

Episode #25 - How speeches negatively affect your fundraiser

Why were they successful – a True Success Story

This is the true story of success in regard to charity fundraising.  I will tell you exactly why it was successful but here is the back story:

Several months ago, I was asked by Frances Straka (who is my part of my family) if I would help her and a few of her friends hold a fundraiser for a young boy battling cancer – Austin Harrison.  Of course, I agreed and scheduled to meet with them.

When I went to meet them, I was a little taken aback because they were all much older and didn’t understand the importance of Social Networking or Marketing.  The “Them” were only four people in total – Only FOUR (4) (NOTE THAT).  However, after talking for nearly an hour, the planning began.

The committee quickly rose to well over 20 active committee members.  Everyone did their fair share of the work, but a couple quickly rose to the top – Phil & Angela Dicke.  Angela became the Ticket Chair person and was my main point of contact, she handled everything.  Phil himself sold well over 30 tables of 10.  Those two were Rockstars!!!  But the committee became a fundraising “Dream Team.” 

At their event, they had over 640 people in attendance with more donated items than you can imagine.  Everyone did exactly what they were supposed to do and more.  With that many people in attendance, Check In was extremely smooth.  The raffles were incredible because the committee made them happen.  The Live & Silent Auction did absolutely fantastic!!!  Check out went just as smooth, truly everyone did absolutely fantastic.

They had twice the amount of people they thought they would have, raised more money than they could dream of and the event ran as smooth as silk.  In fact, many of the guests asked when was the next one. 

Why was it so successful from beginning to end?  The answer is very simple – the committee members were not experienced fundraisers and started out with zero negativity.  Here is the straight answer why they were successful – Because they listened to me.  They followed the exact direction I gave them, no more no less. 

Novice fundraisers (those that only one or even a handful of charity events) have no preconceived notion or ideas of what they should do.  However, the truly novice fundraiser has no experience and zero preconceived idea notions.  They merely follow direction.  What happens is, a Novice Fundraiser begins to plan their event, despite having professional assistance, the same way they have planned the few others.

If you are an experienced fundraiser and your previous attempts have been not as successful as you wanted them to be, perhaps you should open yourself to new ideas and think like you have never done one at all.  Do exactly like the Rockstars did above, ask for help and follow the direction given to you to the “T.” 

 

 

If you would like the same assistance as they did above, contact us today, we would love to help at www.BWUnlimited.com.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The charity fundraising experts as BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising will guide you through the myriad of fundraising pitfalls, lessen the amount of stress by providing a fundraising plan and a detailed, easy to follow strategy.  If you would like assistance, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

“One Bad Apple Spoils the whole Bunch” - Infestation of Negative thinking

Lately, I have seen major differences in both Positive and Negative Thinking, especially when it comes to charity fundraising. 

When I initially begin consulting or speaking to a charity about assisting them plan and host a fundraising event, the very first thing I look for is NEGATIVITY.  If there is any negativity either with the person or people I am talking to and not shear positivity and motivation, it sends us a huge “Red Flag” of Disaster.

Negativity can and will infest a fundraising committee like roaches, soon taking over the entire thought process of everyone involved.  There is no point to negativity when it comes to fundraising, in fact, negative thinking is what separates the large, more profitable charities from the small unsuccessful non profits.

Case in Point – We are going to use a “Real Life” Scenerio of three (3) Fundraising Committees (this is real):

Committee A – Committee “A” is actually comprised of two (2) women only.  Committee “A” is 100% positive and more importantly, is hosting their very first charity fundraising event.  Their cause is based on local government.

Committee B – Committee “B” Is a very well established, large group of people.  These people meet on a regular basis and their group is based around a well-established “Lifestyle.”  They have held many fundraising events, however, those events were not as successful as they should have been.

Committee C – Committee “C” started out as three (3) 70 yr. old women.  They wanted to host a “Benefit” fundraiser with no background, no experience in Charity Fundraising and were a little hesitant at first but wanted to follow successful direction.   

--------------------------------

Committee “A” & “C” are and were 100% positive with “ZERO” negativity.  However, Committee “B” is quite honestly, infested with Negativity. 

