Dan Pallotta - The way we think about Charity is Dead Wrong

(Click the above video)

This TED Talk by Dan Pallotta is offered as educational material for our charity clients and anyone generally wanting to learn, even if you are not a client of ours.  We want today's charities to learn the reality of the world out there. 

With everyone trying to do the very best they can and with more and more charities starting, charities need to change their ways they are doing business through innovative ways or be swept away - remember, everything has a shelf life, even your charity.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a Leader in charity fundraising in North America in a "One Stop Shop" convenient setting.  The expert fundraisers at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising want to educate charities through various venues in order to understand the need to constantly stay ahead of the fundraising curve.  If you would like to learn more about how you and your charity can remain in the lead instead of having other charities pass you by, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you.

Fundraising Secret - "Heard of Zebras" Silent Auctions

Have you ever been to Ikea?  The people who designed the lay out truly knew what they were doing.  Do you know why?  Or did you even realize what happened to you after you walked in?  The store designers force you to see everything they have available…nearly like a maze.  Once you walk in, you have to walk through every display before you reach the doors to exit.  You see EVERYTHING!!!

Over the years, we have had the pleasure to work with many many charities all across North America and to attend, assisting with some real HUGE events.  But commonly, we help with a normally sized charity fundraising events (attendance within 200 to 300 people).  One of the most mistakes we see and advise not to do is, to set up a Silent Auction in sections.  That means, all the Sports items in one area, jewelry in another, vacation packages another etc.

The mistake is, although unknowingly by the folks who set it up is – it actually divides their guests to go to the area they like the most.  Everyone is separated without getting everyone to review everything available. 

The biggest mistake is, the items begin to have the “Zebra” look.  Do you know why Zebras are Black & White, all with similar stripes?  Because when they are in a heard, their prey (Lions) cannot discern one from another.  When you put all the same type of items together, it becomes a huge bunch of the same thing – regardless if it’s a Ring, Necklace or Earrings.  The items actually compete with each other and drive down the bidding potential.  The term is “Splitting the Bid.”  This forces people to only focus on one item – instead of bidding on as many items as they like.

For instance, picture a few tables all displaying Gift Baskets, let’s say 20 baskets.  Can you picture it?  All those baskets blend together, making the Silent Auction boring. 

The test is – after setting it up, step back and look at it.  Everything is all the height and all look similar – boring to the eye.

However, now picture this – while setting up your Silent Auction, mix everything.  A Gift Basket next to a Sports item, with a piece of jewelry sitting at the seam between the two items.  Then a Vacation Package, donated pocketbook (Miscellaneous item).  Then an autographed Jersey, sitting next to framed picture and so on. 

Ensure that no similar items are near each other.  That way, each item stands alone and has no competitive items nearby.  This makes sure each item has its own space, placing all focus on the items individually.  You will also see that the bids will be much higher and more items will get bid on.  It's a proven tactic and our secret....shhhhhh!!!

Then step back.  What do you see?  It’s exciting and will draw people to it.  With items of different sizes, colors…making the appearance of a much wider variety of items.

Your guests will then walk through and review everything like the Ikea design described above instead of just the section that appeals to them the most.  It also adds excitement and “POP” to your room you are having your silent auction.

Try it…you be the judge.  If you have questions, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you further with other exciting ideas.

Remember – Excited, happy people make Excited, Happy bidders!!!  Adding this new way of setting up your Silent Auction will create excitement around your event.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a leader in Charity Fundraising across North America in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  Today, with 104 million registered U.S. Non Profits, the charities who host the most exciting charity fundraising events will attract the most attendance/guests at their events.  The expert fundraisers at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising are leaders and the only expert charity fundraisers in the country commonly planning, managing and hosting incredibly memorable charity fundraising events.  If you would like to your next charity fundraising event to be as memorable as possible, creating excitement and surpassing your fundraising goals, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Authentication & Mike Tyson



As you know, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a charity fundraising leader in North America.  In regard to autographs, we stand for Integrity and absolutely will only provide 100% Authentic Autographed items.  We insist on every single autographed item that we provide is 3rd Party Authenticated by the most reputable, well known authenticators in the world. 

