Bigger Is Not Always Better

At the end of November, we will be finishing up our final fundraising auctions for the year. The last one on our roster is slated for the Soul River Foundation. Chad Brown is in charge of this not-for-profit aimed at helping inner city kids and veterans who suffer from PTSD. To learn more about the good work he is doing, you can check him out at www.soulriverrunsdeep.com.

This year has already been a big year for growth. All-told, eight new clients joined the srdorsey fundraising team. A couple were very large auctions with over 300 people in attendance and more than a $150K raised in one night! Though the majority came to us as grassroot groups starting up with their first fundraising auctions. Most had limited to no experience in organizing a fundraiser. So we were able to guide and coach them into holding their first auctions, which turned out to be better events than they had imagined possible.

On average, we managed to raise between $20,000 and $50,000 on auction night, which was enough to cover their expenses and provide much needed revenue for these kickstart non-profits. Our success didn't surprise me; but what did, was how difficult it was for these small groups with limited resources, to find an auctioneer who was willing to be paid less to work a smaller auction.

In my experience and opinion; it is even more crucial to hire a professional auctioneer for a smaller and newer auction, than it is for a well-established auction that has been running year upon year. Most auctions take at least three years to establish themselves. Usually in year one, we establish a baseline of funds raised. The next year, we improve a bit more by raising more than we did at the inaugural event. Then by the third year, the tendancy is for the amount of money raised to plateau. But not to worry; because by year three, we have typically tripled the amount we have raised from the first auction!

So whether you are considering your first ever auction or you need to spice up your tenth annual one, we are glad to help you out!

Chad Brown. Photo compliments of www.soulriverrunsdeep.com

Back to Where It All Began

This past weekend I had the opportunity to help my old friend and former employer, Mitch Silver. He was just an hour and a half away; up in Shelton, Washington for a small collector car auction held at the Little Creek Casino. We offered up 75 cars and easily sold a third of them.

Working with Mitch on Saturday brought me right back to the days where Mitch and I, along with the rest of our auction crew, traveled around the Western United States every weekend doing small regional auctions just like this. Before the time that television cameras starting showing up at collector car auctions and the age of the internet, these auctions were the mainstay of the collector car business. Oftentimes, these smaller car auctions offered the smart buyer a good deal on a car. A savvy seller could also benefit from the limited inventory at these smaller shows; making his car more special, therefore a standout at the auction.

Can You Believe?

It's two months till the end of another school year and only eight months till Christmas! I cannot believe how quickly the time is moving this year. Can you?

I wasn't quite ready to plan for next year, until a few of my eager-beaver clients asked to book me as their auctioneer again for next March. So now I've got two weekends of the first quarter of my 2017 daytimer already filled. March is the earliest that I have ever had a client request a booking into the following year. Al likens it to booking your favorite, annual vacation rental. You've had such a fabulous time; that no sooner you are packed up and out the door, you are ready to commit to coming back to another wonderful weekend at the cabin.

So if your fundraising group is going ahead with your scheduled event next year, you might want to pen in a date with your chosen venue and preferred auctioneer.

Calendar by timeanddate.com.

Portland is Growing Up

Easter weekend is the only weekend from February to April that I'm not working a fundraiser.

I'm also very excited to report that 2016 already looks to be the best year for my charity clients! Whether it is a foundation, a public or private school, or any other not-for-profit group; all have seen an increase in monies raised at their auctions and special appeals this fundraising season. I would like to think that the big increases that they are seeing in the money we are raising is due to my very professional auctioneering skills, but sadly I cannot take all the credit.

The small town that I moved to twenty five years ago is growing up. Our secret little place in the Pacific Northwest has been discovered. Together with an improved economy and the combined effort of original Portlandiars, new residents are making a real impact. Many of the new families I meet are from both southern and northern California, New York, Boston, Florida, Texas and even Europe. Many come to benefits, already experienced in giving. They support the schools that their children attend and the organizations whose causes they believe in. So, while many of us are experiencing the growing pains of a city full of change and progress; it seems to me that the things we value most, are changing hands with those who feel the same. It looks like our adolescent Portland is in good hands.

Tick Tock

The clock starts now. We're already a month into the new year. Time is ticking away for the upcoming 2016 fundraising season. This year is already turning out to be even better and busier than it was in 2015! I'm proud to say that each one of our clients saw an increase in attendance and in dollars raised at every event at which we auctioneered last year.

I would encourage anyone who is thinking of holding an elaborate auction gala or just a simple event with a special appeal, to start planning as soon as possible. If you haven't booked a venue or an auctioneer yet; at this point in the game, you may not get your first pick. Those choice weekends book up fast, so make sure you have your favorite ballroom and professional auctioneer lined up ASAP!

You can never be over-prepared for success.

#Hurry!