Blind Auction Puts the Fun in Fundraisers & Parties

Blind Auction Fundraising

A blind auction is great fun and makes a terrific fundraiser for any kind of group: PTA, Church, community charities and much more . It works best as part of an event such as a luncheon or dinner meeting or a party.

Here's how it works. Ask everyone who will be attending the event to bring a wrapped package. The contents can be anything! You may win a roll of toilet paper, a thrift store hat, or something of actual value.

This is an excellent opportunity for re-gifting. You can get rid of unwanted items for a worthy cause. Home crafted items are very popular as are gift baskets, but everything must be wrapped. Donors may use gift wrap, brown paper or newspaper comic pages as wrap. Be creative and make your item look appealing and/or mysterious.

Announce that at least one of the boxes contains a $20 bill or something of value that is small enough to fit in all the boxes. The dollar value will depend on your organization and anticipated bidding amounts. Please consider the average income level of participants. If the auction will be attended mainly by retirees, it would be advisable to put a low cap on the bid amounts.

As guests arrive, they place their boxes on a dispaly table so potential bidders can examine them and speculate as to the contents.  Donors may disguise their items by adding a heavy item or using a large box for a small itm.  Make sure everyone has time to pick them up, squeeze, rattle and shake them before the bidding begins.  Guessing at the contents adds to the fun. 

When the auction begins, start out with a couple of valuable prizes* to stimulate the bidding.  Above all, make sure you allow time for everyone to open their boxes in front of the group.  The surprise is part of the fun. 

*To increase bid amounts, organizers may solicit prizes and/or gift cards from local merchants.  These items must also be wrapped.  Be sure to credit merchant donors with a sign as well as an announcement by the auctioneer.

                        Have fun and happy fundraising!