How to choose the best auction items for silent auctions

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What are the best auction items for silent and live auctions?

Does the value  or uniqueness of the item matter? Or perhaps the type of item?

Actually, both of these factors come into play in choosing the best auction items. Even more importantly, it is important to think about who you are inviting. What are they interested in? What do they gravitate to when they want to be entertained or relax? Everyone has a hobby, interest, or niche topic that you can appeal to with auction items tailored to them. The more you know about your guests, the better.  Start with demographics (age, gender, etc) and consider their jobs or where they live. If you know them better than that – great! What are their hobbies and interests? What do they do when they are want to go on vacation? Both general and specific information about your guests can point you in the right direction and choose the best auction items for great results.

What if I don’t know much about my guests?

That’s ok! A team of fundraising event experts like Helping Hand Group’s can walk you through the best auction items that suit certain crowds. A fundraising event expert can use past event experience to guide you towards items that tend to get guests excited for the auctions. This can lead to more bids, higher bids, and more raise for your cause.

What are some examples of the best auction items?

Vacation packages are a great place to start. They appeal to a wide range of event guests. However, autographed memorabilia can get certain guests very excited to join your silent or live auction. The best auction items are unique, stand-out, and cannot be purchased in stores. They often come in the form of items and artwork signed by musicians, athletes and artists.

Some examples of three fundraising auction item categories that our team has available – art, sport, and music memorabilia:

Elton John – Signed original LP framed as part of a larger tribute piece. One of the world’s best-selling artists. Elton John has a long list of achievements including multiple Grammy and Brit Awards, an Academy Award, a Tony Award and a back catalogue of hit singles from over 50 years in the music industry.

 

 

Charles Blackman – Framed ‘Alice on the Table’ print on artist paper. A Printer’s Proof from a Limited Edition, and featuring the embossed seal of the artist. A stunning piece from one of one of Australia’s greatest artists!

 

 

 

LeBron James – Signed and box framed LA Lakers jersey. With 3 NBA championships, 2 Olympic gold medals, and many other individual achievements to his name, LeBron James is recognised as the greatest basketballer in the world today. Stands shoulder to shoulder with the best basketballers in history and only time will tell if he can surpass them all.

 

Contact our team to discuss the many items we have available that would the best auction items for your next silent or live auction.

View more samples from our fundraising auction item list.

New Auction Item: Private Discover Sailing Day package for 8 on Sydney Harbour

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Helping Hand Group New Auction Item for Fundraiser Sydney Cruise on Yacht

Do you need a special item to drive a more interesting and effective fundraising auction? Our team is always looking for new and exciting auction items for fundraisers and we are proud to announce a brand-new experience package, available now.

Experience packages can offer a unique, stand-out touch to your live or silent auction. This can conjure interest from more guests to encourage participation in your auction and result in more funds raised for your cause.

More about this new item:

Your auction winner will enjoy an incredible day for eight guests on a new luxury yacht. A delicious on-board lunch or afternoon tea will be served, including champagne, beer, wine and soft drinks. After a short briefing, the group can learn how to hoist and trim the sails or just chill out on the deck. Departing from Rushcutters Bay in the East, the group will set sail for a taste of the mighty Pacific Ocean! They will be fascinated by the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House whilst sailing on to amazing beaches for lunch and perhaps a swim. The cruise returns back to Rushcutters Bay, after four full hours.

As always, we can offer all of our auction items with no cost to your event budget (consignment). Contact our team for more information, terms, and conditions, and how to add this package to your next fundraising auction.

Hunter Valley Wine Country Cabins leave Canadians with perfect memories of Australia

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Tucked away in Australia’s oldest wine region, the beautiful Hunter Valley Wine Country Cabins is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s cities or a fantastic destination for visitors to the New South Wales region. The property is situated amongst numerous bespoke vineyards and the region’s best attractions – making it the perfect overnight resting spot to spend time taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the famous Hunter Valley. Accommodation packages at the property are also available as auction items for fundraisers.

