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.

Missing the Mark - Alternative Fundraising methods

Over the years, I have spoken to, observed or advised charities across North America.  The numbers are in the 10’s of 1,000’s and continue to grow each year.  I’ve spoken to and helped charities in every state and most of the Canadian provinces.  One single issue comes up all the time, charities or nonprofit organizations trying to find an alternative method of raising funds outside of a Gala or Dinner.

 

I recently spoke with (2) individuals from charities or groups that desperately needed to raise money.  One of these groups was actually deeply in debt and needed to fundraise to get themselves out of the financial hole they were in.  They were calling me asking for help but when I told them what we would do, both decided not to move forward because they feel that there are other ways to raise the funds they need other than hosting a social gathering. 

These charities represent many across North America who believe that “Gala’s” or events like that are over done.  They believe that there are other ways to raise a major amount of money like these events do.  Sadly, they are mistaken and inevitably work harder to raise less.  They will aim all over the target but the bullseye and miss the mark they so desperately need to.

These events are social, people get to purchase a table and be with their family or friends for a fun night out.  They can enjoy great music, great food, drinks and bid/win amazing items.  They also get to support a charity which they feel close to all at the same time. 

Creating an event causes everyone to come and attend and these are normally held on a Friday or Saturday evening.  Guests get dressed up, are relaxed and enjoy the evening out.  Sponsors on the other hand are attracted to such an event for marketing reasons and therefore will make large financial donations just so that the guests see that they support the charity hosting the event. 

When people are relaxed, enjoying themselves they are quicker to open their wallets and hearts to help the cause.  Furthermore, there is no better time to educate the guests on the mission of your charity/nonprofit.

Think about it, who doesn’t enjoy a great dinner and an evening out?  The bigger the event, the larger the attendance will be which equals larger donations and a successful fundraiser.

Give people what they want!!!  Have you seen Facebook lately?  On people’s birthday, they are asking for their family and friends to donate to the favorite charity.  There are GoFundMe pages posted every single day all over the country.  People get overwhelmed and "Numb" to charities because everywhere they turn, they are being approached "Cold" and being asked to donate.

But if you give people a great night out at a very nice place, who wouldn’t want to go to that?  If done correctly, your guests won’t even realize they are donating so much or donated at all.  These types of events are entertaining and that is why they are successful if planned and managed correctly.

If you would like to host an incredibly successful fundraising event, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising would love to help you.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North America Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you and your organization exceed your fundraising goals.

If you think its expensive to hire an Expert, wait till you hire an Amateur.

I say this all the time so just like everything I say, its become a part of my script.  The reason it’s became a part of my script is based upon its meaning and importance.  So here it is:

“If you had a bump on your neck with spiders crawling out of it, would you go to your mechanic or a Doctor?  If you were building a house, would you get advice from your Doctor or talk to an Architect or Contractor?  If you had serious legal issues, would you go to your Contractor?”

Obviously, the answer is No – simply No, you would seek the advice of an expert. 

However, when it comes to fundraising, we as charities commonly make the mistake of asking someone with no experience in fundraising and no understanding of it. 

Unfortunately, fundraising is not just something you “Wing” especially if your charity or organization truly needs to raise money to pay for your activities or mission.  Why place something so vitally important in the hands of someone who is not an expert?

Fortunately, there are experts across the country – Charity or Benefit Auctioneers and/or BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising which is truly the only Charity Fundraising Event planning business in the world.  BW does not plan weddings and birthday parties – we only plan fundraising events. 

If you go to an event planner, the event planner will have a background in planning birthdays, weddings and Bar Mitzvahs and they are the experts in their fields.  If you’re getting married, don’t come to BW because we will look back at you with an empty look but we won’t say “Sure, we can do it.”  No, we will tell you to find a wedding planner.

Yes, a Charity Fundraising Event such as a Gala is an event – but the importance of the event is the fundraising capability and result.  Event planners look at the actual event, however, with a fundraising event, the event begins months before with ticket sales and finding financial sponsors.  There are elements inside a fundraising event in regard to the fundraising platforms that you must know and have a depth of knowledge in.  The Why’s and How’s are the most important.

