Chicago Area Charity Auction – 33rd Annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction

Original post at http://www.littlefriendsinc.org/auction.asp

33rd Annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction Saturday, March 7, 2009
Hilton Lisle-Naperville

Little Friends is Seeking Volunteers to Plan 2009 Bids for Kids Benefit Auction
Little Friends, Inc. will host a meeting for community volunteers interested in helping to plan the agency’s 33rd Annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction. The informational meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, at the agency’s Naperville location, 140 N. Wright Street.

One of the longest-running auctions in the Naperville area, the 2009 Bids for Kids Benefit Auction will be held on Saturday, March 7, at the Hilton Lisle-Naperville. Held annually, the event includes cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles and dancing. Next year’s auction theme will celebrate the sights and sounds of one of the finest cities in the world – Chicago. Guests will admire the city’s picturesque skyline and toast Chicago’s historic landmarks while enjoying a unique and exciting “My Kind of Town” atmosphere, all while raising funds for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities served by Little Friends, Inc.

Community volunteers are needed to help plan all aspects of the Benefit Auction. Volunteers assist with logistics, sponsorships, marketing, decorations and live and silent auction item solicitation. The planning committee meets twice a month at the Little Friends Administrative Building. For more information or to volunteer to serve on the planning committee for next year’s Bids for Kids Benefit Auction, please contact Special Events and Volunteer Manager Cally Edwards at (630) 281-1882 or via e-mail at credwards@lilfriends.com.

 
Little Friends Bids for Kids Benefit Auction Raises $120,000

A sold-out crowd of more than 400 area residents helped Little Friends, Inc. raise more than $120,000 at its annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction on Saturday, March 8, at the Hilton Lisle-Naperville. Proceeds from the annual event benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism, served by Little Friends.

Now in its 32nd year, the Bids for Kids Benefit Auction is one of the longest-running auctions in the Naperville area. This year’s event celebrated the academy-award winning classic, Casablanca. Guests traveled to a far away land made famous by this 1942 cinematic masterpiece, dined in Rick’s Café and toasted Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, all while raising funds for Naperville-based Little Friends. Festivities included cocktails, dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, raffles and entertainment.

This year’s live auction netted nearly $70,000 as event-goers bid on original client artwork, trips to Puerto Rico and Sun Valley, Idaho, authentic sports memorabilia and weekend getaways to Galena and the Casablanca Winery in Ontario, Canada. Other items included several fine dining experiences, exceptional wine packages and tickets for some of the hottest sports events around, including the Bears versus Packers game at Soldier Field and the Michigan versus Notre Dame game in South Bend.

The top-grossing item from this year’s live auction was an elegant fine dining package for twenty people from Sullivan’s Steakhouse, which sold for $5,600. Other top-sellers included dining packages from Chef by Request and Zaidi’s Steak Sushi Seafood, an autographed Hannah Montana guitar and an autographed Brett Favre jersey and a full-size helmet, which each sold for $2,600. 

“We are thrilled and so thankful for the success of this year’s Bids for Kids Auction,” said Vice President for Development Kathleen Malecki. “Once again, we had a wonderful planning committee, and I just can’t say enough about the overwhelming generosity of the local residents and businesses,” added Malecki.

The ACCG Benefit Auction nets $45,811 in active bidding

Orginal Article at – http://www.coinlink.com/News/ancients/the-accg-benefit-auction-nets-45811-in-active-bidding/

The ACCG Benefit Auction nets $45,811 in active bidding

The ancient coin collecting fraternity supported its primary advocacy group with an impressive $45,811 in the Benefit Auction that closed today on Vauctions.com .  The total topped a pre-auction estimate of $44,775.  Coins and other items donated by collectors and dealers across the country and even from friends outside of the USA were sometimes fought over furiously by fellow collectors.

The sale consisted of 208 lots, primarily of ancient coins from many cultures, but also including related books and antiquities.  A total of 1,481 bids were registered during the auction, with typical auction results—some lots saw very strong competition and others, often surprisingly, were available at bargain prices.  Greek silver coins drew collector interest as often is the case.