The Wine Country Cabins recently became the highlight of a couple’s travels in Australia. Visiting from Canada on their first-ever trip to Australia, Bill and Kathy G. were on a five-week trip to the New South Wales region which included a weekend stay in the Hunter Valley. Upon their arrival to the Wine Country Cabins, they were blown away by the beautiful expanse of the property. “It’s simply beautiful. Quiet, spacious, and serene. And you can smell the eucalyptus! Now, that’s authentic Australia. What more could you ask for?” said Kathy.

The property boasts a layout of cottage-like accommodation with full kitchen and restaurant services, lounge area, and beautiful pool on 60,000 square meters of natural landscape. Cottage rooms sleep 2-4 people and include a bar fridge, snack bar, ensuite bathroom, TV, and air conditioning. “Our cottage room was just so cute. The decor is stylish and the raw log walls give you that warm, cottage feel. The vanilla and lavender candles were a nice touch. It was so relaxing.” Kathy described. Additionally, each cottage room has an outdoor patio area with table and chairs – perfect for relaxing and taking in the views of the property. “We were excited to see the kangaroos,” said Bill. “It was the first time seeing them in the wild, so it was pretty neat. They hopped through the property while we sat and drank tea on the patio. There was also a variety of bird species such as colourful Lorikeets visiting in the trees. Spectacular.”

Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast arrangement in the central lodge provided by the Wine Country Cabins team each morning. With indoor and outdoor seating, the lodge provides a nice spot to mingle with other guests or grab a quiet corner and enjoy the ambiance. “Nicole and her team were delightful. They always had a smile on their faces and were eager to help us with anything we needed,” said Bill. “They really know how to make you feel welcome.” The central pool area is beautifully laid out with a small surrounding garden, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and pool towels. Adjacent to the pool area is a BBQ area for group functions. “It would be a great spot to hold an outdoor event such as a wedding, birthday, or corporate retreat,” said Kathy. “I’d love to hold my 60th here if I could!”

The immediate area around the Wine Country Cabins features a large number of wineries such as Bimbadgen, Blueberry Hill, Keith Tulloch, and Tatler plus a variety of unique attractions such as Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, Sabor dessert bar, Hunter Distillery, Matilda Bay Brewhouse and the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens. “There was a lot to choose from each day. Apart from the great wineries, I was able to taste and buy some wonderful chocolate and Bill was able to do some beer tasting. We were very impressed – the region offers something for all tastes,” said Kathy.

A retreat to the Hunter Valley Wine Country Cabins is a perfect way to treat yourself, your friends, or your loved ones to a relaxing and revitalising experience in one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. “Thank you for the wonderful memories. We are definitely coming back,” said Bill. “Not even the expanse of the Pacific Ocean can keep us away.”

 

Helping Hand Group offers live and silent auction items that include the Hunter Valley Wine Country Cabins as accommodation. Below is a list of experience packages available for your next fundraising auction:

Hunter Valley Wine Country Cabins Accommodation Packages available for fundraising auctions:

  1. Wine Country Adventure for 2 guests, 3 nights (midweek)
  2. Wine Country Adventure for 2 guests, 4 nights (midweek)
  3. Wine Country Adventure for 4 guests, 4 nights (midweek)
  4. Wine Country Adventure for 4 guests, 3 nights (long weekend)
  5. Your Own Private Resort – Entire Property for up to 45 guests, 3 nights (long weekend)
  6. Your Own Private Resort – Entire Property for up to 45 guests, 4 nights (midweek)

Adventure & Indulgence Experiences paired with Hunter Valley Wine Country Cabins Accommodation available for fundraising auctions:

  1. Golfers’ Paradise at Cypress Lakes and The Vintage Golf Clubs for 4 guests, 2 nights / 3 days (midweek)
  2. Helicopter Ride for 2 guests, 3 nights
  3. Ale Adventure Boutique Breweries & Tastings for 6 guests, 3 nights (long weekend)
  4. David Bitton exclusive Foodies Experience for 2 guests, with 3 nights (Friday April 13 to Sunday April 15, 2018)

Contact our team to learn more about how you can add a package to your next fundraising auction at no cost to your event’s budget!