Pulse: Shake the Money Tree

RO: Guests are more apt to be generous if you pamper and entertain them; if you educate them about your cause in subtle ways and make an emotional appeal; if you use smart marketing techniques when it comes to your live and silent auction items; and if you put showbiz into your live auction. Also keep in mind that different people need different opportunities to contribute during the event besides the auctions. Raffles (where allowed) and, my favorite, "Fund-a-Program" will give everyone an opportunity to donate.

FS: What's your favorite part of conducting fundraising auctions?

RO: I get to help change lives and even save lives, and thinking about that gives me goose bumps. Working with great people at these organizations who love the causes that they support, working side by side with them is a great opportunity; working with volunteers who have donated their time to help the organization, I'm honored to work with them. Really, I don't know a better business to be in for me because I love being an auctioneer, I love getting people in the mood to spend money, I love getting people to spend money at my auctions and thank me for the opportunity to have spent money, and I enjoy seeing where the money goes to help save lives and to improve lives all around the world. FS

Joe Boland is copy editor and staff writer for the Target Marketing Group at FS’ parent company, NAPCO. Reach him at jboland@napco.com