Among the highlights, a silver didrachm from Akragas (lot #9) brought $630 against a pre-auction estimate of $300 while a silver shekel from Byblos in Phoenicia (Lot 50) estimated at $750 brought $1050.  One of the most actively bid coins was a bronze coin from Palmyra struck during the 1st century BC.  Twenty-three bids pushed the hammer price to $751, nearly four times the estimate.  Coins of Roman Egypt, mainly from the James Theselius Collection, were popular and drew spirited bids.  A tetradrachm of Tranquillina sold for $301 at double the estimate.

The rare bronze of Libius Severus drew 30 bids and a hammer price of $855.  Some obvious bargains included a lovely stater of the Danubian Celts that was conservatively estimated at $750 and slipped under the radar at $400.  A rare tetradrachm from Gela, estimated at $1500 and previously sold at $2000, was snapped up by a lucky (or astute) bidder for $901.  Several Vcoins gift cards auctioned in the sale actually brought more than face value, demonstrating solid support for the benefit theme.

Overall, this auction was very well supported by donors and bidders, several of whom expressed a hope that the sale would become an annual event.  The ACCG Board of Directors wishes to sincerely thank all who participated in the sale as donors or bidders and especially those who helped to organize, promote and conduct the sale.

Fundraiser Charity Events – Benefit Auctions, Traditional Auctioneers or Specialty Auctioneers?

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions

Fundraising Auctions, Charity Auctions or Benefit Auctions all focus on the same theme, organizations have often hosted these silent auctions but few have chosen a live auction. Have you considered why live auctions aren’t more popular?  Because most auctioneers are not entertainers.

Transforming a live auction into an entertaining event is a unique ability, you should use a auction company which has extensive experience in the planning and execution of revenue based functions while providing unique and entertaining live auctions that complement a fundrasing affair. This will generate substantial increases to your proceeds.

Traditional Auctions 
The old world auction style offers fast talking or chanting that many people unfamiliar with live auctions find difficult to comprehend. Chanting is useful in facilitating sales in a rapid manner such as auctioning cattle, farm equipment and automobiles. This traditional technique can impair auctions that require a diverse approach. Certain events including benefit auctions require a more entertainment based approach. A Auction house such as Zanza Blue can bring a respectable level of entertainment to the art of a live auction. This is achieved though the experience of performing many auctions. 

Benefits Auctions
Zanza Blue Benefit auctions provides auctions in a unique fashion. They often manage the entire fundrasing event including; event preparation, event environment and fundamental event structure while balancing tempo, personality, and maximizing the enjoyment of your guests resulting in an absolute increase in the event proceeds. Always use a Auctioneer that understands the core responsibilities of charity events, someone who will take into account your organization’s foundation and goals along with the preferences of invited donors and guests. Always look to a profesional team that will work in partnership with your organization to achive the maximum amount of donations through a live auction venue.

For more information visit www.zanzablue.com

 

Visit www.zanzablue.com for detailed information regarding detailed benefit auction services available to you.

Benefit Auction News – Save the Earth Foundation 2008 Earth Day Benefit Auction

Article Link – http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS162620+22-Apr-2008+BW20080422

Save the Earth Foundation 2008 Earth Day Benefit Auction Announced
Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:05am EDT

Live Earth Day Auctions of Autographed Guitars on The Drive 97.1 FM in Chicago, The Globe 94.7 FM in Washington D.C. and Online at   www.savetheearth.net SAN FRANCISCO
The Save the Earth Foundation’s 2008 Earth Day auction will take place on Tuesday April 22nd this year. The radio auctions are “On-Air” in Washington DC and Chicago, featuring guitars autographed by Rolling
Stones guitar god, Keith Richards. The online auction will run now until April 30th and feature over 120 rare autographed items from music, sports and film.

   “By working with radio stations and through the Web we have been able to promote Earth Day and the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ message across the country,” said Ken Margolis, Director of Events for the
Save the Earth Foundation.

