Why is "Consignment" a bad word in Charity Fundraising?

Since I started BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, the very first thing that I saw that I knew was a problem was that “Donations” truly don’t cut it.  Now if you know me, I am the charity fundraising “Dose of Reality” guy.  Most times, people don’t know how to take it because we live in a very politically correct world.  But reality is reality folks and here it is.

Many people in the charity fundraising world, including those who are in the business of working with charities, somehow believe that accepting consignment items in their auctions are a bad idea.  They are completely wrong and honestly are not as educated about the “Myth vs. Reality.” 

The reality of donated items is this.  Businesses are bombarded constantly with charities asking for donated items.  When they donate, they donate items they can either afford to give away or items which are not moving in their stores.  This is reality.  So then charities take these items and put them out on the auction block. 

I have seen some awful things happen and have heard some horror stories about

donated items bringing pennies on the dollar.  Plus the donors walking out of the events angry based on the low bids.  THIS IS REALITY!!! 

Donated items are NOT, and again I don’t care who tells you otherwise, bringing very much in any Live or Silent Auction.  Stop for a minute, think about the person or business who donated it…do you really think they don’t care?  Yes they certainly do because if the items sell tragically cheap, what does that say about their business?

Remember, local people attend your local event with items donated by local businesses.  If your guests wanted that stuff, they would go there and buy it themselves!!!  This is common sense.  Gift Baskets – oh my gosh, Gift Baskets. This is the “staple” in charity events.  How many gift baskets did you give away to your family and friends for Christmas?  I bet NONE. 

Let’s talk about consignment but before we do, I want to show you a VERY real life example of why it works and a HUGE charity that only relies on items which are purchased for events.  That’s right, they do NOT rely on donations. 

Ducks Unlimited.  Ducks Unlimited is the KING of charity fundraising.  They have over 1,500 chapters across the world and do at least 7,500 fundraising events each year.  Ducks Unlimited, along with several other outdoor charities have it figured out.  These charities are ALL in the outdoor sector of non profits such as:

National Wild Turkey Federation

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

National Rifle Association

Delta Waterfowl

And several more….

They send out a catalog of items to their chapters for which the chapters, staffed by volunteers, purchase all of the items in the catalog.  That’s right I said “PURCHASE” not consigned like BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising offers. 

Now, with this in mind – Ducks Unlimited’s net revenue (That means total profit) was $194,000,000.00!!!  You can’t argue with that!!!

Folks – you need to change your mind set about consigned items. Noone, not you, not your friends, not your guests or your supporters want leftovers or junk.  There are ways to reduce your costs so that you make top dollar. 

Not only can you get awesome consigned items from us like autographed items but you can also get travel packages from us at www.CharityTravelPackages.com. 

Yes, you think that if you get something donated, you keep 100% of the money…but 100% of what?  1/8^th of what its worth?  Seriously!!! 

You can go to your local providers and ask them if they would consider consigning items to you.  They will be very happy to and most likely donate items as well.  They get to be marketed.

You can not argue with the numbers.  Your guests want great items.  Are you paying for the food?  The Drinks?  The Venue?  Are you paying for anything else?  Then why do you then rely on free stuff to help you raise money?

Tell me why in the comments below why you think this is a bad practice…..I want to hear it.

Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you.

The Myth about how Autographs are acquired

Because of the counterfeiters that prey on people, especially in the charity industry, there are definite myths about how autographs are acquired.  I hate to “Smash” the fantasy that you have in your mind, but this is the reality of it.

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Myth:  One or two companies, especially those in the charity industry, have the exclusive right or are the only people who can get to Iconic Musicians or Movie Superstars.  They get Guitars and Movie Posters signed either by an entire band or the entire cast of a movie. 

Truth:  Entirely False.  No one, not one company or individual has the exclusive right to only carry or get autographs from musicians or bands.

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Myth:  When an iconic Athlete or Superstar dies, their autographs are so plentiful, the price for their autographs stays the same or is cheaper.  Only a few companies have many of their autographs in stock.

Truth:  Entirely false.  When an Athlete or Superstar passes away, the price of their autograph sky rockets, making them very hard to afford.  Not one legitimate company in the world that has these autographs keeps them priced the same – remember, everyone wants to make money so everyone marks them up so that true autograph collectors will want them and will pay the exorbitant price.  Immediately these autographs become extremely rare and soon will no longer be available.