Furthermore, not only do we provide items that are 3rd party authenticated, but we also back up many of the items with a photograph of the Athlete or Celebrity actually signing the items. 

As an example, we recently conducted an autograph signing

with Mike Tyson.  Mike signed many items including the Muhammad Ali "Ali was the Greatest" Panoramic.  Not only did he autograph it, but he also inscribed it (which means he wrote a sentence along with his autograph) "Ali was the greatest, but I'm the Baddest." 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising will continue to only provide 100% Authentic, 3rd Party Authenticated items by the worlds most reputable Authenticators.  Plus - because our inventory is so large and we are partnered with the top autograph memorable providers - we insist that "If BWU doesn't carry it, it's not Real."  Check out our Authenticity Policy by clicking here.

Warning:  If other Charity Fundraising companies don't or won't use the same level of authentication as we do, you should consider using another company, regardless if it's BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising or not.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a Charity Fundraising leader in North America in a "One Stop Shop" convenient setting.  Family owned and operated with over 40 years combined fundraising experience with our owners background as a Maryland State Trooper, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising will only provide 100% authentic autographed items.  Furthermore, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising stands as a "Charity Guard Dog" against autograph counterfeiters.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising was founded on the simple belief "Charity First" and will not waiver from that.  If you would like to learn more about BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising or about the Autograph industry, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.  We look forward to hearing from.

You get what you pay for - FREE WEBSITES

For awhile now, I have been seeing many advertisements for "FREE" websites especially on Facebook.

When I first began, I didn't have a clue about the importance of my website, but today, I personally believe our website is just as important as our Customer Service Ethic.  Take a look at our newly designed website and you be the judge - www.BWUnlimited.com.

There is an old saying "There is no such thing as a free lunch."  This saying holds true here - nothing, absolutely nothing is for free.  There is always a price. 

FREE websites also allow for the company to advertise other companies on your website.  The website itself may be free, but what you don't know is, there are a lot more services needed in order to have a website - such as "Hosting."

Something EXTREMELY important you should know is, how people see you today is through your on-line presence.  A Free Website may look "Okay" to you, but to your supporters or possible sponsors, it will look cheaply done.

Your website is your business card - it tells people a lot about you and your charity.  Before you take the leap to have a "FREE" website, look at your competitors or other charities in your field and determine what they did and who they used to do there websites.

In closing - FREE isn't always better...weigh the options before you take the leap, we want you to be as successful as possible, your charity deserves it and most especially the people you serve.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a leader in charity fundraising in North America in a "One Stop Shop" convenient setting.  The expert fundraising consultants at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can guide you, our charity clients, through the myriad of fundraising pitfalls that will slow your progress and consult you to a successful path to follow.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising has the unique ability to advise on the importance of a charities "On-Line" and "Social Network" presence so that everyone can be made aware of your charities mission.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can advise you and your charity on qualified, expert web designers.  For more information or to speak to someone, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Ernie Banks - Rest in Peace

Ernie Banks, nicknamed "Mr. Cub" passed away yesterday. 

As per Wikipedia:
Ernest "Ernie" Banks (January 31, 1931 – January 23, 2015), nicknamed "Mr. Cub" and "Mr. Sunshine", was a Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop and first baseman for 19 seasons, 1953 through 1971. He spent his entire MLB career with the Chicago Cubs. He was a National League (NL) All-Star for 11 seasons, playing in 14 All-Star Games.^[1]

Banks was born and raised in Dallas. He entered Negro league baseball in 1950, playing for the Kansas City Monarchs. He served in the US military for two years and returned to the Monarchs before beginning his major league career in September 1953. He made his first MLB All-Star Game appearance in 1955. Banks received back-to-back National League Most Valuable Player awards in 1958 and 1959. He hit .313 with 47 home runs (HR) and 129 runs batted in (RBI) in 1958. The next season he hit .304 with 45 HR and 143 RBI in 1959.

