Fundraising Tip of the Day: The Importance of Pre-Event Marketing!

As a fundraiser, I know just how important it is to make the most of every fundraising opportunity. Whether you're planning a charity auction, a gala dinner, or an event with a charity auction, every event provides a chance to raise money and awareness for your cause. One of the most effective ways to do this is by advertising the auction items that you have available for your charity fundraiser.

Charity fundraising events are all about bringing people together to support a common cause. But in order to do this effectively, you need to make sure that people know what they're supporting. That's where advertising comes in. By promoting your auction items through various channels, you can attract a wider audience, generate more interest in your event, and ultimately raise more funds for your charity.

So, what are the top reasons and methods for charity fundraising when it comes to advertising your auction items? Here are a few to consider:

#1 - Unique: Make sure your auction items stand out from the crowd by highlighting their uniqueness. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind experience, a rare collectible, or a limited edition item, showcasing what makes your items special can help attract bidders and drive up the final sale price.

#2 - Value: While uniqueness is important, so is value. Make sure to highlight the potential opportunities that bidders could enjoy by winning your auction items. This could include incredible vacations, exclusive access to events, exciting memorabilia or other benefits that make your items a great investment.

#3 - Urgency: Creating a sense of urgency is key to encouraging bidders to act quickly. Highlighting that certain items are limited in quantity, or that the auction will end soon, can create a sense of urgency that motivates people to bid higher.

#4 - Emotion: Finally, don't forget to tap into the emotional side of your audience. Highlight the impact that their donation will have on your cause, and create a sense of connection between your auction items and the work that your charity does.

By incorporating these important topics into your advertising strategy, you can help ensure that your auction items get the attention they deserve. This, in turn, can help you raise more funds and awareness for your charity. So, don't be afraid to get creative with your advertising, and make sure that your auction items are front and center in all of your charity fundraising efforts!

We would love to help you host an incredibly successful event, contact us at info@bwunlimited.com.

"The Gathering" - March 25th, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania benefiting the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most exciting blog post you'll ever read about the Ulster Scottish Pipe Bands fundraiser! I am your host, George Wooden of BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, and today we're going to talk about "The Gathering", a charity event happening on March 25th, planned by BW Unlimited.

Now, let me tell you, this event is going to be a blast. Not only will you get to see one of the most talented pipe bands in the United States, the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band perform, but you'll also be supporting a great cause. That's right, "The Gathering" is a fundraiser for charity, and we're all about raising awareness and funds for a good cause.

So, let's talk about some of the top reasons why you should support this great band, and how "The Gathering" fits the bill.

First off, there's "community involvement". That's right, this event is all about bringing the community together to support a common cause. By attending "The Gathering", you'll be showing your support for the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band and helping to raise funds for charity. It's a win-win situation!

Another important keyword is "awareness". By attending "The Gathering", you'll be raising awareness about the importance of supporting local charities and organizations. You'll also be showing your support for this talented pipe band who have worked hard to perfect their craft.

Of course, we can't forget about "fundraising". That's what "The Gathering" is all about! BW Unlimited has planned an amazing event that's sure to be a hit with everyone who attends, and all the funds raised will go directly to the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band. So, come on out and show your support for a great cause while enjoying an evening of amazing music and community spirit as well as great food, cold beer, an exciting live and silent auction plus tons of raffles.

And let's not forget about "fun"! "The Gathering" is going to be an amazing night of entertainment, with the entire Ulster Scottish pipe band coming together to perform. You'll be tapping your toes and clapping your hands to the beat of the drums and the skirl of the pipes.

So mark your calendars, folks! "The Gathering" is happening on March 25th, and you won't want to miss it. Not only will you be supporting a great cause, but you'll also be part of an amazing community event. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you there!

The importance of charity fundraising event sponsorships

By creating various sponsorship packages for your fundraising event as well as offering lower level items which can be sponsored, you are greatly reducing your costs and adding net profits to your overall event result.