In summary, if your charity truly needs to raise money – seek the help of an Expert, an Expert Fundraiser whether it’s BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising or some other person or company, get the assistance of an expert – don’t leave it in the hands of an amateur. 

There is a very famous saying that is so incredibly true – “If you think an Expert is expensive, wait to you hire an amateur.”

If you, your charity or your organization needs help, please contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com or email me at George@bwunlimited.com.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  BWUCF is the only full service, charity fundraising event company in the world with an extensive resume in regard to hosting highly successful charity fundraising events.  If we can help you, contacting us is free at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Fundraising 101: Incorrect thinking when planning for your guests and supporters.

I just have a simple question - are you or is anyone involved in the planning of your event a "Magician" or a "Mind Reader"?

No?  Then continue reading - A major problem that occurs when charities or their planners are planning their event is simply this – they think for themselves and not for their guests.  Perhaps, this is the WORST practice that anyone could ever do. 

Let me give you an example – Charities often plan events with a theme and as an example, lets say it has a “James Bond 007” theme.  Here is where the problems begin:

#1 – They chose a menu which matches the theme.

#2 – They contact us and ask for James Bond items.

#3 – They ask their guests to dress within the theme.

Now from the outset, it seems like a very interesting theme however, the reality is simply this which most planners seem to forget – Just because there is a theme, people still like what they like and all people are generally the same. 

When planning your event, you have to think for your guests and not for what you like.  This is a common problem and devastating to the end result.

Let’s say planners are planning a “German” themed event.  They want a German menu, German drinks and then will inevitably want German themed items on their auctions along with German music.  They may even have it in a German venue.  So here are questions to ask yourself:

#1 – Will your guests like this?

#2 – Will your guests like the menu?

#3 – Will they like the music?

#4 – Will they bid on German themed items?

#5 – Will they like the venue?

The reality is simply this again – everyone enjoys the same things – good food, good music or entertainment and of course, exciting items to bid on.

Since we are an auction item provider to well over 1,400 charities a year – we are well aware of what people like…because of all the mistakes we have made in the past.  We have planned many events with many different menus’ – both plated and buffet in many different venues.

In every crowd, here is a common theme – keep in mind, people are the same in Maryland as they are in Texas, in Florida, in California, in Alaska, in Michigan and in Boston. 

#1 – Everyone enjoys a very nice venue.

#2 – Everyone enjoys great food and plenty of it.

#3 – Everyone likes good drinks.

#4 – Everyone likes to be entertained and most commonly, they enjoy a wide array of music types – that is why I normally suggest a DJ.

#5 – In every single crowd, there are people who like Sports, Jewelry, exciting décor and Vacation Packages.

#6 – Everyone enjoys a well-planned event.

When you insist that your guest like what you do, you will lose every single time.  Try to think for the masses and not for yourself or your group.  Don’t insist they like what you do or make them like it.

Here is another issue which I always advise my clients and vitally important when planning your event.  The two most important aspects to understand that ensures your event is a success – the Venue & the Menu.

You can’t argue with me, this is a “What will you do for me” society.  The Venue is VITALLY important to the success of your event.  No one wants to go to a place that is “Less than.” 

A common mistake which if you think about it, makes ZERO sense is that if a charity hosts an event at a “Lesser or Cheaper” venue and don’t spend much on food or services, they will make more profit.  This is the exact opposite of what is reality.  Here is why but I want you to ask your husband or wife:

#1 – If you had the choice – would you go to the American Legion or Ruth Chris Steakhouse for dinner?

Do I need to give you the answer?  Everyone wants to go to a nice place, get dressed up and have a great time.  Going the “Cheaper Way” will give you a less than successful event.  You can’t mark up your ticket prices at a less than venue - your guests know what they should be paying and will be angered by paying a high price for a "Less than" menu - and that will immediately hurt your profit or fundraising success - believe me.

The venue is key but you have to grasp and understand “You have to spend money to make money” – The venue and menu is the bate to come to your event. 