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Myth:  Autograph companies wait above dugouts, outside of stage doors or have very private signings with Athletes and Super Stars were no one else is invited to be a part of it.  Based on this, Iconic Athletes and Super Stars sign the autographs for free.

Truth:  Entirely false.  The real autograph industry is more of an assembly line.  It’s

not the “Romantic” picture everyone sees in their head.  In fact, the real industry performs these signings to ensure that the maximum amount of autographs are received.  Furthermore, it also ensures that true “Authentication Companies” are on site and can personally witness the items being signed.  Here is how it really works:  Helmets are set up in lines with a “Sticky Note” attached for inscriptions.  Photographs and Jerseys are stacked up for each player.  Also, at these signings, there are normally many Athletes present.  Athlete’s charge certain prices for certain items, helmets are normally more expensive due to the round shape.  Because of the high prices for their autographs, the signing is sent out across the country to wholesalers to reduce the cost.  Regardless, the athlete may say he will sign  1,000 autographs for $50,000.00. The more iconic Athletes such as Peyton Manning request an enormous amount of money to conduct a signing.  One of the highest priced Athletes is Derek Jeter.

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Here are a few ways to test if an autograph is authentic – Use these before you either buy or ask a company for your next charity event:

#1 – Does the company which you are acquiring the autograph from, have photo’s with their employees with the Athlete or Celebrity?  Everyone wants to get their pictures with these famous people, why doesn’t the company that is providing the item have these photos. 

FACT:  This is especially important for us at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising.  Because the two other companies that are famous in our industry for providing autographed Guitars, Drumheads and Cast Signed Movie Posters are counterfeiters – that’s right, all the autographs that they provide are absolutely counterfeit, this is especially important to us.  As you will see, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising has plenty of photographs of us with Athletes and Celebrities.  Plus our items come with photos of the items actually being signed and are not “Photo-shopped” whatsoever. 

#2 - Go on line and search the name of the company and the owners of the companies which are providing the items.  Go to “Autograph Magazine Live” and search the name of the company before you agree to purchase or receive items.

#3 – Let’s say you are considering receiving an autographed Guitar from one of these companies.  Search the internet to see if other companies carry the same guitar.  Also, if you find a similar guitar, check the difference in pricing.  For instance – a Rolling Stones or Bruce Springsteen signed Guitar if it were real, would truly cost $15,000.00 – not $1,500.00 (MAJOR RED FLAG). 

#4 – Ask the company where and when the item was autographed?  This is referred to as “Provenance.  The definition of which is – “The place of origin or earliest known history of something.  The beginning of something's existence; something's origin.  A record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity or quality.”  The company should be able to tell you exactly where and when it was signed no questions asked.

#4 – Ask the company who the authenticator is of the item autographed?  Do not listen to what the company is telling you about the authenticator.  Research the authentication company.  There are only two (2) truly authenticate Authentication companies – JSA and PSA/DNA. If other companies do not use these authentication companies, WHY NOT?  They are the only authenticators accepted by EBay and other legitimate sources. 

Do your research, don’t be fooled.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising only carries 100% authentic autographed items.  But counterfeiters, especially in the charity world, will say the same thing.  But do they use authentic authenticators BW uses?  No they don’t.  The items which BW provides come with various certificates of authenticity as well as photos of the items being signed. 

Another issue – why would a company say that they will take back the item if its not authentic?  BW does not guarantee that because all of our items are 100% authentic. 

Don’t be fooled.  Only deal with REAL companies providing REAL Autographed items – BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising.  Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

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What or who is BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising?

People always ask what we do and the answer is always “Everything you need.”  So many people think we are Auctioneers or Auction Item providers – True but we are actually much much more.  There are no companies like ours.  You can find pieces of what we do, but we absolutely specialize on helping Charities only.  For some reason, that answer never truly rings home.  So to answer the question “Who or what is BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising”, I thought I would answer it here. 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  Still don’t understand?  Here it is in laymen’s terms – if you are planning a fundraising event for just about anyone or anything, we can help you.  Whatever your needs are, we are a charities “Go To” company. 

#1 – Event Services – the reality of it is simply this…you are lucky if you are asked to do more than one fundraiser a year.  Normally, most only do one and most likely you have done a hand full over your lifetime.  Thinking you understand fundraising with that little experience is like asking your Mechanic neighbor for medical advice, you just would never do that.