Committee “A’s” event is scheduled for Feb of 2016 – they already have over 400 tickets sold and an enormous amount of donations.  “Negative” thinkers would say “Oh it’s because of the cause” or find some other reason why they are successful – the cause ladies and gentlemen is constantly attacked in the Press. 

Committee “C” event already occurred.  There were well over 600 people in attendance and raised more money than even they dreamt of.  Their event was an overwhelming success.

--------------------------------

Committee “B’s” event has not occurred and the fundraising committee has not even engaged yet.  Their large committee is racked with negativity around every turn.  Their event is before Committee “A’s” but to date, they have barely sold tickets.

-------------------------------------

Why is this the case?  Committee “A” & “C” were and are 100% positive and filled with motivation to be successful.  Committee “A” & “C” listened and did exactly what they were instructed.  Their positive demeanor and the ability to follow direction is what is making them as successful as they truly deserve to be.

Even more importantly, Committee “C” started out small but followed direction and built a large positive thinking committee simply by asking others to help them and furthermore, not allowing negative thinking to take over their committee.

The moral to the story – When a committee focuses on the negative possibilities, negative results are what they will find.  Negative thinking, especially at the start of the planning stages will absolutely ruin your chances to be successful – I’ve seen it time and time again. 

 

Negative thinkers will always point out reasons why others are successful and they are not.  They will point out the "What If's" and put fear in the hearts and minds of others involved.  They will focus on the minimum expectations and not have a "Shoot for the Stars" mentality.  Negative thinkers will pull others into them to support their negative rationale.

Build a committee of positive, motivated thinkers.  Squash negative thinking by focusing solely on the positives.  Remember the old saying “One Bad Apple Spoils the whole Bunch.”  Seek out fun loving, helpful people who love to get involved no matter what the cause.  Build a committee that supports each other instead of tearing you and your success down.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.   BWU assists charities by guiding committee’s around the myriad of negatives and pitfalls toward hosting a highly successful fundraising event.  To learn more, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

 

Ravens Auction items

A bunch of great Ravens autographed items heading to a charity auction in Annapolis MD.  www.BWUnlimited.com
#charityfundraising #noriskauctionitems #charity #fundraising #auctionitems #fundraising #charityevents #nonprofit #charities #fundraisingideas #nonprofitfundraising #ravens #ravensnation #joeflacco

When Donated Items Attack!!!

I have seen it all when it comes to donated items.  Sometimes, I sit back and scratch my head wondering why in the world charities would even ask for some of the craziest donations.  But, as a fundraiser, I totally understand their mentality.  Volunteers going after donations always have the best of intentions and always think “WOW, this is going to help us raise of ton of money!!!”

I hope you’re reading this and honestly listening to my advice.  So, let me give you a very real life scenario.  You ask a business to donate and they tell you it’s retail.  Volunteers think that’s the price it’s going to bring at their event.  But the reality is, it’s only going to bring 1/3 of the value.  This is “Reality of Fundraising” ladies and gentlemen.

No one attends a charity event looking to purchase a “Tax Preparation” or “Life Coaching Sessions.”  They will always do bad.  Items which are not “Exciting” will always crash and burn.  What is the most important issue to understand is, what will that tell the Donor?  I have seen Donor’s get up and leave the event because they were angered how little their item went for. 

Another issue is, I have seen many times charities listing the retail value of an item both with the item and prior to it in their inventory.  Charities are under the false impression that because the item or items retail for a price, that that is what it will or should bring in the Auction – FALSE.  If you list the retail price with the item, you are telling the possible donors to not bid anywhere near that – EVERYONE IS LOOKING FOR A DEAL. 

Also, understand that when businesses donate an item to you, they are more times than not giving you items that are not selling in their stores.  Be smart about what you’re going after, just because it’s donated doesn’t mean it’s good.  The last thing you want to have is an auction that looks like a “Yard Sale” or “Flea Market.”  Keep in mind how the donor will feel if the item brings very little or doesn’t sell. 

There are definite ways to ensure that you and your charity receives “Top Dollar” and more for donated items.  If you would like to learn how, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help you plan, manage and host your next charity fundraising event so that your event is the best it can possibly be.  There are many mistakes novice fundraisers make while planning their fundraisers, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising will direct you around all the pitfalls to a very successful event.  Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

 

Episode #24 - Charity Fundraising Myths - www.BWUnlimited.com

Episode #23 - How do I sell out my next charity fundraising event? www....