As the owner of BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, I know first-hand the importance of financial sponsors for successful charity fundraising events. In today's world, charities have become a crucial part of our society, and they rely heavily on financial support from individuals and companies to continue their mission and make a difference in the lives of people and communities.

When planning a charity fundraising event, it's crucial to have financial sponsors on board. Financial sponsors are companies or individuals who contribute money to help cover the cost of the event and make a donation to the charity. These sponsors can be essential to the success of the event, as they can provide a significant portion of the funding needed to cover expenses and ensure that the event is profitable.

Having incredible and exciting auction items at your fundraising event is vitally important. By utilizing consigned auction items for both your silent and live auction, you will increase the excitement and interest from your donors which in turn will produce high bids. By getting the auction items sponsored by an individual or company, the costs if sold are completely covered allowing your charity to not only have high quality items that guests do not routinely see but your organization will keep 100% of the selling price. If the auction items do not sell, the items are simply returned to BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising at no cost to you and your charity keeps the sponsorship donation. You will find that your charity or nonprofit can get many more lower level sponsorships than the much higher amounts requested. The same reason applies as described above, you are providing individuals or companies to get recognition and advertisement for their sponsorship. It is a Win Win.

There are many benefits to having financial sponsors for your charity fundraising events. For one, they can help cover the costs associated with organizing the event, such as venue rental, catering, and marketing. This allows charities to focus on their mission and raising money for their cause, rather than worrying about the logistics of planning an event.

Financial sponsors can help increase the exposure of your event. When a business or individual sponsors your event, they are essentially endorsing your cause and promoting it to their network. This endorsement can lead to increased awareness and attendance for your event, which in turn can lead to more funds being raised.

Financial sponsors can also help raise awareness for the charity and its mission. By sponsoring an event, companies and individuals can show their support for the cause and help spread the word about the charity's work. This can lead to increased visibility, more donors, and more opportunities for the charity to make a difference.

Another benefit of having financial sponsors for charity events is that it can help build relationships with potential long-term donors. When a company or individual sponsors a charity event, they become invested in the cause and are more likely to continue supporting the charity in the future. This can lead to ongoing partnerships and collaborations that can benefit both the charity and the sponsor.

At BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, we work closely with charities to help them secure financial sponsors for their events. We understand the importance of financial support and the impact it can have on the success of a charity fundraising event. That's why we have developed a proven system for identifying and approaching potential sponsors, building relationships with them, and securing their support for the event.

In conclusion, financial sponsors are a crucial component of successful charity fundraising events. They provide the funding needed to cover expenses, raise awareness for the charity, and build relationships with potential long-term donors. If you're planning a charity fundraising event, it's essential to have a strategy in place for securing financial sponsors. At BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, we're here to help you do just that. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your fundraising goals.

To learn more about us and to ask for our help, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com or info@bwunlimited.com.

Why hire a professional fundraising event planner?

Charity fundraising galas are a popular way for non-profit organizations to raise funds for their cause. However, organizing and hosting a successful fundraising gala can be a daunting task, requiring a great deal of planning, coordination, and attention to detail. While some organizations may consider planning and hosting a gala in-house, there are many benefits to hiring a professional event planner to ensure the success of the event. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of hiring a professional to plan and host a successful charity fundraising gala.

Team BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising are comprised of the absolute most professional, event planners and staff in the industry. Team BW Unlimited has helped plan and host countless Gala’s and other events across the United States.

Expertise and Experience

Professional event planners have the expertise and experience to plan and execute successful fundraising events. They have the skills to handle every aspect of the event, from venue selection and logistics to decor, catering, and entertainment. They have extensive knowledge of the industry and are up to date on the latest trends and best practices in fundraising event planning.

Save Time and Money

Planning a fundraising gala can be time-consuming, and it can be easy for an inexperienced team to miss important details or overspend. Hiring a professional event planner can help save time and money by taking care of all the logistics, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring that the event stays within budget.

Maximize Donations

The ultimate goal of a charity fundraising gala is to raise money for the cause. Professional event planners understand this and will work to maximize donations at the event. They have experience in creating effective fundraising strategies and will know how to engage guests and encourage them to donate.

