Help Needed For Charity Ball In November

rothwella1

Hi

Can anyone give me advice on the best approach to get high quality items for auction.

We have arranged a charity ball in aid of Mencap at the Lowry hotel in Manchester. Really struggling to get items of any value for auction on the night. We have a target of £15000 on the night and at the moment this isn't going to be reached

All advice welcome!! Thank you

Ali

jackyann

Not sure if it is helpful, but my experience is that you get high-profile members to contact places individually. They imply that their posh friends will be impressed....
Stick mainly to local businesses. Chain stores have a national policy - you can check it on their website, and some have a fund for local donations
Also: try saying that you have x number of people expected to your £z / ticket ball (demonstrates that people with spare money pay SO much for your tickets....)
Ring up and say that "Jemima Puddleduck" ( local cleb, JP, councillor, etc.) "such a lovely lady, great supporter of ours..." had suggested that they just might want to contribute...
It may just be my area, but I find the local Indian restaurants among the best for donating a meal for 2.
If really stuck:
Consider offering a free / reduced ticket to a local business that will be donating - they welcome the chance to schmooze, and may feel guilty enough to pay you as well!
If absolutely stuck:
Ring somewhere like the local spa, restaurant or something and say "we really want to offer high quality prizes prizes, could you possibly give us a discount on........" and see what they might come up with. I have never had the cojones to try "well, the health spa doen the road has offered a 20% discount......".

rothwella1

Thanks a lot for the advice.. Will let you know how we get on

Ali