Charity Event Branding www.BWUnlimited.com

In order to take your local small scale fundraiser to a nationally known event, you first have to build a "brand."

Brand identity is what you see in the following logos:  Under Armour, Nike, McDonald's etc. 

In terms of a charity fundraising event, identify what image you wish to be clearly associated with the event.  Then build your marketing platforms around that image.

That brand must remain consistent through out everything you do.

A real life example is the upcoming Blues Brothers Bash being held in support of the Prince George's County Police Foundation and the Prince George's County Police Department K9 Section.  The brand for this event is the Blues Brothers. 

That imagery is maintained first in the event flyer then in the T shirts and event tickets. 

This consistency will build immediate brand recognition for the event.

Episode #22 - How to attract BIG Spenders - www.BWUnlimited.com

The "2016 Blues Brothers Bash"

We are extremely to be helping the Prince George's County Police Department K9 Section and the Police Foundation with the "2016 Blues Brothers Bash" Charity Fundraising event in order to raise the funds they need to begin to build a K9 training center.

This event has varying Sponsorship levels along with underwriting opportunities for businesses and individuals who wish to support them.  This incredible event will consist of a Live Auction, Silent Auction and Raffles for an incredible array of prizes.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a " One Stop Shop " convenient setting. www.BWUnlimited.com

Experiment - How to plan & host a highly successful fundraising event

We are going to do an experiment and here is what we are going to test.  Now, before I explain what the experiment is, I first have to explain to you what we know the result will be – INCREDIBLE SUCCESS!!!

Every day, I scream at the top of my lungs “Charities are doing it wrong.”  What I’m talking about is, charities all across North America plan their event around the charity and about the charity.  As you know, I am a very direct kind of guy which some people like but most people don’t.  Being direct, I say something on a very routine basis that truly makes people mad, here it is “People don’t care.” 

So with that in mind, let’s talk about an event being held on February 5^th.  The area isn’t important; the charity isn’t important – what’s important is this – if the people who are a part of the charity LISTEN!!! 

But, so that I’m providing you the information, it’s for the Prince George’s County Police Department K-9 Unit. 

I can hear it now “Well people will support it because of the dogs…awwww” – No, WRONG!!! 

Here is what I am doing; I am “Branding” the event.  Making the event memorable by giving it an image.  We are calling it the “2016 Blues Brothers Bash.”  Get it, “Blues Brothers”….brothers in blue?  Now, this event will most likely sell out at 700 people.  In fact, I’ll guarantee it.  But – here is what the Experiment is – if we create an event that’s not about the charity, what happens? 

By doing this experiment and sharing it with you, I am going to show you why charities are going wrong today.  The issue is, there are over 104 Million Charities in the United States.  Charity Fundraising is a competition!!!  If there wasn’t true, charities would walk out to their mailbox each day and pull out a huge stack of envelopes which have big checks in them.  Let’s be real for a second, it just doesn’t happen. 

For instance, just last night I met with a charity that is having a problem growing their attendance.  Amongst a few other reasons such as an abnormally high ticket cost, the charity was trying to advertise the event as all about the charity and not about the event.  That’s the reason people aren’t coming!!!

So, let’s sit back and watch as this unfolds.  Guaranteed, doing it the BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising way, it sells out.  Let’s watch!!!

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The expert fundraisers at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can consult & coach you and your committee to have an incredible event which sells out year after year after year while guiding you through the myriad of fundraising pitfalls.  To learn more, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

 

Episode #21 - Charities wake up - www.BWUnlimited.com

Episode #20 - How important is the Ticket Price www.BWUnlimited.com

Episode #19 - Win a Free Trip to Disneyworld! www.BWUnlimited.com

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising Testimonial www.BWUnlimited.com

Be a Charity Fundraising Rock Star www.BWUnlimited.com

Episode #18 - Charity Volunteer Recruitment

Dan Pallotta: Everything you know about charity is 'dead wrong'

Are you already knocked out before the fundraising fight even begins? www.BWUnlimited.com

Have you ever watched a boxing or UFC match when the two (2) fighters are so wrongly matched that the novice boxer gets knocked out in the very first round?  It’s almost hard to watch.  But I can bet, the novice fighter thought that they would come out the winner, getting their hand raised at the end.  But, professional, experienced fighters who train and study always come out victorious.  It’s just common sense.

