FWmaker Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 The Parent's Club of my son's Boy Scout Troop runs a breakfast and Charity Auction on Superbowl Sunday - Chinese Auction style. It has to be the Parent's Club because the Scouts themselves cannot be affiliated with raffles and such. We are looking to line up some items for auction. Has anyone had any experience in this area? What's the best way to ask for items? Phone? in person"? e-mail? So far, we are lining up some local vendors to contact. I've sent some e-mails to a local bicycle shop, steiner sports (collectibles), hobby shop, NYMets, NYYankees, NYJets, NYGiants (cannot send for Islanders or Rangers due to their restrictive policies), AdmitOne (ticket brokerage) So, again....anyone have some other ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missoula Griz Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 The Parent's Club of my son's Boy Scout Troop runs a breakfast and Charity Auction on Superbowl Sunday - Chinese Auction style. It has to be the Parent's Club because the Scouts themselves cannot be affiliated with raffles and such. We are looking to line up some items for auction. Has anyone had any experience in this area? What's the best way to ask for items? Phone? in person"? e-mail? So far, we are lining up some local vendors to contact. I've sent some e-mails to a local bicycle shop, steiner sports (collectibles), hobby shop, NYMets, NYYankees, NYJets, NYGiants (cannot send for Islanders or Rangers due to their restrictive policies), AdmitOne (ticket brokerage) So, again....anyone have some other ideas? We have done several over the last few year for kids who have cancer. If the cause is strong enough, word of mouth is the best way to get people to particpate. You need to focus on what the money is going to be used for. I think the parents are going to need to contact family and friends to get the ball rolling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddahj Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 Face to face is usually best. It's a lot harder to say no when you're looking at the person. Oh, bring kids too. Make sure they look sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cre8tiff Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 Network with the Scout's parents. That is the best way to get some surprisingly good stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 (edited) There are numerous ways to go about doing this. Cold calling is a last resort since you'll usually get a no thank you most of the time. Like many have said, network with the other parents and see how many connections they have. Once you exhaust that source then you'll need to hit the pavement with a scout or two and go to any shop that could offer up something of worth. I would also contact the local chamber of commerce to see if they could either recommend businesses or if you have time - allow you to attend a monthly meeting to tell them about your cause. ETA: My chamber is pretty big - easily 30+ businesses a month attend the meetings so this could be a great source if you have a decent size chamber in your town. Edited January 21, 2010 by twiley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 My wife has dose this almost annually for the American Cancer Society, and has done it a couple of times for the American Heart Association and the Junior League. It is all about networking. Emails and cold calls don't get it done. Find a friend that knows a guy..... Also keep in mind what type of event it is, and how many people will attend the event. If it is a big event people are usually willing to donate more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westvirginia Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 Get whomper and his cousins Salvatore and Guido to join you for the visits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 My wife has dose this almost annually for the American Cancer Society, and has done it a couple of times for the American Heart Association and the Junior League. It is all about networking. Emails and cold calls don't get it done. Find a friend that knows a guy..... Also keep in mind what type of event it is, and how many people will attend the event. If it is a big event people are usually willing to donate more. Good call on the junior league - another great resource. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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