Artist Steve Haskamp sits in front of a current project in his studio.

Meet Steve Haskamp.  He’s an honest-to-goodness, full-time artist.

If you visit his blog, you’ll enjoy looking at his designs which are used on greeting cards at Trader Joe’s, children’s clothing, books, prints, tote bags, magazines, housewares, and a ton of other stuff.

I met Steve through his partner, Dale, who is good friend of mine from college.  Steve has one of those jobs that others (or at least me) find interesting. 

Each day, he sits in his studio and creates images.

Here's a work in progress. Steve told me these images would become stickers. (Maybe scratch-n-sniff stickers.)

The images are sent to his agents.  They review the designs and promote them to companies they think might use the image:  a clothing manufacturer, a wallpaper company, a book publisher, etc.

On occasion, Steve is asked to create designs for a specific project. He was recently asked to create some illustrations of President Obama’s new family dog.

Two weeks ago I stayed with Dale and Steve while attending a business conference in San Diego.  I asked Steve to give me the artist’s perspective as to making a benefit auction donation.

Here’s what he said…

• The easiest item for an artist to donate to a charity auction is an existing print, signed by the artist.
  

“I understand, Steve,” say I, “But that’s not necessarily the most sought-after item because some guests might not dig your work.”  And Steve – being the practical kind of artist guy he is – agreed and went on to give his next thought…

• Let the artist chose his or her own medium.

Good idea! Confirm it with the artist.  If the artist works in watercolors, you should have the understanding that you’ll be donated a watercolor.  Don’t ask for an oil.

• 

  Dale, Sherry and Steve out for a Thai dinner in San Diego, October 2009.

• The artist might have a particular interest he’s developing.  Ask if he does.  The artist might be more willing to donate if he/she can make a donation around a new-found interest.

For instance, Steve has become more interested in drawing pet portraits in recent years.  He said he’d be inclined to want to donate something like a pet portrait.  The winning bidder could submit a photo of their pet, and Steve could create an image for them.  (Hint: Great item! Jot it down…)

• Don’t expect a 39″ masterpiece. A 5″ x 7″ custom work is a more typical size. That makes sense.  Big = a lot more work.
  

I told Steve that a good item for an auction is the opportunity to receive a sketch of your home.  The winning bidder provides a photo of their home, and the artist provides them with a sketch.  Steve thought that this would be something that most artists could do.  (Hint: Ask your artist donor for this item.)

After our talk, I asked Steve if he was bombarded with requests to donate to benefit auctions.  “I have no problem saying ‘no’ when I need too!” he said.  This recalls the adage that ‘you won’t get anything unless you ask.’  Friends, don’t be afraid to ask for an item.

And of course, respect the artist if they decline to donate.  It might be that he or she can’t make a donation “this” year, but keep them on your prospect sheet for the following year.

Thanks for your insight and the tour of your studio, Steve!

This patriotic canine and his three dog buddies were being pushed in a baby stroller in Miami Beach this past July.

I love dogs and I live in one of the United States’ friendliest dog towns (Alexandria, VA).  There are lots of dog lovers in this part of the world, and I usually sell one or two donated puppies each year as part of a live benefit auction.

Selling a puppy in a live auction makes the event memorable and typically (in D.C.) brings a $2000 to $5000 sale.  Most bidders respond to the animal positively and are eager to pet the little guy while inquiring about its age, vaccinations, breed, etc.  To make the sale a positive experience for human and creature, here are some tips.

1.  Select the right breed

Choose a popular breed; avoid exotics or any breed with negative press. I adore pit bulls and bull terriers, but I don’t suggest selling either in a benefit auction because of the negative press they’ve received.  Similarly, the odds of selling an “extra-large” dog (e.g. Great Dane or Mastiff) will appeal to fewer people.  Mixed breeds can be successfully sold, especially if it combines two popular breeds (i.e. cockapoo or labradoodle).

2.  The puppy’s temperament should be calm.

If you have an option, select one of the least high-strung puppies of the litter.  As adorable as that puppy is when its squirming in its pen, we don’t want a puppy squirming in a volunteer’s arms during the silent auction.  Calm, quiet dogs show best and will sell better.

3.    Sell the animal early in the live auction.

For the puppy’s sake, have the animal inside the live auction room for a minimum length of time.  Noise can be hard on those little ears!

4.  Sell one animal per auction.

Keep it unique by only selling one.

5.  Know that some national groups don’t agree with the sale of live animals at a gala.

The official position of the Humane Society is that animals should be prohibited from being sold at auction.  Animal rights groups have a fear (perhaps valid) that the dog will go into a home where it won’t get good care. Consider ways you can protect the animal to ensure it goes into a great home.  Every creature deserves TLC.

Creating “something to write” can be overwhelming for some people, so here are 12 suggestions on what you (or your public relations volunteer) can post on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, or other social networking sites to promote your benefit auction.

1. Announce donations: When a donation arrives, announce the item, thank the donor, and provide a link back to the donor’s website. Be sure to include a photo, if possible.

2. Ask for a donation to round out a package: “We need a florist to donate a bouquet to complete our Mother’s Day package.”