   This year participating radio stations are:

   — WDRV The Drive 97.1 FM in Chicago

   — WTGB 94.7 FM The Globe in Washington DC

   The on-air auctions start Tuesday morning of April 22nd, and end in the evening. All auction information on the event is available at www.SaveTheEarth.net. The Save the Earth Foundation Earth Day Benefit Auction is produced by Ken Margolis and Brian Webster, underwritten and sponsored by Premium Network, Inc
(http://www.premiumnetwork.com).

   Save the Earth invites individuals and webmasters to link to the www.SaveTheEarth.net website to help promote this year’s event. To find out how you can help support and promote this event visit www.SaveTheEarth.net or call the Save the Earth Foundation at: 415-575-1444.

   The Save the Earth Foundation (http://www.savetheearth.org) functions as a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation dedicated to the expansion of environmental awareness in our society. Save the Earth
helps solve major environmental problems by providing grants to colleges and universities to fund environmental research and educational programs that train students to solve environmental problems. Research grants from the Save the Earth Foundation help slow — and ultimately reverse — our planet’s deterioration.

Save the Earth Foundation
Ken Margolis, 415-575-1444
ste4@savetheearth.org
www.savetheearth.org

Copyright Business Wire 2008

MPI’s 20’s-Themed Benefit Auction in New York NY

 Original Post at http://www.bizbash.com/chicago/content/editorial/e1923.php#cont
 FROM NEW YORK

Who has time to change into black-tie dress when there’s networking and catching up with friends to do? This seemed to be the prevailing attitude among the approximately 300 guests at the Meeting Professionals International Greater New York chapter’s Starlight Ball and 15th annual Terry Spinelli auction at the Starlight Roof inside the Waldorf=Astoria. While a few guests donned evening gowns and tuxes, most attendees opted for the “optional” in the “black-tie optional” dress code and came straight from work.
 

The Starlight Roof–a long, narrow room with two elevated areas on both sides–was well-suited for the event’s Roaring 20’s theme, with the space’s restored Art Deco ceiling and decor. The dance floor was located at one end of the room, and the buffet–which offered roast beef, a few different pasta options, some Chinese cuisine like moo-shoo rolls and potstickers and a nice spread of desserts including chocolate-dipped strawberries–was located at the other end.

The dinner tables were decorated with unusual centerpieces from Bullfrogs and Butterflies. The flower arrangements were set in pedestaled stone vases, and featured greenery interspersed with white lilies, orchids and pussy willow splayed above the table. Long vines with small yellow flowers reached toward the ceiling and were tied together with raffia at the tips.

An array of fabulous hotel stays in exotic locales, restaurant meals and entertainment packages was available to the highest bidder at the silent auction, as well as some other fun stuff like a gift basket filled with kiddie bath products and some sports memorabilia. Overall, the event raised more than $50,000 for the Terry Spinelli scholarship fund and Miracle House, a nonprofit that assists family members of AIDS patients.

Free Website and Blog rolled out by Benefit Auction Company

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions

 

PRESS RELEASE

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions launched yet another great service to clients, a free online auction website and blog. Zanza Blue’s Technology team now provides a basic website for every live auction event they host. Event specific domain, hosting and personalized design are all provided at no additional cost to the organization. Zanza Blue offers several services which includes; Client Communication Services (Cutting Edge Conferencing), Items For Auction,  Event Collateral, Auctioneer Selection, Event Marketing Assistance, Professional Audio Equipment, Event Budgeting Consulting, Event Software, Event Theme Selection, Licenses and Permits, Proceeds Collection, Event Location Consulting, Staff & Volunteers Guidance, Event Layout Consulting and Item Categorization.

 
Zanza Blue is the only auction house that offers all of these services as part of the “Zanza Blue Signature Services” with no additional cost to their clients. In addition Zanza Blue offers several payment options for auctioneer services, the most popular option does not cost their clients anything which is nearly unheard of in the auction industry. Normally auction houses require an up-front fee.

