Any advice for hosting a silent auction?

Question

I have a charity art show and silent auction coming up in a couple of weeks and would like some input from people who have held them in the past! Any particular do's and don'ts and words of wisdom/experience would be greatly appreciated!

Debbie Helbing

U.S. Fund for UNICEF Volunteer

http://maartists.tripod.com

Answer 1

Put all certificates, tickets or other pieces of paper in frames so the items don't get mixed and they look presentable. You can get the frames very inexpensively at Big Lots or a similar store. Use table clothes on the tables where the auction items are being displayed. Make sure you have plenty of pens and pencils. Don't make the minimum bid too high so you can at least get a first bid. The first bids help get things started.

I have not actually run one of these but my Kiwanis Club has had some good success using these ideas.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If you really want it to be a silent action, then bring some duct tape to cover the bidder’s mouths with

Answer 3

I have held silent auctions in conjunction with fashion shows to raise money for the special olympics. i have always made sure to have 2 volunteers from the charity for every 1 volunteer from elsewhere, to make sure no questions can be asked and not answered later. Hold it in a place where you can have alcohol served and then offer free appetizers. Bids go WAY up after a few drinks!

Keep it fun. Keep it busy.

Good Luck