Well, this is what I did!! I found one of the state tourist attraction books that they give away at the State Welcome Centers. Sent a letter to every attraction and places that have events, such as dinner theaters, plays and that sort of thing. I sent a please help us out letter to all of these places, and guess what... Every attraction that I mailed to sent back tickets. I started in October with the mail outs, stating that the event would be held in May. Right away the tickets started coming in, they were still coming in the week of the auction. We held a silent auction with all the things that I had solicited through the mail. We made around $4000.00 and it only cost the price of the postage stamps! I even had a couple of parents donate a roll of stamps. I think I used a total of three rolls of stamps. If you don't have a Welcome Center close by contact you state tourist association and get a packet sent to you. It is well worth the trouble of finding the info to get you started.
Hey Maggie,
do you have the address that you sent the request to in Florida? How did you prove that you had accomidations? The accomidations are not a problem at all, just getting the passes donated is what I need. My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
hi, we did get Walt Disney World tix for our upcoming auction. They do want proof that you also have accomadations in the orlando area though. Try all your area attractions, museums, local symphonies, etc. maggie
I would try parents at your school who may have things like tickets to a local professional sports team's games or perhaps own their own business and therefore could donate something big. You never know who has something of value that they'd be happy to donate if you just ask. We have one family that is donating a week at their vacation house! Just get the word out and talk about it with as many parents as you can -- you may be pleasantly surprised.
PS -- I worked on an auction for a community-built playground a couple of years back, right after the US Women's Soccer team won the World Cup. On a whim, I wrote to the team asking for an autographed ball. Much to my surprise, I got one!! It never hurts to ask.
PSS -- If you do get a "big ticket" item, I strongly suggest using an acutioneer rather than a silent auction. You'll get a much better price that way and it will generate lots of excitement.
The closest we have come to a "big ticket item" would be bikes and stereo equipment. They weren't donated, but we did get them at store cost. We used Toys R Us and Walmart. You might try there.