 
Zanza Blue has recently courted Chicago area schools, from grade schools to high schools a professional and innovative auction house is now available to nearly any school. Many Benefit Auction providers will not provide these services to local schools however  Zanza Blue understands how important school funding is to the children and the local community.

 
You can view their services at www.zanzablue.com

Private and Public School Fundraising – New Idea’s

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions

 

Many private and public schools have turned to fundraiser / fundraising auctions to raise money for their sports teams, libraries, grounds and any other worth while cause that will benefit the facility and students. We have seen too many times where a volunteer parent, or board member has cost the school tens of thousands of dollars by thinking they can run the auction themselves.  Let a professional benefit auctioneer make your event a success.

Fundraising events challenge individuals to donate both their time and money to a cause. A live auction brings imagination and excitement to an event which commonly attracts guests who otherwise would not participate in a charity function. Raising a bid card into the air is an energizing feeling and your guests become enwrapped in the excitement which always results in more donations.

A live auction will entertain your guests making your event and it’s cause more memorable. Benefit Auctions bring awareness of the organization and increase donations through excitement and camaraderie. Annual events especially benefit from live auctions as guests are more likely to return in the following years and encourage friends and business acquaintances to attend.

 PLANNING A LIVE AUCTION
The most important part of a live auction is the auctioneer, before choosing an auctioneer make sure they have experience performing benefit auctions (using a general auctioneer that uses chanting / fast talking is not conducive to fundraising events). In fact the best option is to find an auctioneer or auction house that specializes in fundraising auctions.

You want an entertainer who is also an auctioneer, when participants enjoy the event they will give more.  Many benefit auction services only accommodate school that anticipate high revenue and in turn will still charge hefty fees up-front for their services.

An ideal situation is to find an auction house that will provide services through a buyer’s premium as compensation for their services. Normally sales tax does not apply to a charitable event which can range from 6% to 9%. In place of this amount is a buyers premium (normally 10%) that goes to the auction firm, this is a good option for several reasons, the participants are used to sales tax or some kind of surcharge on goods, the school / organization benefits since the auction house costs nothing, the auctioneer will work harder to increase profits.

Keep away from auction houses that want a fee up-front, once you have paid for their services you cannot guarantee they will perform at a high level. Another key is to find a full service auction firm. Many auctioneers will only provide services for the actual auction portion leaving the school / organization to handle the rest of the event. See what the auction house provides, the more services included the better.

If your school has never hosted a live auction then you need an auctioneer that is also an event coordinator. Never use a volunteer for a live auction, this will cost an event unbelievable losses. Ideally look for an auction firm that can assist you with planning every aspect of the event. Some auction houses do provide these services without any additional charges.

If you are hosting a fundraising event that includes a live auction in the greater Chicago area or greater Miami area check out Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions. Look over their services at www.zanzablue.com (Zanza Blue does provide services nationwide, however depending on your location traveling expenses should be considered).

If your school / organization is hosting a live auction and would like to know what services should be offered to you then use the Zanza Blue website as a guide. Print out the services offered and present them to the auctioneer / auction house in your area. If you find that you cannot locate a auction house you can email Zanza Blue for advice regarding a reparable auctioneer in your area. Email info@zanza.com   

 

 

 

 

Chicago Charity Auction raise four million for charity with cows

 

Bidders heard the cattle call and opened their wallets to snap up life-sized bovine creations from Chicago’s “Cows on Parade” exhibit. Organizers sold almost half the fiberglass herd on Tuesday in two auctions, raising close to $4 million for charity.

Sotheby’s put 75 cows on the block at an auction at the Chicago Theater. They sold for $2.7 million. Proceeds from each sale are to go to the charity of the buyer’s choice. HANDsome, a cow covered in child handprints, fetched the biggest price: $110,000, to be donated to Children’s Memorial Hospital.

The cows — which city officials say have attracted more media attention for Chicago than the 1996 Democratic National Convention — are a city-sponsored outdoor art exhibit. The idea for the exhibit originated in Zurich.