Create a Memorable Experience

A well-planned and executed fundraising gala can leave a lasting impression on guests and donors. A professional event planner will work to create a memorable experience for guests, from the decor and entertainment to the food and drinks. They will ensure that the event aligns with the organization's mission and message, leaving guests inspired and motivated to continue supporting the cause.

Ensure a Smooth Event

Finally, hiring a professional event planner will ensure that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. They will oversee all aspects of the event, including set-up, registration, and tear-down, leaving the organization's staff free to focus on engaging with donors and supporters.

In conclusion, hiring a professional event planner is crucial to planning and hosting a successful charity fundraising gala. They bring expertise, experience, and resources to the table, which will save time and money while maximizing donations and creating a memorable experience for guests. By working with a professional, non-profit organizations can ensure the success of their fundraising event and raise more money for their cause.

Testimonial from Retired US Army Ranger SFC Michael Schlitz

"I want to be just like them" - The pitfalls of comparing your Charity or Nonprofit to another.

Are you back in grade school?  Why do you want to be like another charity?  Ask yourself that question before I give you the answer.  How many times have we heard “Be Yourself, there is no one else like you.”  Being a copy of someone or something, is just that, a copy.

Wish to be a better you, not a mirror image of someone or something else.

However, here is what you don’t realize or know.  You will find the answers in the question should have asked before, here are the question that is the actual answer:

#1 – How old is the charity / nonprofit?

#2 – How many years have they been hosting their annual large fundraiser?

#3 – Who is on their Charity or Nonprofit Board of Directors?

#4 – How did they attract their sponsors and supporters?

One of the very best mantra’s I was ever told was this simple statement that makes perfect sense “Time takes Time.”  It’s just that easy, that simple but many of us fail to think this way.

It takes time to build a large supporter base.  It takes time to plan a successful fundraiser and years holding it to work out the “kinks” and to also attract a guest list of supporters who will make large donations.  It takes time to determine what they like, what they want and what they will respond too.  It takes time to find the people in your community or businesses who you need to attract to be a part of your fundraising event. 

There is a term which I have coined called “Crowd Training.”  What is Crowd Training you ask?  It is the time allotted to educate and train your guests on what your event is about and how to be support your cause via the charity fundraiser.  It could take up to three (3) years for your guests to figure out what is happening at your event through all of the “Fundraising Platforms.”  Your Fundraising Platforms are the Live Auction, the Silent Auction, Raffle’s or Games and the “Ask” or request for donations.  We have to understand, your crowd does not just walk in and know exactly what is going on – it takes time!

It also takes time to find a great, qualified fundraising professional who can lead you and your staff.  It takes time to find a great charity Auctioneer who is professional that your crowd will love.  It takes time to train your staff whether it is a paid or volunteer staff.

Remember when comparing yourself to another charity or nonprofit, remember “Time takes Time.”  Invest yourself in the long haul, get educated and begin your journey to success.   

George Wooden, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising

www.BWUnlimited.com

Welcome Scotty Gibbs to Team BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising!

We are excited to welcome Scotty Gibbs to our National Team of Charity/Benefit Auctioneers! Scotty was the 2021 Bid Calling Champion Auctioneer, making him the #1 Auctioneer in the great state of Texas! Scotty brings an amazing amount of professional experience and will be able to help you one of the best Charity Auctioneers in the United States! Contact us to book Scotty for your next charity fundraising event.

You’ll be SHOCKED !!! The “Pro’s & Con’s” of using Consignment Auction Items !!!

The absolute BEST advice I can ever give !!!

Fundraising Tip of the Day: The "Magic" of the Auctioneer.

In order for your Auctioneer to be successful, you have to do your part.

A professional auctioneer is worth his or her weight in gold!!! But we or they are not magicians. First you must have incredible items to sell and second, you must fill the room with people who have the ability to bid. You do your work and your Auctioneer will definitely hit a homerun.

ONE TIP: For your own good, stop getting FREE, unqualified people to act like an Auctioneer. Do you want someone to act like a Doctor or a Lawyer? w