3. Testimonials: Auction fundraisers should be mission-focused. Keep your supporters updated with successes. For instance, “Peggy is off the streets, thanks to our non-profit,” or “Jeremy credits St. Stephens’s art teacher in giving him the confidence to pursue art in college.”

4. Event Preparations: Share a photo of the decor committee drawing backdrops for the auction, or the Gala Chairs meeting to send out invitations. This shows that others are getting involved and making plans to attend the event.

5. Special announcements: Share news. “In just three weeks, we’ve surpassed 50 raffle ticket sales.”  Or, “Only 200 seats left before sell-out!”

6. Apply gentle pressure to past donors: A post such as, “We sold a lovely 2-night stay at the Fairmont last year, and are hoping they’ll donate again,” might work. Include a link to the hotel, and then contact the hotel so they see how you are treating them kindly – even before they donate.

7. Answer questions: Make the questions up, if you need to. “A new family to our school asked what was appropriate to wear to the auction. Here’s our answer, and we included three photos of past guests.”

8. Create a list: You can create a list on almost anything. “Top 5 Reasons to Attend our Gala.”  “Three Ways You Can Volunteer That Will Take Less Than 2 Hours per Week.”

9. Seek specific volunteers: “Any math lovers out there? We need an auction clerk, and your primary job is recording numbers at the auction. Any takers?”

10. Link to relevant websites: “In 55 days, our auction will be raising money for cancer research.  Here’s a link to fascinating article written by XYZ about the need for a cure.”

11.  Support your supporters: When you notice that one of your supporters (e.g. a school parent, a Board member, an auction donor) is mentioned in the paper, link to it and promote it. “Parent Joe Smith just got promoted and here’s the link. Way to go, Joe! We look forward to congratulating you in person at the gala next Saturday.”

12.  Call to action: Get your audience to act (or think about acting).  Something like, “Early-bird pricing on gala tickets ends tomorrow,” or “Get your gala dress at Lord & Taylor this weekend. The store has special occasion dresses on sale.”

These tips will get you started.  You’ll have fresh content in no time!

Are you ready to rumble?

BRRMM.  BRRRRRRMMMM.

I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the Heavy Equipment Training Academy as I was driving through Washington, D.C. yesterday.

For those of you recent blog readers who are wondering what in the heck I’m talking about, let me fill you in.  A few weeks ago, I suggested a new benefit auction idea … you can read about my procurement suggestion of a bulldozer training lesson here. What a fun item for men and adventurous women attending your benefit auction.

During my drive, I paid better attention and noticed that the Academy is adjacent and across the street from an elementary school.  I bet the school boys like to watch the equipment operators at work during recess.

The Academy is next to a school.

I know that my brother loved to play with his Tonka trucks in the sandbox as a kid.  And, because my Dad was involved in operating some of those pieces of equipment through his business, my brother’s friends thought Dad was the bomb.

The September/October issue of Arrive magazine from Amtrak has an article called Fashion’s Makeover (page 34) by Michele Meyer.

The article is about how the fashion industry has changed in light of the economic slump. Meyer proposes that to survive in this new climate, apparel designers and merchants must rely on instinct, innovation, exclusivity, and the Internet.

Sounds like there’s some advice in here that benefit auction committees would also be smart to follow.

Let’s dig deeper.

In the “instinct’ category, Meyer writes the following:

Paring back not only helps stores but also helps shoppers.  Scaled-down inventory offers a sharpened point of view and a sense of urgency:  If there’s just one fabulous blouse in your size, it may be gone if you wait for a sale.

Then, a bit later…

Rather than risk closure, Manhattan’s Henri Bendel dropped clothing and hones to accessories, cosmetics, and gifts, its most lucrative items.  “It was a smart move,” says John Mincarelli, fashion merchandising professor at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.  “The American mentality of ‘grow, grow, grow’ failed.”

And OMG – if you go to the Henri Bendel site, look at the homepage, and watch the short video, it’s ALL about accessories.  Bye bye clothes.

OK — so how does this relate to you? There are two points.

1.  Auctions are based on scarcity.

If you have too many items, your prices will fall and certainly your ROI (return on investment) will shrink.  But if you have a lot of competition for a few choice items, it will drive prices higher.  You’ll earn more money for less work … and doesn’t that sound like a good idea?

2.  Pare down and focus on what is making you money.

What do your guests like?  If your research shows that spa packages are always the top sellers, target spa packages.  And not all the *same* spa packages, mind you.  But here’s a massage … and there’s a mani/pedi … and over here we have a day-long, “I’ve died and gone to heaven” spa package.  Or if your bidders consistently snap up restaurant packages, send your procurement team to restaurant after restaurant to develop great dining excursions.  And if no one ever buys the Starbucks coffee basket … don’t go seeking a donation (or at least not that coffee basket).

Remember:  Fewer choice items that the guests crave will be less work for your auction team, but greater yields when the cash is counted.

A local college sorority undertakes an auction to raise money for cardiac care.

Even when I’m not working, I’m working.

This past weekend, I traveled to San Diego’s Hyatt Regency to attend a conference which has been on my calendar for months. The hotel is surrounded by Mission Bay, making attendees feel as though we were on our own private tropical island.