Same with Charity Fundraisers.  Novice fundraisers with very little experience, who don’t study fundraising trends always think the same thing.  They don’t know their opponents or their guests.  In fact, a common statement which I hear all the time is “Our people don’t spend like that.” 

Do professionals think this way?  Does the professional boxer watch his opponent and plan for every possible outcome? 

How do you possibly know how your guests will spend their money when you only have lesser priced, cheap items for them to bid on? 

In order to go from novice to a professional formidable charity fundraiser, you have to understand the “Reality of Fundraising.”  The fundraising myths, mainly that donated items are the best way to raise money because you keep 100% of the money, is truly a novice approach. Not that I’m trying to sell you or your charity on using our items, I’m telling you that the reason our Auction Items exist is because they are proven.  No one wants left overs, no one will bid over the retail price of an item that only sells in a store for $30.00.  You sooner have a better chance of finding Bigfoot then for this to ever happen. 

Novice charity fundraisers always refer to bigger spenders and ask how they can attract those types of people.  The first novice method is to plan your event “Low.”  Another issue, you don’t know until you at the very least try.

Go from the skinny kid in the ring to the Heavy Weight fundraising Champion by asking for our help.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising helps over 1,400 charities each and every year all across North America.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising’s real approach to fundraising, studying the successful fundraising trends, makes BW the #1 fundraising firm in the country.  If you would like our help, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you.  

Episode #17 - Insanity Fundraising www.BWUnlimited.com

Incredibly Rare Charity Live Auction Item

This incredibly Rare autographed jersey is now available for one lucky charity.  The jersey is signed by Johnny Unitas, John Elway, Joe Montana and Dan Marino.

All autographs are 3rd party authenticated.

This rare jersey encompasses all of the most iconic Quarterbacks ever and is only available through BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a " One Stop Shop " convenient setting. Check out our website at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Episode #16 - Money as a prize raffles suck www.BWUnlimited.com

Episode #16 - Money as a prize raffles suck www.BWUnlimited.com

Would you ask your Mechanic to diagnose your health problems? www.BWUnlimited.com

I have to admit it, I don’t know the first thing about how to work on my car.  Honestly, I know how to put gas in it, change the oil and change a flat, but that’s it.  Recently, two of my brand new tires started leaking air slowly.  At first, I would fill it back up with air, but then it got to be a pain. 

I have a really good friend, his name is Aaron Younger.  I initially met Aaron when he was the Service Manager at a nearby car dealership.  We hit it off, because I knew right from the start that I could trust him.  Then, I helped him with a charity fundraiser for his daughter’s softball team – the Black Ice. 

So when I took my car in for the tire to be fixed, I went to where Aaron worked.  A few hours later, my phone rang and it was Aaron.  He told me that my brakes were “Shot” and definitely needed to be fixed.  Solely based on the fact that I trust him and that he knows what he’s doing, I told him to go ahead and fix them. 

When I need something done that I truly don’t know how to do, I go to who I know I can trust and who I know is the Expert – Aaron Younger.  While I was there sitting at his desk in his office, we started talking about fundraising because he wants to do another fundraising event for his team.  He told me about all the wasted time they lost while trying to do smaller, lesser fundraising events in the past and how he would love to have me help him with another fundraiser. 

Oddly enough, that is when it struck me.  When I needed help with my car, I went to the expert – Aaron.  I asked him to fix whatever what was broke, which he did perfectly at a very good price.  But, when that same Expert needs help fundraising, who does he turn to?  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising.

Now consider this – why is fundraising the only time when inexperienced people think they can do it without a professional?  Would you handle your own medical needs or ask your neighbor who is a house painter to diagnose you?  No way.  Would you ask your friend who is a mechanic to handle your legal issues?  Are you kidding, absolutely not!

So when a charity or a group of people desperately needs to raise money to fund or contribute to something or someone, why do they decided to do it without hiring an expert?  Does it make sense?  I don’t think so.  Does a baseball team put a fan up to bat when they are down and about to lose?  Nope.  Does a football team allow one of the cheerleaders a chance as quarterback?  Uhhhhhh No. 