During the 1961 season, Banks was transferred to left field followed by a final position change to first base. Cubs manager Leo Durocher became frustrated with Banks in the mid-1960s, saying that the slugger's performance was faltering, but he felt that he was unable to remove Banks from the lineup due to the star's popularity among Cubs fans. Banks was a player-coach from 1967 through 1971. In 1970, he hit his 500th career home run. In 1972, he joined the Cubs coaching staff after his retirement as a player.

Banks was active in the Chicago community during and after his tenure with the Cubs. He founded a charitable organization, became the first black Ford Motor Company dealer in the United States, and made an unsuccessful bid for a local political office. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. In 1999, he was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 2013, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to sports. Banks lived in the Los Angeles area.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a leader in Charity Fundraising in a "One Stop Shop" convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising provides authentic autographed items from Iconic Athletes from all of the professional teams.  If you are would like to see our current inventory, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.

CHALLENGE!!!

 

As you should already know, and if you don't know, we pride ourselves in being the most legitimate Charity Fundraising Autograph providers in North America. 

Just like in any business, there are liars and cheats who don't care about their own integrity - but that's not us.  In the autograph world, there are a wide array of counterfeiters but the standard, for the providers of authentic autographs are obviously, legitimate authenticators.

But in the Charity world, in my opinion, this is where the real "Snakes" come out.  Businesses who don't care that they are profiting from organizations and people who are trying to change the world or help those who can't help themselves.  Again, that's not us. 

Here is the fact, I wish we could provide some of the very "High Profile" items that other providers have but we can't, because those items are not real.  In fact, those companies either "Self Authenticate" which means they say the autographs are real.  Does that make sense?  The Fox running the hen house...or the same company that provides the item is the same company saying the autograph is real.  They are not autograph experts, not whatsoever.  In fact, recently, one of those companies had an investigative report on Inside Edition.  If you want to read it, scroll down through my Blogs and you will find it.

The next one, perhaps the funniest, is a Charity Provider who uses an unknown authenticator.  Oddly enough, that company never used a 3rd Party Authenticator and after we, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, set the standard, they began to use an authenticator that no one, I mean NO ONE has ever heard of.

So here is the Challenge and the reason for this blog:

We, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, challenge ANY Charity Fundraising provider to use the same amount (the same, not more) of authentication as we do.  What that means is, have the autograph authenticator such as JSA or PSA review and certify their autographs as authentic - that's it.  Then, provide a photo of the Celebrity, Musician or Athlete actually signing the item that is being provided.  That's it...simple enough.  We do it each and every time.

Here is another Challenge - every charity should ask for the above from providers.  If you ask me, I will say of course...our items are authentic.

We want to protect you, our charity clients.  Even if you don't use our items and if you use someone else, ask for the above.  Ensure you are protected - please.

If you would like to see our items, ask us about our Authentication Process, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love the opportunity to show you just how legitimate we are.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a leader in Charity Fundraising in a "One Stop Shop" setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising only provides "No Risk Auction Items" that are 3rd Party Authenticated by the most legitimate authentication companies in existence.  If you would like to learn more, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you.

Why we do what we do - a Personal Note

Recently, I was meeting with a client about their upcoming Gala.  During the meeting, sitting with over 20 of their committee, one of their members expressed their concern about our services, mainly our No Risk Auction Items.  In fact, he said “George this seems too good to be true” as if I were wolf in sheep's clothing.  I asked him why he thought that and he asked “Well, how do you make money because your prices are very low.”  I simply gave him the response I give those who ask the same question “It’s good and it’s true, but it’s not too good to be true.”  I also answered the low prices question by telling him that we, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, are not retailers so we don’t have to pay high rents for a store etc.  Plus we offer so many items in a “One Stop Shop” that we don’t have to make a lot of money on one certain category – it’s all about volume to us.  And when I said this – this prompted this blog – He then asked “Well, why then are you doing this if you’re not trying to make a million dollars?” 