Uncle Sam, the patriotic steer, came in second — the winning bid amount of $92,000 is to be contributed to Dairy Relief Inc. Third place was a three-way tie for third place: Grazing With the Cows, Urban Re-cow-struction and Adaptive Reuse each sold for $75,000.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey bought “Cowbeille De Fruits,” a cow painted with fruit. Winfrey sent Jeff Jacobs to put in a bid on her behalf. He says Winfrey plans to keep it on her farm in Indiana. The $36,000 she paid is to be donated to a group that helps abused women.

Internet auction results
Bidders bought 65 other cows for almost $1.4 million in an online auction conducted at Metromix.com. Mirroriam, a cow covered in shards of mirror, got the highest online bid at $65,500. That money is to benefit the Off-the-Street Club.

Festival Cow, sporting a mural of fireworks over Lake Michigan with the city skyline in the background, generated a $34,550 donation to the Chicago Tourism Fund. Brian the Cow: Milk & Cookies drew $32,200 for the Grant-A-Wish Foundation. The remaining 140 cows not auctioned are being kept by their corporate sponsors.

The sculptures, dismantled on Tuesday, were given a final parade down neighborhood streets in pickup trucks. The sculptures had been posed on city sidewalks for months, luring an estimated 2 million visitors downtown since June, according to the city. Michael Lash, director of public art for Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs, says he estimates visitors spent an average $112 each, hence the value of the exhibit to Chicago.

The success of the cow exhibition is giving other cities ideas. Officials in more than 30 municipalities, New York and Seattle among them, say they’re planning similar exhibits.

Zanza Blue Mascot – Big Brown Dog Makes It Big

Zanza Blue Mascot JACO

 

Jaco the Zanza Blue Mascot is a Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Born in 2002 in Ft. Lauderdale Florida and named after the legendary bass player Jaco Pastorius, he was raised by Kyle Ploeger and Lou Johns, both exceptionally talented entertainers. Jaco’s father was a professional bass player, Musical Director and finally supervised over one hundred musicians as a Musician Coordinator, his mother a professional dancer in the performing arts, Dance Captain of Revue Shows and Coordinator of Dancers.

 

Jaco’s upbringing was unique exposing him at a young age to some of the most talented and successful entertainers performing internationally. Jaco came to Chicago, Illinois in 2004 after the passing of his father.

 
He has been a co-creator of Zanza Blue and is heavily involved in our success. Jaco brings his experience in a support level, he is always a part of the team during brainstorming sessions and general daily operations. A very loyal member of the staff, all he requests is acknowledgment in his support role and peanut butter. Although he weighs 125 Pounds, we still support Jaco on his stance that peanut butter is the Atkins diet for dogs and has nothing to do with his proportioning. He has mentioned on many occasions he is just big boned.

 

 

 

Visit www.zanzablue.com for detailed information regarding detailed benefit auction services available to you.

Auction House Based in Chicago Goes National – Benefit Auctions

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions

 

Zanza Blue’s  Benefit Auction Services are in high demand and the team has gone national.  Originally based in the greater Chicago Area Zanza Blue now provides  benefit auctioneers, charity auctioneers or fine art auctioneers anywhere in the United States. 

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions newest satellite office is located in the greater Florida area with Leif Rydfors heading up Miami area benefit auction services.  Mr. Leif Rydfors brings a sophisticated and cosmopolitan facet to Zanza Blue.

The child of a diplomat, Leif spent his childhood living in many countries including: Kenya, Portugal, and Brazil. His experiences have given him a truly global and unique perspective on life. Mr. Rydfors was educated at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and graduated with a B.S. in Social Psychology and Italian Literature. He is fluent in several languages including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish and German. After completing his studies at Georgetown University, Mr. Rydfors decided to utilize his love and knowledge of languages and cultures and his unique global perspective in a guest relations capacity.

 He has worked with companies such as the Hotel Amaranten in Stockholm, Sweden, Masound Productions in Washington, D.C., and Arcalia in Lisbon, Portugal. Mr. Rydfors excels in coordinating unique and V.I.P events and his titles have included International V.I.P, Chief of Promotions and Public Relations, Public Relations Administrator and Assistant to the Entertainment Director.