I totally understand that people think that paying a professional is not a good way to fundraise and that you need everything donated – but if you had to decide whether to raise $10k by doing it alone, without help – OR – raise $80k with the help of a professional, which one would you chose.  Well, I already told you that I went to Aaron to fix my car didn’t I?

What you don’t know is, there are a 1,000 different little aspects that need to be taken into account in order for you to host a “ROCKSTAR” of a fundraising event.  Plus keeping up with successful fundraising trends, what people like and don’t like, it’s a lot to understand.  But, we do…we are only charity fundraisers, in fact the best in the business.  Let us help you.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited's vast knowledge about current successful fundraising trends and extensive knowledge about how to properly plan and manage a charity fundraising event makes them head and shoulders above their competition.  To learn more, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.  We would love to help you.

Episode #15 - The Key to Fundraising Success - www.BWUnlimited.com

Episode #14 - The Charity Fundraising Pie www.BWUnlimited.com

Why Charity Auction Items from BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising are so successful - www.BWUnlimited.com

To better understand and appreciate why BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising’s Charity Auction items are always successful, we have to discuss why only utilizing donated items is not:

#1 – Local People attend local charity fundraising events with items donated by local businesses – The donated items are NOT exciting since guests can easily go to the store themselves.

#2 – Donated items are only bringing 1/8 to 1/2 of Retail in Silent or Live Auctions across North America.  People attending charity events are looking for a “Deal.” 

#3 – Time spent, gas etc. to get an item donated that only brings 1/8 to 1/2, is simply not worth it.

#4 – The two (2) most common donated items at charity fundraising events are Gift Baskets & Gift Certificates.  The facts surrounding these two (2) common items are:

a.     No one gives Gift Baskets for holiday presents.  More than “Several” baskets begin to blend together like “Zebra” in a herd.

 

b.    No one will pay or bid full retail at a charity event for a Gift Certificate.  If they wanted to purchase one, they would go to business and purchase it.  These are commonly given as gift’s.

c.     These two items are best utilized in a Raffle setting, which guarantee ten (10) times retail.

#5 – Donated items are often presented in Silent and Live Auctions year after year.  As an example “John donates the use of his Vacation home.” The very first year that donated vacation home is presented for auction, it receives the maximum audience and interest.  Based on that success, the charity will present it again and again. With each passing time its presented, the audience and the bid amounts goes down and down, which is far less exciting.

#6 – Businesses donate items based on the following facts:

a.     Someone a part of the charity, knows the business owner

b.    The business knows the charity and supports the charities mission

c.     Someone from the charity is standing in the business requesting a donation – it’s hard to say no when someone is standing in front of you asking.

d.    Marketing – the business wants to be marketed in front of your guests.

#7 – Fact:  Businesses are overwhelmed with charities asking for them to donate items.  If the business donates, the items are commonly items which are not selling in the stores.  Businesses will not donate items which have a high probability of selling in their respective businesses – they have to worry about keeping their doors open and paying their bills.

#8 – The absolute best method for success for donated items is in a raffle setting – guaranteeing to bring ten (10) times retail.  People love to win.  They will sooner purchase a raffle ticket for $10.00 before placing a $10.00 bid.

Why BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising Charity Auction Items (aka No Risk Auction Items) are successful:

#1 – Charities have absolutely No Risk with using the items - they are guaranteed profit.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising will pay to ship the items to your fundraising event and if they do not sell, profiting your charity, BWU will also pay to ship the items back - no up front fees of any type.  No Cost just Profit.

#2 - Keeping in mind that donated items come from local businesses to the fundraising event, having exciting hard to find items which are not available at retail, creates excitement and spurs on higher bidding.

#3 – Charities are instructed to mark up the “Cost to Non Profit” 20%.  With just one bid, charities are guaranteed to profit more than the highest bid on donated items. 

#4 – No matter how high the bids go, charities keep 100% of the profit.

#5 – Charities can create a “Buzz” surrounding the event based solely on the items available which can be marketed through various formats (i.e. EveryEventGives.com Ticketing platform, Facebook etc).

