Charity Spotlight on Cliff Richards Jr., President of the Hale Foundation: The true example of how to care and support your supporters.

Over the nearly 13 years we, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, have been helping guide charities and non-profits across North America on how to plan and host a large scale highly profitable fundraising event, one of the areas which we heavily believe in and attempt to teach our charity clients is how to attract and support their Sponsors and Donors.

Over the 27 years we have been involved in fundraising, we have seen time and time again how various charities receive either major financial donations or large-scale financial sponsorship's, yet they do either very little or nothing to support or promote their donors and sponsors.  Often, when someone donates, they don’t even go back and look to see if their use of the item was successful – they just accept whatever monies come in and move forward never looking back.  Also, they routinely don’t think of the when it comes to use of the items even when the donor is in attendance.  They must always protect the donors above and beyond all things. 

So, when I see someone do something that goes against what 99.9% of our clients do as well as other charities, I am both blown away and incredibly impressed.

Over a year ago, I met Cliff Richards who is the President of the Hale Foundation located in Augusta, Georgia.  He along with Patrick Cullinan, asked for our help to host a fundraising Gala in North Augusta, South Carolina this coming fall which is now known as the “Sunset on the Savannah Gala” on September 26^th at the Crowne Plaza. 

To know Cliff, he is a funny, friendly good ole Georgia boy.  It’s easy to like and get close to him right from the start because of his personality.  He is warm and inviting and can’t do enough for his friends and clients with the Hale Foundation.  He is an immediate friend to all who have met and know him.

Cliff recruited a “Rock Star” team of highly motivated volunteers and after being provided direction, they took off like a rocket.  They sold more financial sponsorship's in such a short amount of time than I have ever seen before.  They also had many of the auction items sponsored and were closing in on a very early sell out based on the number of sponsors they had.

Then COVID-19 hit like a meteor.  Everything stopped suddenly, the entire country went into lock-down.  Small businesses were shut completely down, people were losing their jobs and businesses and families began to struggle.

One morning, I received a call from Cliff.  He asked how I was doing and was worried about my family and I since we were also shut down completely.  He then started off the conversation by saying “I know you’re not going to like this but…”  What Cliff told me honestly, sat me back in my chair speechless. 

In a world of “what will you or are you doing for me?” or charity scams in a greed filled society, community, Cliff was thinking about all those who graciously became major financial sponsors.  Understand the it takes an enormous amount of money to do what the Hale Foundation does and is planning in regard to Valor Station, Cliff was not thinking of his own needs or the foundations.  I still remember his Georgia southern draw saying “I’m returning the money given to us from our sponsors since most are small businesses and they are going to struggle during this.  I know you’ll think I’m crazy for giving them their money back but it’s the right thing to do.”  I asked myself “Am I hearing this right?  Is Cliff actually taking money he needs and giving it back to his donors because he cares about them and their livelihoods?”  I was astonished and replied “No Cliff, I think it’s amazing that you would do that and in fact, you’re the first person I have ever heard even go that far taking care of those who were taking care of you.”

Many can learn a lot from Cliff Richards.  He thought beyond himself and the needs of his own charity, but thought of his supporters first.  That is the mark of a true leader and the definition of integrity and giving.  He knew that they gave when times were good but now that they are worried, he knew that the money they gave easily should be given back to help them.  

You couldn't find two better men than Cliff Richards and Patrick Cullinan who live their lives to serve and help First Responders nationwide.

Cliff, I applaud you sir, you are a remarkable man and I am proud to know you.  I am humbled by your selfless act of giving and supporting your supporters.  I appreciate you more than you know and speaking on behalf of our entire team from BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

To learn more about the Hale Foundation's upcoming event "Sunset on the Savannah Gala" on September 26th - go to Facebook at this link:

Sunset on the Savannah Facebook Event Page

Or contact them directly on how to sponsor or to purchase tickets via the contact information on the flyer.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.  

Fundraising Myth Exposed: Using consignment items are bad and will hurt your fundraising efforts

There are many myths surrounding charity fundraising which originate back to the 1980’s or possibly earlier.  However, here is just one of the myths both described and the truth exposed:

MYTH:  Using items which you have to pay for is a bad idea and fundraising business practice.

#1 – Charities keep 100% of the profit from fully donated items.

#2 – Fundraising items that have a price or are consigned, draw bids away from donated items.

#3 – Charity guests prefer to bid on donated items vs. consigned items.

To properly address this myth, we first have to address the costs which charities easily incur during the planning of their fundraising events which are not donated.  By understanding and agreeing that this is true, it will truly show you how “opposite thinking” it is when it comes to the use of the items which actually raise the funds needed.

When planning a Gala or other fundraising event, the very first expense you incur is the rental of the venue along with catering and drinks which comes at an expense.  However, guests pay for tickets which in turn pays these expenses.  Keep in mind, that there is always “Margin/Profit” placed on each ticket price.  Then there is printing of tickets, programs etc.  Then entertainment, both bands and DJ’s charge for their services.  Add in decorations – all these line items come at a cost.  Rarely will you find any of this donated, especially the venue of your event.  The only item in the above list that creates profit is the actual tickets that sell.