In closing, when you are planning your event, don’t think about yourself, what you like and what you want…think about what your guests and supporters would enjoy.  Also, remember, the venue is 100% important  to the success of your event – “You have to spend money to make money.”  Ask yourself this:

#1 – If you were having legal problems – would you want the best attorney or some guy up the street to represent you?

#2 – If you had medical issues – would you want your mechanic neighbor giving you medical advise?

If not, why then do charities place people in charge of planning their fundraisers who have absolutely no experience?

If we can help you plan an event that will attract many more supporters and give your guests the event they will love, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  While helping over 1,400 charities a year, we are only charity fundraisers and don’t do anything else such as real estate auctions, plan weddings or bar mitzvah’s…we are only charity fundaisers and are the absolute experts in the field across the country.

Houdini was a magician, not an Auctioneer !!!

Over the past several months, we have broken records for our business, helping more charities than ever.  We are helping more charities plan, manage & host events than we ever have.  But with this, especially as we transgress our great country, we are faced with several issues which plague charities.  Most of the problems arise from not being educated and still believing in the various myths that still exist.

Charities, or I should say the people who make up the charity and actually planning their next fundraiser, tend to live in a “Fantasy Land.”  It’s not their fault, you must understand but trying to educate them so that they not only better understand the “Reality of Charity Fundraising” is harder than trying climb Mount Everest backward in a "Speedo and flip flops." 

Charities don’t want to believe that the items donated to them are not going to bring full value (aka Retail Value).  The refuse to believe it – in fact, while I am often am talking to them about their fundraising, they stare blankly back at me with a dazed look on their face.  The reality is that they never go back and look to track what the items they had at their event, actually did or how they performed.

Sadly, charities (I am truly talking about the people) don’t think when seeking donated items, what kind of items they should be going after.  And, here is where you want to rip my head off, don’t truly care about the business who donated the item, they only care about how much money they could possibly make from the sale of it.  How do I know?  Because I use to be the “Donation King.”  I had it down to a science.  But then when I really figured it out…that is when I became a Donation God!!! 

Are you ready for a dose of reality?  Are you sure?  Before I go into it, let me tell you a little story.  I was helping a charity at an event which they had donated some very high end art.  In fact, they brought in the artist from out of the country – six (6) in total – all from South America.  The artists insisted that it had to be displayed in a very high trafficked area with amazing visibility of the artwork.  Understand that the event was very high end and the place, high end as well.  But…I know the reality of the reality.  I asked the artist if there were “Reserves” on the art which they said there were none.  I explained to the Artist what may happen and they obviously disagreed with me.  The pieces ranged (retail mind you) from $7,000.00 to $15,000.00 Retail – original art.  Because they wanted the art to be prominent, I ensured that everyone could see it and it was the centerpoint.  This same art took up the majority of the Live Auction.  Again, I asked them if they would be upset if it did not receive high bids, they laughed and shook their heads as if I was telling a joke.  Well during the live auction as I began to sell the art, the room fell silent (can you hear the crickets?).  The highest bid for the art was $350.00 for a $15,000.00 piece of art.  Then at the end of the evening, one of the buyers tried to back out of the bid so that he could buy items from us (our No Risk Auction Items – Mike Tyson autographed Boxing Trunks and a Sugar Ray Leonard/Roberto Duran dual signed Boxing Glove).  The artists were devastated but came over to me after the event and thanked me for educating them while asking if they should ever do it again – I told them no.

I could provide you with example such as when a donor was present at an event and the item which his business (which he was the owner of) donated an item worth $900.00 and it sold for $45.00 – he walked out immediately after seeing it sell for that amount furious.

Ladies & Gentlemen, I am sorry if you think differently, but Auctioneers are not Magicians.  We auctioneers cannot turn water into wine or make money fly magically out of people’s pockets.  Not one auctioneer in the world can.  You have to provide people with items or experiences that they would want.  Unfortunately, in the example above with the Artists, our Decor items sold higher than their original art – I find that sad.

Furthermore, charities must market the items which they have and will be available to bid on.  Facebook and email newsletters are perfect for this.  But putting people in a room and expecting them to bid on stuff just because…doesn’t happen. 

