CharityAuctioneer.com

NOTE: This post will be updated occasionally to include some of the interesting and effective live auction items we see from time to time. 

Staycations

As long as folks are feeling the economic squeeze, there will be room for a good old fashioned close to home getaway.  I actually like it to take the form of "Date Night".  Keep it simple and appealing to those who just want(need) a night out on the town. Maybe away from the kids?  Dinner, a show or concert and a hotel room for the night, toss in some walking around money, a bottle of decent wine and maybe ever a baby sitter?  An easy sell every time.

Pass the Hat 

Give some advance notice to your guests that you will be passing a hat all night at the auction.  Guests are encouraged(requested) to add something to the hat.  It can be anything.  A dentist might drop a business card with note on the back saying its good for "Free Tooth Whitening", the Owner of the local car wash may do the same for "50 free car washes", Cash is always good, a free haircut, 2 dozen cookies, jewelry, sports tickets, an iPod.  There is nothing that won't work.  

Once the hat is full, provide an inventory to the auctioneer and make "The Hat" one of our live auction items.

Progressive Dinner

Just a twist on the very popular Dinner Parties of the past few years.  Can be progressive down a specific street with several families providing different courses of the meal.  I've seen it paired up with limo transportation to help shuttle guests from one house to the next safely.  A creative group once put together a Progressive Boat Dinner on a  small inland lake. Someone volunteered a house boat and Captain to take 8 guests from one house to the next around the lake all night.  Great view and tour of the lake was part of the package.

Dodge Ball Tournament for Kids

Popular gym teacher opens up the school gym on a Saturday night and hosts a Dodge ball Tournament (volleyball, badminton, etc) for a group of kids.  Generally works well if it's 12-20 kids, to encourage syndicate bidding amongst parents.  Pizza, soda and cheap trophies usually round out the package.

Movie Night at School

Similar to Dodge ball Tournament, only this time we open the gym, auditorium and show a movie for a group of kids.  Popcorn, karaoke and slushies will add to the fun.

Grape Stomping Party 

Put together with the help of a wonderful local winery, we offered a Grape Stomping Party for 12.  The details are pretty straightforward.

• Invite some friends for a great day amongst the vines
• Learn about and taste some great wines
• Get a Private tour the winery
• Meet winemaker
• Remove shoes 
• Wash feet
• Stomp grapes  

Great fun.  Super unique experience.  

Sold for $2000.