subject: Understanding The Four Essential Things About Charity Auctions [print this page] Understanding The Four Essential Things About Charity Auctions
Charity auctions help fund all kinds of organizations. Most cases of charity auctions involve auctioning off items that have been donated either by group members or from the larger community the group or organization serves. All of the pledge money that is collected goes directly to the cause. Here are some need to know facts about planning a charity auction:It was initiated by religious institutionsThe first charity auctions were organized by religious organizations in the 17th and 18th centuries that often received various properties and estates left behind by wealthy patrons and parishioners who died. The collected money from the auctioned properties would be contributed to church treasury or for other purposes like feeding and sheltering programs for needy While the actual practice does continue in current times, it's not limited to just religious groups anymore. Educational institutions, foundations and even social circles often hold very successful charity auctions.Charity auctions can feature servicesCharity auctions have changed over time. Now such events often add services to the "bare" selling of goods. The participation of professionals such as celebrities, plumbers, gardeners, musicians, artists and other people is encouraged by the services included in the charity auction To the organization or cause they are supporting, these individuals will turn over the money they earn, by providing their services. One popular type of auction is a people auction, where folks bid on bachelors or bachelorettes. The person with the highest bid is the one that wins the date.They are a fun way of raising moneyUnlike traditional money-making activities, charity auctions are more exciting because they encourage both generosity and participation of people who typically do not directly gain anything for their contribution. A charity auction encourages the people to compete with each other and it is more interesting than just asking for donations.Charity auctions have are several formats and different bidding processesThere are several formats of the charity auction. A popular format of auction that doesn't involve an auctioneer facilitating the bidding process out loud is called a silent auction. Rather than that, the auction guests view times that are displayed and sign their names along with their offers if they see an item of interest. The bidder who submits the highest amount will win the item. If the bidder is absent, the next highest bidder is awarded the item or service. A live auction is another format and has an auctioneer in charge of introducing the various items, individuals or services up for auction. The auctioneer also facilitates the bidding process and announces the amounts involved. A minimum bid if often required in both silent and live auctions to make sure significant money is made.Keep in mind that a charity auction must be done tastefully and must provide benefits (tangible or intangible) for the charity in question.
