Fund Raising Auction Item Ideas

I’ve 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. I’ve 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 it’s nice in theory, it’s very discouraging to have items in the auction that don’t 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.
Here’s 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

• Children’s 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