When I was asked that question, I had to pause for a second and replied with this “We just want to help.”  We just want to help…The committee couldn’t believe it, prompting applause.  I was humbled honestly, but it made me think about exactly the reason why I started our company and why we are not out to scam anyone.  Here is why we do what we do: 

A long time ago, my wife and I volunteered for a charity that was raising money for wildlife that does not exist on the east coast of the United States.  We didn’t agree to help the charity based on the charity and its mission, we were helping our friends who were a part of the committee.  Through that charity, we learned how to become extremely successful fundraisers.  We were applauded all across North America, receiving national recognition.  Now, you should understand that we were the #1 fundraisers in North America for wildlife that did not exist anywhere near Maryland.  Furthermore, Maryland is a very small state, yet we were raising more money than anyone involved in that charity, which is very large.  To the charity, it just didn’t make sense why we were raising so much money in a state where people hardly knew what the animal was – raising Net profit of $100,000.00 at one single event.  We had also did the same for another wildlife charity with the very first event - $83,000.00 profit. I was just really good at fundraising, can't tell you why, but I was.

But to ask why we did it – the answer is clear – because we enjoyed it.  We were volunteers – profiting nothing from it.  I was a Maryland State Trooper then – working shift work and holidays.  Then a friend came to me and said “You are the best fundraiser in the country, why don’t you start a business?”  I thought about it for a while and after many months, we decided to give it a try. 

Ever since the beginning of BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, it’s never been about us making money – it’s always been about helping charities no matter where they are.  From the two charities above, I learned the significance of having great items for the fundraising platforms (Live & Silent Auctions, Raffles).  From there, we learned about the right and wrong ways of fundraising.  We know that people trying to raise money do not do it full time; they do their very best but with very little experience. 

So the answer why is....because we have the background and experience to greatly help charities and most especially the people tasked with fundraising.  Why not is honestly how to answer it!!!

We want to help in a small part to raise money for all the incredible charities out there…we are doing our part.  We want to give back to medical charities, Veterans charities etc.   

Then, through our experience in the fundraising world, we learned about how to put maximum profit in our pockets by providing fraudulent or counterfeit autographs – something we will not do.  We learned about how other businesses scam charities or use a “Bait & Switch” tactic – which we refuse to do.  We also learned how some businesses ask for extremely high prices from charities – putting more money in their pockets instead of into the mission of the charity.  We compared their prices to ours – sometimes 3 to 4 times more expensive.  We just could not sleep at night.   

Why do we do what we do?  Because honestly, we just want to help.  Help by providing excellent advice, help by providing fantastic items for charities to raise money with.  Just give back…help for the mere fact that we want just to help.  In fact, one of the things that I always tell other business people when they ask, we concentrate ourselves on customer service and providing great items and service, profit for our company is merely a bi-product.  Unlike other companies, we are not centered on how much money we can and could make, it’s our client’s profit that matters to us most. 

Thank you for the chance to help you…we guarantee that we will not lose track on what BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising was founded on – Integrity and Helping those who need the help the most. 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising was founded by George and Jeanne Wooden.  Get to know us here at this link - About Us.  George is a retired Maryland State Trooper and a former United States Marine.  George served our country proudly for four (4) years and has lived a life of service.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising was founded on “Integrity” and one simple statement “Charity First.”  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising assists over 1,400 charities each year all across North America and continues to serve more and more each year.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a leader in charity fundraising in North America in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  If we can help you and your charity, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com – we look forward to hearing from you.

Our Magical Time in Tuscany - thank you BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising

As you know, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising offers many incredible and exclusive Charity Travel Packages.  The Charity Travel Packages range from weekend stays to luxury locations all across the world but several also are meant for groups.  The Charity Fundraising Experts at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising are proud of our exclusive offerings and most especially at the extremely low cost to non- profits.