#6 – The items are not available at retail and are only provided by BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising to charities all across North America. 

#7 – Having items which guarantee profit, relieves the time from seeking donations for weeks or months.

#8 – BW Unlimited Charity Auction Items support higher bidding for higher profile donated items.

#9 – Many of the items can be sold in multiples, allowing charities to double, triple etc. their profit.

#10 – Having high profile items will assist in ticket sales for people wanting to attend your event.

#11 – Sponsors or Donors can underwrite or sponsor the cost of the items. Professionals such as Doctors, Lawyers, consultants, Realtors are never asked to donate – however, with these items, they can underwrite the cost to nonprofit.

#12 – Charities commonly profit two times the cost to nonprofit or much more.  These items commonly inspire “Bidding Wars.”

#13 – By utilizing Charity Travel Packages, charities will create excitement by having VIP packages that are not sold at retail.  They can sell them in multiples if there are more than one (1) competitive bidders.  Packages can vary at the event and can change year to year.  The packages can either include roundtrip airfare or airfare can be removed depending on the charity’s needs. 

Summary:

In order to be successful with your fundraising attempts, charities must be unique and present items that most of the charities in their area do not have. 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising offers a wide array of Charity Auction items ranging from autographed items from Iconic Athlete’s, Celebrities and Musicians.  Wall Art/Décor items from Sports, Celebrity, Historical….Jewelry and Charity Travel Packages from worldwide Cruises, VIP, Once in a Lifetime, Concerts, Shows and Vacations to worldwide destinations.  To learn more, check out our website at www.BWUnlimited.com and www.CharityTravelPackages.com. 

Episode #13 - Why Businesses Donate www.BWUnlimited.com

BREAKING NEWS!!! Partnership with EveryEventGives.com - Fundraising Best Practices

We have been involved in the fundraising industry for a very long time.  Since we opened our doors seven (7) years ago, we have been approached by many companies wanting our help or asking to partner with us. 

The first thing I do is obviously look to see who the company is, how long they have been in business and the most important aspect – if their beliefs are like mine “Charity First.”  Are they only wanting to make money through charities across the United States and is what they are offering something truly needed.

Now you should understand, I have turned down some of the largest companies out there in the fundraising industry.  I truly feel most of the products they are offering are quite honestly just a way to get charities to waste money.

But in all this time, we were contacted by a company that offers charities much more than any other similar company out there.  The company I am speaking of is “EveryEventGives.com.” 

When we were first contacted, of course I did my due diligence to see if it was a “Scam” which is was and is not.  They are truly unique because their business motto is exactly like mine.  What I found most unique is, that they offer an extra profit to charities through ticket sales.  Then add on the ability to host both an On-Line Silent Auction and Raffle along with the ticket sales.

If that wasn’t enough, I spoke directly to the President of the business – Sean Spence.  I read his bio and had a very long conversation, digging into him about what he believes and how he runs his business.  I was and am truly impressed.

I was so impressed, we agreed to exclusively partner with them.  With the partnership, we will offer the “Best of both worlds” combining our Charity Auction items with their ticketing platform. 

If you are planning on hosting a fundraising event, please visit www.EveryEventGives.com and when you contact them, let them know George Wooden of BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising sent you. 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American charity fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  Known across North America as the #1 provider of No Risk Charity Auction Items – BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help you and your charity with everything you can possibly need and more.  For more information about how BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help you, please visit www.BWUnlimited.com.

Episode #12 - How to successfully use donated items www.BWUnlimited.com

Donations Donations Donations

Getting donated items is a key fundraising component.  Charities all across North America go after as many as they can get.  But a problem which most charities are totally unaware of, is the reality of donated items - are they successful or not?
 

Donations can be extremely successful but their use must be planned.
 

Today...the reality of donations is that they are bringing from an 1/8 to only 1/2 of retail.  However the absolute best place to utilize donated items is truly in a raffle setting.  In raffles, the same donated items bring 10 times retail guaranteed.

 

If you would like to know on the proper use of donated items, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.
 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a " One Stop Shop " convenient setting.
 

Episode #11 - Charity Competition &The Reality of Charity Donations - www.BWUnlimited.com

Episode #10 - Excuses, Charity Budget

The most important question a Charity should ask themselves www.BWUnlimi...

