Fund Raising Auction Item Ideas
Ive conducted fund raising auctions for years, and have sold quite a variety of items, from bonsai trees (300 at one auction!) to Beanie Babies, and everything else in between.
Below are some items that may be used for either a silent or a live auction. It is best to have the items donated, so that 100% profit may be realized. Ive seen a few schools get items from car dealers and jewelers, and put a reserve on the item, so that the dealer gets paid his cost (which is always inflated) and the school keeps anything above cost. While its nice in theory, its very discouraging to have items in the auction that dont sell or meet the minimum, and tends to put a damper on the process. I recommend that fund raising auctions sell items without minimums or reserves. It makes for a better sale.
Some of the highest prices realized in my school fund raising auctions have been from the sale of packages. One school put together a Vacation Package that included a week of a time share rental in a resort area, along with roundtrip airline tickets for a family of four. All the items were donated, and they sold two of these packages (valued at $4000.) for $800 apiece. Another school put together a Night on the Town Package that included two theatre tickets, a limo for the night, a hotel room, and dinner for two at a fancy restaurant. This package sold for a high amount as well.
Heres the list of auction item ideas:
Gift Baskets
Autographed hat, ball, or jersey from a professional sports team member
Autographed hat, ball, or jersey from a college sports coach or team member
Local amusement attraction or theme park tickets
Time share rental certificate
Sports team tickets
Miniature golf gift card
Airline tickets
Limousine gift certificate
Childrens Art
Hair Salon gift certificate
Day Spa gift certificate
Ice cream shop gift card
Theatre tickets
Grocery store gift card
Local shopping mall gift card
Local Hotel gift certificate
Video store gift card
Movie tickets
Martial Arts certificate such as Aikido or Karate
Bowling Center gift card
Ballet or Opera tickets
Fine Dining Restaurant gift card
Zoo or Aquarium tickets
Crafts made by parents of school children
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