With that in mind, after making these decisions, this is where charities turn off their thinking and this is when the myth kicks in that donated items are the best method to raise money.  However, they incurred costs easily as described above. 

Here is the “Reality of Donated Items”:

#1 – With over 1.5 million charities in the United States, businesses are bombarded with donation requests.  They can not possibly donate to everyone and if they do, routinely it’s something that is not selling in their stores.

#2 – Remember, you are hosting a local event with items donated by local businesses with your guests also living locally.  If your guests wanted those items, they would have gone and bought them themselves.

#3 – Our guests don’t spend or bid that high on the items we have.

#4 – Donated items are only bringing 1/8^th to 1/2 of their retail value at the very most across the United States in any Silent or Live Auction (study performed by BW Unlimited LLC. over a 3 year period). 

#5 – Donated items do not have a high appeal and routinely have no theme. 

#6 – Everyone is looking for a deal – Common donated items are Gift Certificates and Gift Baskets. 

a.     If someone reports that Gift Certificates are selling at full retail or above, they are lying or have not looked.  QUESTION:  Have you ever bought yourself a Gift Certificate?  No, that is why they are called “Gift” certificates – we give them away to someone else as a gift.  Routinely, these sell for 1/4 of their retail value.

b.     How many “Gift Baskets” did you give away to your family or friends for the Holidays?  None.  The reason is, no one truly wants them.   Again, routinely these sell for 1/4 of their perceived value.

#7 – Charities commonly utilize the same donated items year after year such as someone’s Vacation Home.  However, they fail to understand (2) most important derogatory aspects about this:

a.     People know they can go directly to the donor and get the Vacation Rental either for free or at a very reduced rate.

b.     Each year these items are auctioned, the appeal and audience goes down and down.

#8 – If an item that is donated has a significant cost and it sells for 1/4 of it’s retail and the donor either is a guest at your event or hears about the low selling price, do you think it will have a negative impact on them donating again?  Yes.

#9 – Are the items actually free?  Considering the time it took to get someone to donate an item, the time it took and the cost of the gas that it took to drive there and back.  Then the item sells for 1/4 of the retail – ask yourself, was it worth it?

The argument against using consigned items normally is based on charities not being fully educated on the importance or how to properly use them to ensure they are highly successful. 

(Only with BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, we advise our clients to increase the cost of our items by 20% so that on the very first bid, they are profiting – guaranteed.)

Here is the how and why this myth is dispelled:

#1 – Consigned items such as autographed memorabilia, vacation packages, jewelry etc. are very enticing and will set your event apart from all other local events.  If the items available are advertised on Social Media, they will draw many more eyes and possible guest attention.

#2 – Consigned Items that have high minimum bids will actually raise the bids on donated items.

#3 – Guests will not bid high on low value items if that is all that is there to bid on, however, they will bid extremely high on items which they have never seen before or are only available through BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising or another company.

#4 – Guests routinely place extremely high bids and get into bidding wars over consigned items which can also be sold multiple times – guaranteeing the charity much more profit.

#5 – Consigned items do not cost the Charity anything, the buyer pays for the items, not the charity.  The charity just keeps 100% of the profit.  If the items do not sell, they go back to the provider without a fee of any type.  This is exactly like the venue and ticket prices – however, the profit is not fixed as it is with ticket prices.

#7 – Charities can have the items “Sponsored” or “Underwritten.” 

a.     Charities can select as many items as they would like to utilize and put them in a catalog format along with the cost of each item. 

b.     Many more people and businesses can sponsor at a lower rate than at the normal high-level sponsorships. 

c.      If “ABC Realty” sponsors an item for $250.00, they pay the charity for the sponsorship and a “Tent Card” is simply placed in front of the item saying “Sponsored by ABC Realty.” 

d.     The bid is started 20% above the cost – as an example, the winning bid is $500.00 – The charity just profited $500.00 because the sponsor actually paid for the item.

e.     If the sponsored item does NOT receive a bid, the item is returned and the charity keeps the $250.00 sponsorship.

In summary, I have a question:  What is the difference between paying for the venue, the food and drinks – OR – having high quality items that have a cost?  Shouldn’t you have great items for people to bid on instead of free items?

In closing, if someone is against the use of consignment items from either BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising or some other provider, educate them on the above.  Just ask our 1,000’s of clients across the United States if what I say above is not true.  If you have used consignment items and were unsuccessful, it’s possible you did not use them correctly.

If you would like more information on how to be successful using consigned items or would like to comment differently, please 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 convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  We provide a host of consignment auction items such as 100% authentic autographed memorabilia, worldwide vacation packages, beautiful jewelry and incredible décor.  We also assist our charity clients with a host of charity fundraising event services.   Please contact us to learn more.

Charity Fundraising 101: How to describe your upcoming Charity Fundraising Event

https://youtu.be/IEejrDWU84E

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.

BW Unlimited & Bidr - an incredible partnership for charities across Nor...

Excitement Sells - www.BWUnlimited.com

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.

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.

 

Why should a Charity use BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising's Auction Item...

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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.

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.

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.