Another myth – this one will probably sting so gear up – people do not bid on items at your charity fundraiser because they are helping your charity.  This is 100% false.  What is true is this – they bid on items that are attractive, that they want.  The items that get the most bids are Hard to find items, things they have never seen before or Travel Experiences.  If this weren’t true, why do people get buyers remorse and try to return the items the following day?  Charities tend to think people walk in the door blind folded with a stack of $100 bills in their pockets and just throw it up in the air…wherever it lands is what they are going to buy and say “Well it’s for charity” – That is totally false and those days are over.

Be smart about what you are doing, be strategic when seeking donations and then market your donations as much as humanly possible.  Use Facebook religiously to market your event and the items available.

Something else very important – why is it acceptable to pay a venue for food & drinks, a florist for floral arrangements but not to use consigned items and travel on your live and silent auction?  I’ll leave you with that thought.

If you would like to learn how seek and get incredible donated items while ensuring the donors are happy by the result and how to also absolutely ensure that those items bring an amazing amount of money - or if you would like to learn more about how to host a successful charity fundraising event and how to plan your fundraising platforms such as the Live & Silent Auction effectively, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you exceed your fundraising goals.

Charity Fundraising 101 - The Secret to getting donations - the "Art of the Ask"

Over the years, I have seen some things that have me scratching my head in regard to donations but the one thing that always leaves me speechless, is when charities don’t go after donations or only have very few.

So that everyone is aware, when I say “Donations”, I am referring to items such as Gift Certificates, Gift Baskets, Liquor, Coffee Makers, Services, etc.

Do you remember the famous line from “Field of Dreams – Build it and they will come?”  Well the same thing with donations “Ask and they will give to you.”

Lets take for instance, the Queens of Donations – Lt. Jennifer Krauss and Cpl. Julie Valdes (pictured to the left) from the Prince George’s County Police Department.  Last year, Jen, Julie and I sat down and I started telling them about how to seek and get donations.  Now, remember, they are no different from you who is reading this.  Just because they are Police Officers, does not mean they showed up in uniform and businesses gave because of that.  No, it’s because  THEY ASKED!!!  You would not believe the amount of donations they received – absolute TONS!!!  Everything from a Zero turn Mower, to Wine Tours, Gift Baskets, Guns etc.  They had everything you can possibly imagine and their guests LOVED IT!!!  Jen told me she was addicted to asking and it became so much fun.  Do like they do and ASK!!!    

Here is the trick or the Secret to getting tons, and I mean TONS of donations – Just Ask.  Ask everyone!!!  I use to make a joke when meeting with my clients saying “Ok everyone, write this down, here is the list of what donations we want”…everyone would get ready to write and then I would say “Large or small, we will take it all!!!” 

Go after them – go everywhere and anywhere.  Ask everyone.  The secret to getting a million donations is to get over the fear of failure.  Get over the fear of asking….that’s simply it.  Okay – you will hear No.  You will hear “Well, we need to send it to our Cooperate Office.”  But keep on pushing.  Another thing, when you walk into a business, know what you want them to give you or what you want and ask for it. 

Now – as a side bar, to educate you more – donations are fantastic and yes they are 100% free, however, they are best served in raffles at your event.  In silent or Live Auctions, they normally bring 1/2 if not less than retail but in raffles, they bring 10 times retail. 

Ok – so here is what you simply need to know prior to going out on a treasure hunt.

#1 – Be prepared with a Donation request letter, have one in hand.  It should have the Tax ID # otherwise known as the “EIN” at the top of the letter.

#2 – Have the event Flyer with you and also invite the people you are asking if they would like to come.

NOTE:  If they ask you for free tickets that equal their donation, say “No Thank you.”  Because if the tickets are worth $100.00 and their items only sell for $50, you lose.

#3 – Understand that yes, your charity is awesome, however they have probably been asked 100 times that week – the key is to tell them how many people are planning to be at your event – its ALL ABOUT MARKETING!!!

#4 – Yes, a donation is tax deductible but in reality, business can only deduct so much each year – that’s a falsehood to say “Well its tax deductible.”  That won’t sell them.

#5 – Remember, bigger is always better.  If you go into a store which has large items, ask for a large item.  Always ask for more. 