We can help guide you around all the mistakes and falsehoods that inexperienced fundraisers encounter.  We can guide you to hosting an incredibly successful, high profile fundraising event. 

That includes pre-event consulting, graphically designed flyers, tickets and coaching your volunteer committee making their role much less time consuming and stressful. 

As part of our services, we have the unique ability to staff your entire event, allowing your guests to enjoy themselves instead of begging for help.  We can provide a highly qualified and experienced Charity Auctioneer, Raffle Staff, Silent Auction set up and tear down, check in and check out plus Mobile Bidding. 

You name it or need it, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can provide it.

#2 – Auction Items – we carry the wide array of Charity Auction Items from autographed Memorabilia, Décor and Charity Travel Packages.  These items are offered at absolutely “No Risk” – no cash, check or credit card up front.  BW sends you catalogs via email, you pick the items and we ship them directly to you.  Each item has an associated cost, you simply mark up the “Cost to Non Profit” 20% for the starting or “Reserve Bid” and you keep 100% of the profit no matter how much it is.  If the items do not receive bids, you simply return them.

So – I hope this answers your questions about who BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising actually is.  We are everything you need and more.

To learn more about how we can help you or your charity, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com or call us at 410-658-8808.

Loyalty in Business - what it truly means

Last night, after hours, I received a call out of the blue from one of my most trusted friends – Bob Lynch of BV Plus – Creative Management.  He called to congratulate me on receiving the Trademark on the term or event title “Blues Brother Bash.”  We began to talk about protecting our brand but then the conversation switched over to talking about how long we have known each other. 

Honestly, Bob and I haven’t always been such great friends.  When I first dreamt about BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, the very first business I reached out to was Bob.  Saying Bob is a fantastic Graphic Designer is an understatement.  He’s seriously the best in the business at Graphic Design, Web Design and Website Design and implementation.  Somehow, I can shoot him an idea and he makes it reality.  There is no one I trust more with my business then Bob Lynch.

The same holds true with my good friend and business partner Jeremy Rubinoff.  You may know Jeremy from my recent trip to Israel where I was invited to attend his wedding to his beautiful wife Yael.  Jeremy and I have worked together since the start of BW Unlimited.  On many occasions, I have been approached by other people who offer a similar service that Jeremy does.  Each time, these people defamed Jeremy’s character and his business, however, what they didn’t even consider is that Jeremy is not only my business partner but he is also a very great and close friend.  Each time, I immediately picked up the phone and called him to tell him what had just happened.

I have worked these two so long that Bob and Jeremy have grown to be trusted, great friends.  Our friendships have been tested time and time again when it comes to our business relationship.  Why has it been tested?  Loyalty.  On more times than I care to mention, I have been asked to go with someone else but on each occasion, I have said “No I’m not interested.”  I can attest that they have done the same thing on my behalf.

I don’t know if it was my upbringing, education, law enforcement or military experience but there is one thing you can ask everyone about – I am loyal to a fault.  If you treat me good, are honest and trustworthy…I will be loyal without a doubt.  That loyalty is not simply given, it’s earned.

I am fortunate enough to be partnered with many companies across North America.  These partnerships were forged over time.  Today, especially if you are considering opening a business, understand that building it will take building partnerships.  There may be occasions that you will have to turn away profit over your loyalty to each other but in the long run, it will pay off.

For instance, I have built a strong partnership with an event venue that I commonly talk about – Martin’s Catering located in Baltimore, Maryland.  I have worked with them for nearly 25 years.  Based on my working relationship, they offer our clients an incredible price solely based on our relationship and the volume of clients I send them.  That savings is then passed on to my clients.  That loyalty even extends further; they only offer that price when our charity clients use our services.

Why is loyalty important to me in regard to charities who come back to us year after year?  We offer a reduced service fee when they return plus it makes us want to work even harder for them.  A continued working relationship also gets us more involved with our charities, wanting to help them more and more.  Since we are always talking to businesses, we market for them as well as seek Sponsors and Donors.  We donate to them and help them more and more.  We get involved.

In closing, everyone has a lesson to learn from Bob Lynch especially.  Bob goes above and beyond to the clients whom he is loyal too because he is loyal to a fault.  He becomes ingrained in his loyal clients businesses and is proud to see us succeed.  He shares in our growth and successes because Bob Lynch if a major part of it.  Loyalty ladies and gentlemen is a rare commodity.  As well as our vow of loyalty to our charity clients.  We have a lot to learn from people like Bob Lynch and that is why we will always be overly loyal to him.