One of the most popular group travel packages we carry is “Tuscany Private Villa for 8 in your own Private Farmhouse.” 

Recently a charity guest sent us an email thanking us for such an incredible “Once in a Lifetime” Experience.  I asked if she would share both her thoughts and her friends who went with her so that we could share them with everyone.  Here it is:

“Our Magical Time in Tuscany”

“I always dreamt of visiting Tuscany and last November I made it reality with a small group of girlfriends. We had acquired our package from a Charity Auction in San Antonio Texas. 

The tour that our Tour Guide Pat organized was just splendid. Our villa host, Rita, pictured here took exceptionally good care of us. Her villa near Bocine dates back to the 1800's and the large farm it sits on was purchased by her Grandfather in the 1940's. The charm of this villa is tied to its location, right in the center of Tuscany between Arezzo, Florence and Siena and placed on the south-eastern borders of Chianti. We want to return for a special Porcine mushroom tour next fall and go mushroom picking and learn some Italian porcine mushroom recipes. This location is perfect to invite family and friends for a special celebration you have in mind and visit the wine cellars that produce some of the most renowned wines in Italy and taste the products of the estate in a special context, in the very place where they are made.

We visited Poggio Molina for my most memorable authentic farmhouse wine dinner EVER with owners, Claudio and Alba! The 90 hectare farm is situated in the hills of the Val'd'Ambra. They produce high quality wines, olive oil, corn, potatoes, livestock and other crops. Our meal  of porcine mushroom cream, baguettes, traditional Ribollita Tuscan soup, eggplant, preserved olives, tomatoes in olive oil, prosciutto and Poggio Molina Chardonnay from 2010's grape harvest: all produced at the farm was extraordinary and a first class experience. 

We also spent a week just 15 minutes outside Florence with Paola. Her 17th century aristocratic villa sits on a lovely historical estate with an olive and cypress grove. The attention to detail in every corner was marvelous.  Paola loves collecting antiques and interior decorating and does a fantastic job. The villa is set up nicely for different sized groups and I thought it would be a great location for my nephew's wedding next year. Paola gave us a lovely historical walking tour of Florence. The city is magestic. My favorite location was the rooftop at the Westin, pictured here, situated in the middle of the city-a grande location for a family dinner or cocktail with friends. Can't wait to return!”

Thank you very much BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising for providing this trip, it was spectacular!!!” 

Alison Mcgrath

San Antonio, Texas

For more information about how you and your charity can reserve this spectacular, BW “Exclusive” Charity Travel Package for your next event and to receive our Charity Travel Package Catalog, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.

 

 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is known all across North America as a Leader in Charity Fundraising in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising provides the widest array of Charity Travel Packages at the lowest cost to non-profit, giving the charity the highest profit possible.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising’s Charity Travel Packages offer getaways to luxurious locations across the globe, as well as luxury group vacations, Once in a Lifetime getaways, VIP Events, Concerts and much more.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising offers the widest array of “No Risk Auction Items” which include 100% Authentic, 3^rd Party Authenticated Autographed items ranging from Iconic Athletes to Celebrities and Musicians.  If you would like to preview our catalogs or would like our help, contact BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising today at www.BWUnlimited.com – we look forward to helping both you and your charity exceed your fundraising goals this year.

 

 

 

 

 

Before it gets crazy busy....

Before the Charity Fundraising season gets kicked off, we are leaving on a week long vacation.  We will be back, no matter how hard it is, but we will definitely be back. 

We will be closed from January 10th through January 17th, obviously back in the office on Monday January 18th - refreshed and ready to go.

Since we will be out of the country, we will not have our cell phones.  When we get back, we will definitely check our voicemails and dig through the 1,000 emails. 

Thanks again for allowing us to be a part of your charity fundraising efforts in this brand NEW YEAR - 2015.

