Ideas for Silent Auction

Hi! So the dog rescue that I volunteer with is having their annual fundraiser and the biggest amount of money comes from the silent auction.

I'm trying to get ideas of what sort of businesses I should hit up asking to donate items...What are some things you guys would be willing to bid on?

Thanks!

are you keeping it dog related?? I used to work at a pet store so we would make gift baskets for raffles and stuff. We'd basically just fill a dog bed with toys, food, bowls, etc. Ask grooming places to donate a haircut, teeth brushing, nail clipping etc.

Ask any business you think people would want something from.

Original Post by girlfighting27:

are you keeping it dog related?? I used to work at a pet store so we would make gift baskets for raffles and stuff. We'd basically just fill a dog bed with toys, food, bowls, etc. Ask grooming places to donate a haircut, teeth brushing, nail clipping etc.

Ask any business you think people would want something from.

 I'm definitely thinking of contacting a pet store or two in the area. Possibly restaurants for like a "dinner for two" certificate or something...this is my first time being involved in a fundraiser like this so it's all new!

i would hit up resorts, golf courses, restaurants, spas, etc.  also, service-oriented businesses like landscapers, nurseries, contractors, travel agencies, etc.

for larger businesses, it can be great PR.  make sure they know they'll get a prominent mention in the program, advertising, etc.

if you can, leave the small businesses alone.  they're really struggling, and they tend to get hit up a lot.

gift certificates and two-for-ones are win-win situations: either they never get used, so cost the businesses nothing, or people use them and spend more than they're worth.

It may be worth contacting some sports memorabilia shops for some items or, if your up to it, the Guelph Storm or even the Montreal Canadians' organizations.  Usually sports stuff goes like crazy and the organizations like the publicity. 

P.S.  Can you tell I'm a big hockey fan?

Original Post by pgeorgian:

i would hit up resorts, golf courses, restaurants, spas, etc.  also, service-oriented businesses like landscapers, nurseries, contractors, travel agencies, etc.

for larger businesses, it can be great PR.  make sure they know they'll get a prominent mention in the program, advertising, etc.

if you can, leave the small businesses alone.  they're really struggling, and they tend to get hit up a lot.

gift certificates and two-for-ones are win-win situations: either they never get used, so cost the businesses nothing, or people use them and spend more than they're worth.

 I second the service oriented businesses! People always want those types of things but cant neccessarily afford them

Thanks so much for the ideas, everyone!

The main coordinator for the event is sending each volunteer a copy of the info sheet/flyer for the event so pretty soon we'll be out there bugging people. :P I like the Guelph Storm idea! Didn't even think of it.

Lynners - Thank you for what you do!  I'm an avid dog lover, rescue volunteer and have 2 of the best rescue dogs ever.  If you want to private message me your mailing address and are interested, I will mail you some "Bow Wow" bracelets to include in some of your baskets. 

http://www.backusbeads.com/bracelets_in_the_w ild.htm

Ann

OMG Lynners, I didn't know you worked with Barlees!

There are lots of crafters in the GTA.  You could hit up some of them and see what they'd donate.  Crafters need the publicity.  You can find them on Etsy.  If you're looking for doggy products I love Annie's Sweatshop collars.  I have a recycled necktie collar and I can attest to its quailty.  There are also dog treat bakers that are local.  These are all yummers.  What about dog photography?

how about a night at a get-a-way location?  Our local radio station auctions off a lasic eye surgery, at a reputable doctor, of course.  Gas cards, maybe?

Wii's have always been big hits too. I'd hit up cleaning companies too - who wouldn't want a maid for a day!

Also, don't just think of companies that can directly give stuff - if you approach a successfull realtor or broker they might sponsor a gift for the advertisment of their services.

That's so cool that you're familiar with Barlee's, jewels!

These are all great ideas and are helping out a ton. We're still very much in the brainstorming stage but we're quickly getting into the planning stage. The date for the event is August 29? 30? Whichever is the Saturday. It's called BarleePalooza, lol.

Yoga/Pilates studios, personal trainers, hairdressers, especially if they are new and trying to drum up business might be willing to donate for the free advertising.  Also, what about local dog trainers?  Free training session or maybe a free practice run on an agility course?  Check out some of the online collar sellers too, some of them will donate to rescues.

I would also try to have items in a wide range of prices.  One silent auction I was at this year had VERY few items under $50, which was more than I was really into spending at the moment.

Are there any car detailing businesses in your area? Guys love that stuff. Or a car wash place that might give a bunch of tokens? Try hitting up hardware stores for tools or a gift certificate.

I work at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio and we always donate gift certificates to charities. E-mail, mail, or call the one closest to you, and I'm sure they'd love to help you out.