To learn more about Bob Lynch of BV Plus – Creative Management and how you can become one of his clients, check out his website at http://www.bvcreativeplus.com/

To learn more about BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, visit our website at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Lets talk Fundraising: Crowd Training - www.BWUnlimited.com

What type of Venue should you look for?

One of the most important things to consider even before a charity has their very first meeting is simply this – Where are we going to have our event?

Most likely this is simply the most important decisions that a charity committee will make.  Why is it so important? 

Ask yourself this – where would you like to go:

A.  A Very nice place, clean with great service and excellent food, or

B.  An “Okay” place, not very nice, not very clean…with acceptable food.

I’m picking “A.” 

This is not a commercial but let me tell you about the ultimate in venues, which is only located in Maryland – Martin’s Catering.  What you should learn from this Blog is why I think they are the ultimate.  If I could find venues like these across the country, it would make my life a lot easier.

Before I list out why they are the best in my opinion, let me explain what a charity should be looking for and considering before they make a decision.

Pricing – A common mistake charities make is when they provide a minimal meal for a maximum price.  Guests will commonly get to the event and if they are given a minimal meal offering, they will question why the ticket was so much.  This is very true for medium to small charities trying to grow their fundraising efforts.  Once an event is established, charities can charge whatever they wish but in the beginning, you seriously need to consider giving people what they want.  A charity should NOT charge a maximum amount for a minimal meal in the beginning. 

A common tactic by “Less than” venues is the “Used Car Salesman” – they trick you in with a low meal cost with hidden fees that push up the price a great deal – these “Add Ons” are where their profit lies. 

Service – While deciding what venue, examine what venues are familiar with your type of event.  A great way to determine this is…are they a venue of choice, meaning do they a lot of events?  A great venue will take each event as if they are doing it for the President of the United States.  The staff is friendly, well dressed and very accommodating.

Food – What type of food do they offer?  How can they offer it – Plated or Buffet?  Examine what food they offer, especially the “Meat” or protein.  Ask for a tasting and have high expectations.  Ensure that your guests will be very happy with their meals. 

Cleanliness – A great venue will ensure they are polished.  This is easily determined from the parking lot and the façade of the building.  Is it dated?  Does the parking lot have trash all over it and need to be repaved?  What does that tell you – the inside will be the same.  Visit the venue while they are hosting another event.  Go into the bathroom and see if the trash cans are full and pouring over.  Is there enough staff?  How is the staff dressed? 

Customer Service – This is easy….are the staff friendly and accommodating?  Does the sales staff treat you like they want your business?  Do they want to help you host a fantastic event?  They should!!!

Why do I feel Martin’s Catering is the “Ultimate” in catering?  Because they provide all of the above in spades. 

Here is why:

Pricing – They truly work with us, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, to provide a very economical price for our charity clients which does not match the price the charity sells tickets for.  They include Beer & Wine in the price and do not hide costs to try to pump up the price.  They do not have “Add Ons.”  They want to work with our charity clients and provide the most they can.

Service – Their service is top notch, honestly, its almost overboard.  From the management down to the actual floor staff, they constantly want to do more for their guests and clients. The managers are more like Drill Sergeants commanding their soldiers.  Nothing gets overlooked. 

Charities do not want to have an event that they have to sub contract everything out.  A venue like Martin’s handles everything we need all in one place – simple and easy.  Having to sub contract everything out is an absolute pain and something will be missed, believe me. 

Food – The food is great and plentiful.  It’s not just common food either, its simply fantastic and always very fresh.

Cleanliness – From the parking lot to the inside, the place is spotless constantly.  The staff is dressed well as well as there is always enough staff on hand. 

Take a look at their website and see exactly what I’m talking about.  Use Martin’s as a guide.   http://www.martinscaterers.com/

Remember what I always say – what are the “Keys to a successful fundraising event”?  Venue & Menu – the right place will give you both.  It’s VITALLY important because your guests will be drawn to your event if its held in a great place.

If you would like to learn more about us and want our help in choosing a great venue, visit our website at www.BWUnlimited.com and contact us.