George Wooden & the rest of the BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising family....
www.BWUnlimited.com

The “Recipe for Success” - How a Charity can be Successful

It seems as if I get asked this question all the time “How can my charity be successful?”.  Honestly, I am scared to see how people react when I provide the answer because it’s just not that easy. 

If anyone ever tells you that they were an overnight success, they are greatly stretching the truth – it’s honestly a myth.  Even popular musicians and actors that “pop up” out of nowhere, having been working at their talents for years prior to their discovery.

When people ask me, how they can be successful like me, they want the recipe but want their success to come quickly.  We have been in business for years and are still working nearly 7 days a week.  There is no real “Recipe

But getting back to the answer to help our charity clients, here is the ingredients of the “Recipe for Success”:

1.     Tablespoon of “Commitment” – First, ask yourself and those around you if they are truly committed to the success of your charity or your fundraising event.  It may take a few years to build – are they or most importantly, are you committed to invest a few years of work?

2.     Ounce of “Drive” – You must have drive.  What is drive you ask?  To work harder, longer.  You have to push yourself to accomplish your goals no matter how long it takes.  If you want to fundraise and be highly successful, you must have the fortitude to make it happen.

3.     2 Tablespoons of “Ability to Change” – This is where most people fall out and the miss this important part of the recipe.  Your ability to accept change and to do it, is what will make you and your fundraising efforts different.  Strive not to be the same.  Watch other charities, ask questions and strive do better by being completely different.  Today, many charities follow the crowd but are hardly ever noticed by possible supporters.  You must stand out of the crowd in order to be highly successful.  Do not be close minded. 

4.     2 Tablespoons of “Education / Common Sense” – This is the “Secret Ingredient” that most people lack.  Educate yourself on the reality of fundraising.   After your fundraising event, look to see how certain things performed such as donated items versus our “No Risk Auction Items.”  Talk to people, ask them what they think.  Be open to what they are going to tell you and accept their answers.  Ask yourself, while trying to step out of your role as a charity fundraiser, the same questions – but – answer them honestly.

5.     1 ounce of “Heart / Passion” – This adds the “Zest & Spice” in the recipe.  Do you know who normally has the most heart and passion for a charity?  A Volunteer.  They love the charity because of the work the charity is doing or how the charity helped them.  If you are not a volunteer, try to think like they do.  They give their time and hard earned money to help.  I’m not saying give money, what I am saying is try to acquire their passion.  If you are a Volunteer, then ask yourself, why are you helping?  Having “Heart & Passion” is what brings this recipe alive.

6.     Cooking Time – The most important aspect of all this is – time.  NO ONE is a “Rainmaker.”  It takes time for your fundraising efforts to escalate.  Each successful fundraising event builds on the next.  It could take 3 years before a charity see’s a definite change.  Plus if you have added the above five (5) ingredients, it will take you that long to acquire the knowledge needed to see a change.

7.     Enjoy the Fruits of your Labor.

Let me give you a real life example – many years ago, I became a volunteer with a charity that was raising money for an animal that did not exist anywhere near the state I live and work in – Rocky Mountain Elk.  When I first agreed to become a volunteer, I didn’t have a clue about the charity, the animal or how to fundraise.  When I asked to become the Chapter Chairman, I had the “Heart & Passion” to want to do more and truly expand their fundraising efforts.  Within 3 years, that tiny chapter started to become a MONSTER.  Within 5 years, we were the largest and most successful chapter in North America.  It took time, drive, passion, commitment and definitely A LOT of common sense.  I had to educate myself on everything, most importantly was asking people what they wanted and delivering.

I hope you enjoy this recipe…I enjoyed building it.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is known all across North America as a Leader in Charity Fundraising in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The BWU Fundraising experts can assist you in building a successful fundraising event which will build upon itself for years to come.  Known for providing the absolute best “No Risk Auction Items” available today, BW Unlimited can assist you and your charity with everything you need to be as successful as possible.  Contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.