Fundraising Secret #20 – Santa’s Charity Secret & the “2014 Gift Basket Builder of the Year Award”

Over our time assisting charities all across North America, we have met some amazing people.  We have also seen some fantastic donated items and many that we have just scratched our heads wondering “Why.” 

However, no one has figured it out better then Kathy Esposito and her committee from Espo’s Hope (www.esposhope.com) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  We had the pleasure of assisting Espo’s Hope recently with their Gala & Charity Auction.  Not only was everyone incredible to meet but one of the most significant things that I learned from them, is Kathy’s grasp of what is needed to succeed in regard to their fundraising efforts.

Kathy is an expert Gift Basket Builder, building and displaying gift baskets that are truly amazing.  Unlike most charities across the country, Kathy shops (spending money) all year around for awesome deals on discounted items because she understands that she can not depend on donations.  Then, she uses these items to build fantastic, very high profile baskets. 

 

Kathy also intermingled several of her high profile baskets with many of our "No Risk Auction Items" to present an awesome Silent Auction.  Having our items mixed with theirs, produced higher bids then normal.  However, she primarily utilized 80% of her Gift Baskets in one of her Raffles. 

 

 

Kathy even took it a step further, she was able to get deeply discounted handbags which was one raffle and then added several of the Raffles which we helped her with - the Balloon Wheel Barrow of Cheer Raffle.

Now, these aren’t small baskets, they are HUGE!!!  But what is really awesome about them is, they don’t contain a lot of items.  Her baskets range from Disney Baskets, Holiday Baskets, Bad & Body Baskets, Wine Baskets etc.

Then, this is what I am most proud of – she primarily uses all of her baskets in a Raffle.  When most charities would place them on the Silent Auction, she knows and understands why placing them in a raffle brings much more money than in a silent auction.   

Out of all the charities we assist each year, Kathy Esposito and the Espo’s Hope Committee has really figured it out. 

So with that, we would like to award them with the 1^st Gift Basket Builder Award – great job Kathy and Espo's Hope!!!

Knowing the above and using Kathy’s knowledge about building baskets, Santa Claus can help you this year with the Gift Baskets for your next event.  What happens after Christmas in stores like Walmart & Target?  Everything gets deeply discounted in order for these businesses to clear their Christmas inventory right?

Charities should spend a few dollars and buy some of these items in order to build fantastic baskets.  These deeply discounted items will bring you a high return on your investments at your next event.  Following that up, after every holiday or season, charities should go hunting. 

Remember, people respond to the “Pizzazz” of what’s offered…if you have incredible looking baskets available, they will get very excited and your fundraising dollars will increase dramatically. 

Again, great job Kathy and Espo’s Hope!!!  If you would like to learn how to build fantastic gift baskets and also how to properly use them for the maximum result, contact us today, we would love to help.

 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a leader in Charity Fundraising in North America in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  Known far and wide for providing the largest inventory of “No Risk Auction Items”, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising provides 100% Authentic Autographed items 100% of the time.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising also provides incredible Charity Travel Packages, beautiful decorative items as well as Men’s and Women’s Jewelry.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can also assist you and your charity with a host of Pre Event and Event services to take the stress off of your shoulders.  For more information, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.