Doctor's Community Hospital Charity Auction

On October 20th, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, we have been asked to help our great friends at the Doctors Community Hospital with their charity auction.

We will be there helping them with a wonderful Live Auction featuring "One of a Kind" Autographed Items from the Washington Redskins & Baltimore Ravens.  As well as incredible Travel Packages to incredible vacation destinations around the world.

There will be a fantastic Silent Auction featuring Sports Memorabilia, Jewelry & Decor as well as Restaurant Gift Certificates and much more.

We will see you there on October 20th!!!

For more information about how we can help you, visit our website at www.BWUnlimited.com.

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How did you get your start?

It all started dressed in Camouflage.  Huh?  What in the world do you mean? 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked “Where and how did this all start?”  The straight answer is – raising money for an animal that doesn’t even exist here – Rocky Mountain Elk.

A long time ago (1992), in a land a land far far away (Missoula, Montana) there is a charity (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) that raises money to conserve and protect the land that Rocky Mountain Elk live on.  That’s what they do – but that area is not anywhere near Maryland.  What does that have to do with here?  Nothing honestly.

What you should know is, I was a Maryland State Trooper then.  So don’t think I had time to work full time planning a fundraiser.   I was just like you – working a full time job, living a full time life with full time commitments.

Ok – now that you know where I started, the next answer is – I was asked to help as a volunteer with a fundraiser.  Long story short, I found that I was really good at it – REALLY good, in fact, the best in the country.  So good, it angered the people who actually lived in the Elk range (where they live).  My committee was breaking national records in a tiny state. 

Next – I started helping another charity called Delta Waterfowl.  I brought all

of my experience and immediately knew to build a “Rockstar” committee.  Now, there were problems with this charity because no one even knew who they were.  The DelMarVa (Delaware, Maryland & Virginia) region is a Ducks Unlimited territory.  Ducks Unlimited supporters are incredibly supportive and loyal.  I’ve seen people with their logo tattoos. 

Now – here is what you have got to understand – Charity Fundraising is EXTREMELY competitive!!! 

No one knew who Delta Waterfowl was – there was zero marketing here, zero brand identity, zero support.  So how can we get a ton of people to support a brand new waterfowl charity? – Host an incredible outdoor event, less about the charity and more about the event. 

It worked!!!  800 people and it broke all national records – What is the crazy thing about this event was – it was from a brand new chapter of the charity in a brand new area – it was the very first event!!! 

The outdoor charities like the ones mentioned above are fundraising machines.  They truly understand fundraising at the very highest level, much more than other charities outside of the outdoor industry charities.  Travel providers such as “Hunting Trip Outfitters and Fishing Charters” are expected to donate.  So raising money in this area is very tough. 

Success did not just mean the amount of money raised – not at all. Success means selling memberships to the charity, raising awareness and much more.  One of the craziest things we did with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was – we sold a record breaking amount of Life Memberships to the charity - $1,000.00 each at one event – 33 - $33,000.00.  Remember, its Maryland.

Yes – having people who truly support the charity are a major part of the equation.  However, create a huge, awesome fundraising event is the absolute key to the events success – the charities success. 

Also, the events MUST, ABSOLUTELY MUST, evolve/change year to year.  Not just the items, the event must get bigger and better to keep people interested and telling their friends.  There must be building years and then high profit years.  It’s all about the event.

The key to the success of your event is two fold – build an incredible committee of Rockstar volunteers and plan an incredible event built around the event, not just the charity.  

From there, several years later, I decided to start a company based on my fundraising success, helping charities all over North America host successful fundraising events.  Since that day, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising has been extremely proud to have helped over 1,400 charities a year and raising well over $100,000,000 for charities.  In fact, we stopped counting.  Based on demand, we continue to grow and add new features to our services.  Stay tuned as we continue to grow and help more and more.

If you would like to host an incredible charity fundraising like the ones mentioned herein, please contact us today to get the ball rolling and be a charity fundraising “Rockstar.”  

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can assist you to plan, manage and host a charity fundraising event which will absolutely excite everyone who attends and will begin to help you grow a level of support that you would never believe.  Contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Charity Scam Artist - DBCF - Phil Gaughan

Unfortunately, today I was contacted by a Sports Team who told me that someone I recently worked with had scammed them out of $18,000.00.  Seriously is there any lower form of life than a person who scams a charity?  Phil Gaughan from DBCF is that kind of individual.