#6 – Marketing – Understand that 90% of the businesses you approach will be much more interested in the marketing side than the charity side, tell them they will be listed in the Event Program.  They can also provide you a “Banner” which will be displayed inside the event for everyone to see.

#7 – Ask them to post the event flyer in their business.  Ask them if they would like to buy tickets or a table so that everyone can meet them. 

#8 – Gift Baskets – Gift Baskets should be constructed LARGE, not small.   But even if someone gives you a small basket, take it. 

So the Trick is - THERE IS NO TRICK!!!  Just ASK!!!

So here is a script for you to use, has always worked for me: 

PREFACE – Inside my car, I have a stack of Donation Letters and Event Flyers so that everywhere I stop, I’m prepared.

So lets say I’m going to Home Depot or Lowes (HINT) and I would like to get a Grill Donated or a Fire Pit (HINT), I walk in and go right to the Service Desk and ask for the Store Manager.  Don’t talk to just anyone, talk to the person in charge.

When they walk up, reach out and shake their hand and say “Hi, I’m (Your Name) and I’m from the (Charity).  We are hosting a huge event on (date) and we are getting local businesses to donate.”  Immediately hand them the donation letter and the flyer – and here begins your “Schpeel.”  We would love it if you guys could donate a Grill or whatever.   There is going to be 800 people at our event and everyone will see that you guys donated.  In fact, we will list you everywhere and if you have a banner, we would love to hang it up for the world to see.” (KEEP TALKING as they look at the letter and the flyer).  “You guys should come too. “

Then wait for their response.  If they say well what do you want, tell them and go look and pick out something – ALWAYS GO BIG.

The secret is, get over asking.  You have to be confident in what your saying.  Tell them about the event, how big it is, how many guests and that your event is going to have a Live and Silent Auction and tons of raffles. 

Be excited about it.  If they say no, say thank you and move on.  Now, here is another little trick.  Do you know when you go to a chain restaurant and something is wrong with your food..its lates, cold, or there is a finger in your soup.  The manager walks over and hands you gift certificate and says “I’m so sorry, I hope this helps.”  The managers have a pocket full of them – ASK!!!!

Ask everybody!!!  Ask Liquor Stores, Beer Distributors, Starbucks etc.  If you have a friend who is a landscaper, ask if they will donate services like a Spring Cleaning of someones yard or mulch installation.  If you know a Power Wash company, ask if they will donate a house power washing. 

Now here is something else that is VERY crucial to your success.  Guess who NEVER gets asked to donate?  Professionals such as consultants, banks, Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Real Estate Agents etc.  Professionals who don’t have anything to donate!!! 

Get a catalog of our items – BW Unlimited Charity Auction Items and ask them to “Underwrite” or Sponsor an item or items.  All they can say is No!!!  If they do, they pick out the item they want to “Underwrite” and we set up a tent card in front of the items saying “Sponsored by ABC Realty, 1234 Smith Street, Smith, Texas.”  And  then list them in the Catalog as well.

Now lets move on to a much harder donation – Sponsors.  For your event, especially if it’s a BW Unlimited managed event, you will have a Sponsor Page.  This is a more personal donation.  This takes a sit down meeting with people who are close to you or your charity.  Now, the best people to ask for these are the businesses you pay routinely – who your charity or you buy from, who does your taxes, who is your lawyer, your trash service, your outside lawn maintenance etc.  Also remember, sell them tables too.

So in summary, it’s all about asking.  The more times you ask, the more you will receive.  Be confident, energetic and fun.  Make it a game with your committee, who can get the most donations. 

If you have any questions, contact BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising at www.BWUnlimited.com.   To receive our catalogs of items, simply contact us and ask for our catalogs, we would love to send you them.

Charity Fundraising 101: The importance of building a committee and how.

Fundraising 101: How speeches at Charity Fundraising Events hurt your final results

One of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s most famous quotes was “Be Sincere; Be Brief; Be Seated” in regard to speeches.  This rings incredibly true but most charities believe the opposite.  In fact, they routinely will give out awards, have an invited speaker or go on and on and on about themselves or what they do often assuming the role of a stand-up comedian.  NONE of this works in your favor, it actually detracts from your event.  Here is why.