Always in search of new and challenging opportunities in 1998 Leif accepted a unique position with Norwegian Cruise Lines, that enabled him to create and lead a new department for International Public Relations, resulting in the inauguration of the Norwegian Cruise Lines International Host Program. In 2001 Mr. Rydfors was presented with an opportunity to learn about and enter into a new and demanding field. He studied and trained to become an Auctioneer of Fine Art. Leif took full advantage of his knowledge, skills and past experiences and excelled in his new position.

His success did not go unnoticed and in 2005 he became the Sales Director for one of the elite art retailers offering fine art internationally. This new role required Leif to balance, time sensitive stock, international logistics and complex personal requirements for thousands of events worldwide. Leif not only prospered in this demanding position but elevated the entire program. This led to Leif eventually fulfilling the position of Sales Director for West End Publishing in Miami, Florida. Leif joins the Zanza Blue team as a long time business associate of Mr. Kaufmann. His knowledge, global perspective and extensive event planning experience is a welcome addition to the Zanza Blue team.

 

 

 

Visit www.zanzablue.com for detailed information regarding detailed benefit auction services available to you.

Benefit Auction for University of Chicago

Press Release at http://www.prnewsnow.com/Public_Release/Education/118500.html

Benefit Auction for University of Chicago Comer Childrens Hospital Represents Milestone for Massachusetts based Artists Coach
On September 9 at Harold Washington Public Library in Chicago, sculptor Jeffrey Breslow unveils 16 bronze and wood sculptures at an opening exhibition and auction to benefit the Comer Children’s Hospital of the University of Chicago.

For Breslow, whose day job is CEO of Big Monster Toys, one of the world’s largest toy design companies, it is the first exhibition of his work. And for Dr. Ariane Goodwin (www.artist-statement.com), who has been coaching Breslow for two years, the exhibition represents public confirmation of the viability of art as a second profession for early retirees, a trend that fuels her own career as an artists’s and coach.

Baby boomers, who held good jobs for years, are ready to retire and devote themselves full time to the art they have been pursuing in their spare time, says Goodwin, author of Writing the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work, who found herself helping artists from all over the world after the release of her book. Contrary to the stereotype of the starving artist with no head for business, artists eager for career coaching and able to pay for it have spawned a waiting list 6-12 months long before they can work with Goodwin on their careers.

Goodwin’s client Jeffrey Breslow exemplifies the trend of mature artists who have a body of artwork that is ready, or almost ready, to show,’s; she says. ’s; They don’t want to waste time waffling around, and they understand the value of working with another creative professional who knows how to balance, right-brain’s; creativity and ’s left-brain’s career development. Breslow is phasing out 38 years in the business of designing toys to devote himself to sculpture full-time.

According to a survey recently reported in the New York Times, 47 percent of chief executives said that their lifelong dream was to be a sculptor.

Goodwin, who holds a doctorate in Human Development and Creative Studies from the University of Massachusetts, grew up among artists and writers in Big Sur, California. In addition to offering career coaching for artists, she helps them express the meaning of their work in a compelling artist’s statement and an effective web site.

Artists interested in more information on career coaching and artist statements can go to Goodwin’s web site, www.artist-statement.com or call 866-Art-Buzz (866-278-2899).

Benefit Auction for University of Chicago Comer Childrens Hospital Represents Milestone for Massachusetts based Artists Coach

School Benefit Auction – Huge Gavel Makes Appearance

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions

By far one of the largest gavels in the Midwest is just one of many props used by Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions. From Hula Hoops to a 3 foot gavel, the fundraising auctions hosted by Zanza Blue bring a new face to charity. From a black tie affair to themed community auctions this team brings original and at time wacky events to the public. The end result is always the same, more profit for the school / organization. If you hear of a Rubber chicken throwing auction being hosted you can be sure Zanza Blue is the company being used.