How to get the best advertisement for your next charity event & Don't think for your guests

Pheo Para Alliance Gala Charity Auction

It was fantastic helping the Pheo Para Alliance with their Gala Charity Auction last night at the Katzen Art Museum in Washington DC.

We are proud to have this incredible cause and a wonderful and very giving group of people.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a " One Stop Shop " convenient setting.  For more information about, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Missing Spoke Fundraising - www.BWUnlimited.com

When you were a kid, do you remember riding your bike or even jumping ramps?  I can remember when I was a child, looking at the “Spokes” and wondering what they were for.  Then one day, I had the bright idea that I wanted my bike to look “Cooler” then the other kids, so I decided to get my father’s wire cutters and cut a bunch of the spokes off.  Bad move.  As soon as I started to ride, my bike came crashing down with me smacking the pavement hard.  I can still remember it to this day – Bad Idea.  I found out, obviously, that all the spokes held the wheel together.

On a daily basis, I see people hosting endless fundraisers all across North America.  In fact, because I am in the industry on a national level, I can’t seem to get away from seeing it.  I have seen everything…every little way that charities and people attempt to fundraise – it’s amazing what people will do to fundraise $1.00.

What happens more time then not is, people will see charity or group “A” doing a fundraiser.  Or they will attend a fundraising event that charity or group “A” is doing and get ideas from them for their own fundraiser.  They will then go back and begin to plan their fundraising event (which we will call event “B”) based on what they saw at the “A” event.  But what they don’t realize is, that the “A” was not successful.  Plus in turn, when they take ideas from the “A” event, they will miss a few important details and fundraising event “B” will be even more unsuccessful.

For instance, a common fundraising event in and around Baltimore is called a “Bull Roast.”  In Delaware and Pennsylvania, they call them “Beef & Beer” events.  It’s basically an event that is relaxed and they cook beef over fire, commonly referred to as “Pit Beef” – it’s great, believe me.

These events over done over and over and over again.  A very common theme is that they utilize “Old & Tired” unsuccessful raffles.  These raffles are done over and over and over again, they are – 50/50’s, Plants Wheels, Money Wheels, Money Boards etc.

I want you to ask yourself this – if you are trying to fundraise, why then would you give money away as a prize?  I have heard all the excuses “People love it” or “They always give the money back.”  True, everybody loves to win money.  False, 83% of the time people DO NOT give the money back.  These raffle’s are extremely inefficient and are not profitable.  Yes you do make some money, but again, what are you trying to do?  Raise money? 

Plus, another common thing people do is only utilize donated products - Tons of Gift Baskets & Gift Certificates etc.  In fact, they will even look to see what donations were donated by who and they will then approach the same people!  It’s Reality!  They don’t realize that the items there didn’t do well.  Plus they didn’t get all the information on how the raffle works, how you sell it, etc.

The problem is, after the fundraising event, charities never go back to analyze the profitability of what they did!  They just keeping repeating the “Same Old Style” fundraisers year after year after year.

In regard to fundraising raffles, remember the simple fact that people “Like to Win”!  It doesn’t matter what they win, as long as they have a chance to win something.  Smaller is always better, give out a bunch of prizes instead of one (1).  Donated items such as Gift Certificates and Gift Baskets are fantastic as raffle prizes.  Plus instead of bringing 1/2 of their retail value, it will bring 10 times the retail in a raffle. 

Or another thing that drives me nuts is when we consult a charity on raffle's that truly work and are highly successful, then they change it to something else and it's a disaster.  Why?  Because they missed a few spokes!  It happens all the time.

So, like me when I was a child, they are missing a “Bunch of Missing Spokes.”  You have to look at everything on it’s own, ask questions and educate yourself.  You have to ask yourself “Would you give the money back?”  Doubt it. 

Remember this – everything has a shelf life.  In order to be a highly successful fundraiser, you must be different and unique.  But more importantly, you have to be smart.  Think through things, talk it over…but make sure you are not missing a few spokes.

If you would like our help, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The fundraising experts at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help guide both you and your staff through the myriad of fundraising pitfalls toward an extremely successful fundraising event.  Contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com – we look forward to hearing from you.