A highly successful charity fundraising event is built on momentum.  In fact, often my clients will tell me their event is very short and I will always comment that it will not provide us enough time to build excitement.  Having an excited, happy crowd equals money raised. 

In fact, when we (BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising) plan our events, we plan them to build up the excitement to a “Fever Pitch.”  Our events are often referred to as controlled “Three Ring Circuses.”  You want people having fun and moving around your event.  You do not want to see them seated and bored to tears.  Boredom leads to “Im ready to leave” without donating a dime.

We plan our events down to every 15 minutes – something is always happening or about to happen and we build the excitement moving directly toward the Live Auction and “Fund a Need.”  We want people up and walking through the various fundraising platforms. 

Fundraising Platform – Raffles, Silent Auction and Live Auction – anywhere a charity is raising money inside an event.  This term was coined by George Wooden, President of BW Unlimited, llc.

Now this is where the charity will always step in and say “We have a speaker” or “We want to give out Awards to our employees.”  Then that’s when I sit back in my seat and ask “Why?”  I ALWAYS tell them if they are going to have a speech or presentation, to please keep it extremely short.  However, many people like to stand in front of a crowd and hear themselves talk.  A ten minute speech runs on and on for 45 minutes.  I always tell our charity client to keep it ten minutes and to please inform the speaker of the same.  REMEMBER folks, we are on a “Timeline.”  Then the speech begins and goes on and on and on.  Now everything we have planned after, falling within the timeline, is now pushed back even further.  Then, you will have someone from the crowd who wants to say a few words.  It happens all the time.

 

So here is what happens to your crowd – You started your event with a cocktail hour with music being played.  Then as people start to drink and talk to their friends, they begin to have fun.  That fun then starts to spill over to your raffle and silent auction.  The excitement is building.  When the raffles are over, prizes are given out to the crowd causing more excitement.  Picture the “Price is right” with a lady’s name being called and her running down the aisle waving her hands above her head. 

Then an announcement is made that the Silent Auction is closing in 10 minutes.  People, who have been waiting all night to bid, suddenly run over and place their bids….the room is a “Buzz.”  As the Silent Auction closes and people are excited and happy, that’s when we ask everyone to take their seats to listen to “Johnny Speechinator” get up and talk.  Johnny goes on and on, makes a joke about the charity telling him to keep it short but he has so much to say.  It goes on and on, your guests start falling asleep, the excitement level plunges.  You start seeing people get up and go to the bar or to the bathroom.  Now, the excitement which you have built all night completely dies. 

 

Then the Live Auction kicks off which ladies and gentlemen is built on momentum.  Like a train, your event started chugging down the track faster and faster…but because of your speech, it stopped dead and totally ran out of steam.

Now, your expecting your Auctioneer to be a Magician and possibly pull a rabbit out of his hat, it’s not happening.  A great Live Auction is also built on momentum and also takes advantage of the momentum of the evening.  The Auctioneer now has to get people excited again, when they are already bored.  Then, after the Live Auction, you do a “Fund A Need” – if you are not familiar with a “Fund A Need”, its often also referred to as a paddle raise.  It’s when people are asked to openly donate money by raising their paddle or bidder card.

But again, the speech killed the “Buzz” in the room, the Live Auction tanked and now everyone wants to leave and the donations are very low.

Remember folks, a successful event is built on the energy of the crowd, your guests.  How happy and excited they are, how engaged they get into your event.  When they are having fun with their friends and others in the room. 

Please, thank your guests and supporters for coming.  Let them watch a video about your charity and its mission but please DO NOT give long winded speeches by a talking head – it will absolutely hurt your fundraising goals much more than you know.

This is yet one small part of a successful event.  If you would like to learn more about how a highly successful event is planned, managed and hosted, please contact us today 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.  BWUCF is know all over North America for planning many incredible highly profitable fundraising events as well as staffing them with “Team BW” so that charities can enjoy their event instead of working it, we are also known for providing high profile auction items to charities all over the country.  To learn more, go to 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.