Our meetings were in one of hotel ballrooms, but the facility also has a permanent tent on the grounds.  Guess what I saw in that tent on Saturday?  A silent auction!

Alpha Phi's silent auction layout (as photographed through the glass doors of the permanent tent on the hotel grounds)

During lunch break, I popped into the tent to learn more.  Turns out, Alpha Phi sorority of San Diego State University was organizing the benefit auction to support the American Heart Association.  The girls weren’t overly welcoming, but I’ll forgive them because I know the stress involved during auction set-up.  (Or maybe they sensed I was a Chi Omega during my college years.)

Later that day, I took this snapshot of the silent auction.

The layout was good, and I wanted to share a few benefit auction ideas with you, my blog readers.  Here are my thoughts (as I critique this layout from 30′ away, through a glass door):

• Balloons are color-coordinated to sections.
• Balloons are on long strings, making it easy for guests to see sections from wherever one might stand.
• Excellent spacing between items and between tables.
• A sound system is in the tent.
• Displays are attractive (for instance, the bike is out for guests to touch and feel)
  
• Signage is large and easy to read.

I was hoping the auctioneer would be someone I’d know, but the sorority was using someone I’d not heard of from Los Angeles.

I have no idea how the event’s fundraising numbers turned out, but from a layout-perspective, both the ballroom and silent auction had some outstanding elements.  From my limited observation, I’d say the sorority was incredibly well-organized for this benefit auction.  (And if they maintained their House GPA while simultaneously organizing this benefit auction for 300 people, further kudos are in order.)

Great job, ladies!

Yes, yes .. I know they are fruits. But you could just as easily put vegetables in the display glass to make a (healthy) centerpiece.

Say what?  Benefit auction ideas for vegetables?

A group asked me about vegetables recently, so I thought some of you others might be wondering, too.

It’s not that crazy of an idea.  I already broached the topic (sort of) this past summer in my post Four Ideas for Farm-to-Table Donations.

Here are some benefit auction ideas for those not-so-lowly, rich-in-antioxidants vegetables.

* Centerpieces

See the photos for ideas.

* Decor

Use them as a “display” when showcasing a silent or live auction item.  For instance, if you’re selling cooking lessons, or the opportunity for a chef to come to your home and prepare a meal, having a few potatoes and fresh green beans on a cutting board might get the idea across.

* Silent auction item

A fall-themed centerpiece used gourds. This could also work as simple decor in other parts of the auction.

Put them in a basket and sell it as “A Farmer’s Market Special, without the trip to the market.”

Or if you’ve got a donation such as a crock pot, juicer, cookbooks, or cooking pots, throw some veggies into the donation to make the display look less sterile.

* Live auction item

CSA’s are hot!  It’s a growing trend.

If you can get a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group to offer you an annual subscription, that might be sexy enough to become a live auction item in your benefit auction. I’ve got a couple of clients who could easily sell this donation in a live auction and bring good money.

Or another option … that CSA donation would also be an excellent raffle item. It’s not gender-specific, and it’s something many people wouldn’t necessarily think to get.

Now it’s YOUR turn.  Any other ideas on how to use vegetables in a benefit auction?

Here's a view of a chef's table in a kitchen in Leesburg, VA.

A popular item to sell at benefit auctions is the opportunity to dine at the Chef’s Table in a restaurant.

What is the Chef’s Table?

Not every restaurant has one, but a Chef’s Table is a table situated within the kitchen of the restaurant.

As with real estate, what makes this table unique is the location, the location, the location.

By virtue of where it sits (in the kitchen), the table allows the guests to see how their food is being prepared, observe communication among the kitchen staff, and generally experience the inner workings of a busy restaurant kitchen.

The uniqueness of the experience is what makes this auction item popular at fundraisers.

The Chef's Table awaits guests in this restaurant. During my meal at the restaurant, no one sat at the table.

It’s always nice to go out for a good meal.  But it’s even a more fascinating experience to eat out when you are literally in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen.  It gives you a new dimension.  You are dining in the kitchen, while dining out of the home.

Sometimes a restaurant will book the Chef’s Table when the restaurant is at capacity. Other times the table might be left vacant unless a special customer arrives.

A few years ago while attending a conference in Pittsburgh, PA, my colleagues and I headed down to an Italian restaurant on the South Side.  I have since forgotten the name of the restaurant, but I haven’t forgotten the experience.  The restaurant was very busy, and the only table large enough to accommodate our entire group was the Chef’s Table in the kitchen.  “Would you mind eating there?” the hostess inquired.

We were ecstatic!  We got to enjoy a fabulous meal and have a unique view of the restaurant which no one else did.

When soliciting for donations from restaurants, ask if they have a chef’s table.  If they do, would they mind donating a dinner at that table?  It’s a better donation for you, and doesn’t “cost” the restaurant additional money.

I know there are some restaurants with good food, but you might not want to see the kitchen.  I admit it; I eat at more than one of those places.  In such cases, take the gift certificate … thank them heartily for their contribution … and be on your way.   (And always follow up with a thank-you letter to the auction donor.)