The Zanza Blue team’s background is nearly as unique as their events. Nearly every member previously worked on cruise ships in entertainer rolls. This brings a fresh and new style not usually considered. Zanza Blue’s concept is simple, make the event entertaining and the theme creative enough were everyone lines up at the door to get in on the buzz. Another unique thing to note is how the Zanza Blue handles the events from start to end without costing the organization anything.

Visit www.zanzablue.com for detailed information regarding detailed benefit auction services available to you.

19th Annual Rock for Kids Rock and Roll Charity Auction held in Chicago

The 19th annual Rock for Kids Rock & Roll Charity Auction was held at 7 p.m. November 30th at Park West, 322 W. Armitage. Sales from the collectibles will benefit Rock for Kids that buys holiday gifts for homeless families with children. This year’s flagship fundraiser features a live and silent auction including an incredible array of items signed by rock stars, Hollywood celebrities and sporting greats. The event promises something for everyone from rare 60’s LPs to autographed posters of new indie bands.

Featured items include: A suit worn by James Brown, an autographed Pete Townshend guitar, Billy Joel’s sheet music, Bjork photograph and an Arcade Fire LP.

Choosing a Benefit Auctioneer / Charity Auctioneer becomes an easy choice

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions

Many of the auctioneers that are now part of Zanza Blue Benefit Auction Services previously auctioned fine art auctions, fine estate items, and the list goes on. The principal auctioneers Leif and Shawn decided to venture into benefit auctions; after all of the thousands of auctions they preformed the random benefit auction was the most enjoyable. The clear choice was to give these services to the fundraising community.  The services of Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions have been in high demand ever since.

 

 

 

Visit www.zanzablue.com for detailed information regarding detailed benefit auction services available to you.

Schools using fundraiser auctions for school fundraising

Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions

Many schools are now turning to live auctions as a means for fundraising.  These school auctions are exciting events producing more proceeds then ever concidered for a school.  The fundraisers for the schools have produceed results that are fantastic! 

Family and friends and the community are flocking to these events while being more generous than ever with donating items for the auction. The most important part of the event is hiring a professional auctioneer.  The auctioneer will not only make your event successful, but also leave the crowd waiting for the next auction!

The most important part of a live auction is the auctioneer, before choosing an auctioneer make sure they have experience performing benefit auctions (using a general auctioneer that uses chanting / fast talking is not conducive to fundraising events). In fact the best option is to find an auctioneer or auction house that specializes in fundraising auctions.

You want an entertainer who is also an auctioneer, when participants enjoy the event they will give more.  Many benefit auction services only accommodate school that anticipate high revenue and in turn will still charge hefty fees up-front for their services.

An ideal situation is to find an auction house that will provide services through a buyer’s premium as compensation for their services. Normally sales tax does not apply to a charitable event which can range from 6% to 9%. In place of this amount is a buyers premium (normally 10%) that goes to the auction firm, this is a good option for several reasons, the participants are used to sales tax or some kind of surcharge on goods, the school / organization benefits since the auction house costs nothing, the auctioneer will work harder to increase profits.

Keep away from auction houses that want a fee up-front, once you have paid for their services you cannot guarantee they will perform at a high level. Another key is to find a full service auction firm. Many auctioneers will only provide services for the actual auction portion leaving the school / organization to handle the rest of the event. See what the auction house provides, the more services included the better.

If your school has never hosted a live auction then you need an auctioneer that is also an event coordinator. Never use a volunteer for a live auction, this will cost an event unbelievable losses. Ideally look for an auction firm that can assist you with planning every aspect of the event. Some auction houses do provide these services without any additional charges.

If you are hosting a fundraising event that includes a live auction in the greater Chicago area or greater Miami area check out Zanza Blue Benefit Auctions. Look over their services at www.zanzablue.com (Zanza Blue does provide services nationwide, however depending on your location traveling expenses should be considered).

If your school / organization is hosting a live auction and would like to know what services should be offered to you then use the Zanza Blue website as a guide. Print out the services offered and present them to the auctioneer / auction house in your area. If you find that you cannot locate a auction house you can email Zanza Blue for advice regarding a reparable auctioneer in your area. Email info@zanza.com