Help with a silent auction please!!!?

Question

I am a 21 yr old whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis and is bedridden due to the disease. I decided to host a silent auction benefiting the National MS Society. I am planning the event on my own and all extra costs are coming out of my personal pockets...... Any suggestions for baskets.?? Also, suggestions for how to get more donations. I have done well thus far but big companies (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, etc... give me the run around because they donate to "select organizations that are pre-determined".? Any ideas would be great!!! Thanks!!

I am also having trouble getting gift cert for like spa places and nail places. I don't want to sound ignorant but most are owned and run by asian influenced people (not sure if Vietnamese, Chinese, etc...) and they either don't understand me, or pretend they don't cause they don't want to donate.... I know they are good auction items but I also cant afford to spend more $$ buying things to make money for a charity..

Answer 1

Try local independent businesses instead of chains. The owners are right on hand to make the decision. Locally owned businesses tend to be big on community service and donating stuff. Good luck!

Answer 2

One way to get donations is from friends, family and stores in the area where you live.

Make sure you have a letter to explain what you are doing and make lots of copies. Let the letter also be your cover sheet as well.

If there are any churches who will help, this will make it easy then you can add them to your letter and people can contact the church to verifie what you are doing. that will help as well and last, visit churches in your area and get their help raising donations.

Ross

Answer 3

A silent auction is were donations or gifts are spread out on tables,with a piece of paper ,for people to write their bids on.

People can keep an eye on their bids.& rebid. This way there`s less work for you. .....About donations ,I live in a small village,were we know each other. We target local stores.

Print up nice posters,about the Auction (where,When,Why)

Get help it`s easier for you. Dress nice & take the posters with you. I`ve never had any probs. Getting donations.

GOOD LUCK!!!