This industry is very small, everyone knows everyone especially when you have a fantastic reputation such as I and BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising does.

This individual spent enough time with me and my business to learn just the surface level of what I do.  However, he did not learn about the years it took to build a reputation that was founded on integrity.  He would go out to a team and ask them if they wanted to raise money for a certain charity at their games.  He then would scam vendors out of items and then set up at the games.  People would either purchase or bid on the items.  Oddly enough, he didn’t give the proceeds to the team or the charity nor did he pay the vendor from which he acquired the items. 

Ladies and Gentlemen…I have been in business now nearly 10 years.  I challenge you or anyone to search the internet to find one bad remark about me or my business.

There are scam artists out there who will steal from you either with providing fake autographed items or by straight out stealing.  Remember, where there is money, there will be snakes.

Pay attention, research who you are talking to…ensure that you are protected.  Look for signs of a successful business – the quality of their website shows you how much they invested in themselves.  Look how they dress when you meet with them – look for Red Flags.  Trust your gut.

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

 

How did you get your start as a Fundraiser?

Over the years, I have had many people ask me “Where did this all start?”  or “How did you get your start?”  While reviewing old photo's, I realized how far I've came.

Trying to summarize many many years of experience, it all started when a friend asked “Hey, do you want to go to a banquet?” 

Many years ago, a friend asked me to attend a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet.  From that, I became involved in the fundraising committee.  After becoming the Chapter Chairman, the banquet soon broke records for Net proceeds raised and Life Memberships sold – breaking records across the country.

Several years later, I became involved with Delta Waterfowl – as a volunteer chairman.  The very first year, the fundraiser we hosted, was the largest ever in the history of the charity. 

Long story short, I really liked fundraising and hosting an awesome event.  In fact, from my time with the Elk Foundation, people wondered why we were able to raise a record amount of money in a state without elk – it was all about the event.  Creating a fantastic event draws people from far and wide.  Unbelievably, these events became nationally known with people flying in to attend.  No one wanted to miss them.

Through the committee which became a tight knit army, we did incredible things for these two charities.  The committee pulled together and hosted an incredible, memorable event.  As the guest count grew to over 700 people, the work load (remember as a volunteer) became daunting to say the least.  With proper motivation and a commitment to the cause, we broke new records and presented everyone there the best time possible.    You would not believe how much people were spending money, donating to the cause – why?  Because of the event, everyone became absorbed in the excitement, described perfectly as a “Controlled Three Ring Circus” with me acting at the Ring Leader. 

From there, a friend came to me and said “Why don’t you start a business helping charities?”  Then, over eight (8) years ago, there weren’t companies like BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising.  From the start, as soon as I knew I wanted to begin the journey, it was an absolute uphill battle.  See, since there wasn’t a company like the one that I had planned in my head, accepting my help was something people did not realize they needed.  It took years of dedication, proving my worth over and over again.  I can remember sitting in my chair till 3am with my lap top contacting charity after charity.   

Than realizing what I needed to get the job done.  Designing the first website (now 3^rd one) and so much more.  Time, mistakes both financial and physical, working and working to make it or break it.  I can remember travelling all over from New Jersey to New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington D.C. looking for my very first break which came from “Grinding it out.”  Educating charities about the possibilities of successful fundraising.  Learning the national trends, what works and what doesn’t – I learned while I was teaching. 

Then, after helping several charities, one of my clients said you need to get charities items for their auctions.  I started studying the possibilities and learned about Fraudulent Autograph Providers – aka Counterfeiters.  After years and years of speaking to endless people, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising became a nationally known company.  With successful event after event, working with Celebrities, The White House, The NFL, the Armed Forces and many more – we are here today.  Still “Grinding it out” – constantly keeping pace, being known for providing incredible service and 100% authentic Auction Items to charities all across North America.

 

I'm lucky enough to have been able to travel all over the country helping charities from Baltimore to California, Michigan to Texas, Seattle to Florida.  BW has shipped to events just about everywhere, as far away as Alaska.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you who became my fans, who supported my goals and dreams to take an idea to reality.  It’s been a very long road but a road I am happy I travelled.  I especially would like to thank all the charities who have allowed me to help them and most especially all the charities in my beginning who gave me a chance.  I also would like to thank a bunch of my friends who came out to help me and who worked events with me.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a Charity Fundraising Leader in North America in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  To learn more about BW Unlimited, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

 

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What does it take for a fundraising committee to be successful? www.BWUnlimited.com

I get asked and answer a million questions about fundraising but the one (1) question is “What does it take for a fundraising committee to be successful?”

