"What is an appeal?" you might ask.
An appeal in auction speak is a call for donations of cold hard cash. You may find it hard to believe, but some individuals and corporations would rather make a cash donation than to bid on another unnecessary trinket or luxury item. With increasing environmental and social awareness, it is no wonder why. It doesn't hurt that the entire amount of the donation is tax-deductible.
As a not-for-profit, you'd be surprised at the potential revenue an appeal may bring. Oftentimes, the appeal portion of your event may generate more money than ticket sales or even the live auction. Donation by appeal is quickly growing in popularity. If your charity happens to have close community ties, you may find support in a corporate donor that is willing to match your combined appeal donations. Thus $10,000 in individual cash donations grows to a whopping $20,000. In this scenario, not only is that company helping a worth cause; it is receiving a tax receipt and public recognition in return for its generosity.