About the Guide
This guide started as a handbook for new auction volunteers at a local school. It began as a simple a set of lists that included tasks to be done and warnings about previously encountered problems. Since then, a lot of lessons have been learned, and a lot of information has been added.  We’ve also added ideas and advice we’ve gotten from other organizations.
 
We’ve tried to address all the tasks and issues involved with planning a full-blown dinner auction. This sort of event includes multiple silent auction closings and a live auction with a real auctioneer. It also includes games, raffles, food and beverage service, entertainment, and lots of items and people. A great deal of planning and coordination have to go into an event of this type, but this is only one way to have an auction fundraiser. With careful planning, almost any combination of these parts could make for a successful event. Plan what suits your group’s needs and abilities.

If your group has never held an auction before, we trust that the information provided will help you to plan and hold a successful first event. If you’ve held auctions in the past, we hope you’ll find some information and ideas that will help you improve your events in the future. Most sections include lists of questions you should answer as you plan that portion of your event. While we can’t guarantee that these lists are exhaustive, they’ll definitely give you plenty to think about.

[ Next ]