There is only one answer – Commitment.  Everyone involved must be absolutely committed to the success of what you want to accomplish – a successful fundraiser.

Keep in mind a large committee is the absolute key to the success of the committee itself – the more people you have helping, the better you will be.

Being committed means that they will want to accomplish the mission of what they are being asked to embark on.  Here are a few of the phases of a successful fundraising event:

1 – Pre-Event Planning Stage – Your committee should ask others to help, attend committee planning meetings and be a part of the discussion.

2 – Pre & Event Job Titles – A good leader delegates.  Ask your committee members to take on a certain task which will spread the work out such as:

     a.     Ticket Chairman – The person who receives all the sold tickets and assigns  

           seating.

b.     Donation Chairman – The person whose only purposes is to address the committee on donations received and also keeps a running inventory.

c.      Financial Chairman – The person who makes deposits into the bank from the ticket sales and financial donations or sponsorships.

3 – Pre-Event Mission – Your committee should assist with ticket sales, seek donations and help advertise.

4 – Pre-Event Preparation – Prior to your event, committee members should help with gift basket building and other preparations such as preparing Silent Auction Bid Sheets, acquiring event accounting paperwork etc.

5 – Event – Your committee needs to arrive early to set up the event, be energetic during and help with every aspect of the event itself – your guests will love smiling, happy people.

6 – Post Event – This is where most committee members shut off, however, you should have a “Post” or “Wrap Up” meeting to discuss the positives and negatives to ensure that your next event will be successful.  It’s all about learning from your mistakes and moving forward.

Just remember, the more people you have helping you and being a part of your team, the better.  Try to attract and recruit energetic, positive people and stay away from negative “Debby Downers”, the results will be astounding.  To see how negativity truly hurts your success, click this Blog - How the fundraising Grinch stole your success.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help guide you, your committee and your charity around all the disastrous pitfalls toward a highly successful fundraising event.  Call us today at 410-658-8808 or check out our website at www.BWUnlimited.com to learn more.

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5 easy methods to effectively advertise your Charity Fundraiser

How & where do I advertise my Charity Event?  That is a question I hear ALL THE TIME.  The reality is, the “Old Norm” is gone, dead, dust in the wind.  What do I mean by the “Old Norm”?   Well here they are:

#1 – Print Adds in the Newspaper

#2 – TV Commercials

#3 – Billboards

#4 – Hanging Flyers in local convenience stores.

I know what you’re saying about #2, how can that be true?  There are 1,000’s of TV Commercials, very true but do you have a Digital Video Recorder (DVR)?  If you do, which most do, what do you do when you are watching your favorite show and a commercial comes on?  You hit the Fast Forward button don’t you?

The answer to the question is simply this – Facebook & other social networks.  Facebook is definitely leading the charge. 

The entire world is on Facebook just waiting to be talked to.  You have to learn how to use Facebook and how Facebook works in order to be truly effective.  But Facebook is the single most powerful tool you have in your charity’s arsenal.  Plus – it’s FREE!!!

 

Seriously, if you're not on Facebook, chances are, you're not even reading this Blog!!! 

If you have an event flyer, here are some simple methods to use to draw attention:

#1 – Your flyer must “POP” – and not be just a simple Word Document.  It must grab

attention and be different than the rest.

#2 – Post your flyer everywhere you can – meaning, Facebook, Instragram, LinkedIn etc.

#3 – Once your flyer moves down your Facebook wall, reshare it back to the top.

NOTE:  It is a scientific fact that someone needs to see something seven (7) times before the act upon it.

#4 – Get your friends or other people involved in your charity to post your flyer as well.

#5 – When you post the flyer, ask your friends to also “Share” it.

Using these five (5) methods, you will be able to advertise your event from wherever you are, to the entire world – more importantly FREE.

If you would like to more valuable and effective ways to advertise your event and what type of flyer grabs people’s attention, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  BW can help guide you toward a very successful event, ensuring you do not fall into any of the fundraising pitfalls that surround you. Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com to learn how we can help.

Episode #32 - Unsuccessful Alternative Method Fundraising - www.BWUnlimi...