Just a note for those planning an auction, make sure there are no state rules that restrict you from having one without a gaming license. In the state of New Jersey, you must get a license for your organization and pay a fee every other year. This is big news to a lot of schools who didn't realize more is involved than getting donations.
I just about forgot. Last year was our first Basket Auction. Each grade had a theme. The teachers were excited. They got together and made lists of things they wanted for their baskets. It was stressed this was not mandatory and items should be $10.00 or less, we are low income. One mom brought in about $50 worth of DVDs and such. It worked really well. My youngest son's theme was a Winter basket. I wanted to get one of those soup ensembles like they have around Christmas time, but it was too early, I couldn't find any. I think I bought hot cocoa. So you can give parents an idea of what to bring in they can bring others. Surprisingly, I never heard one complaint! We have several gripers. I thought it went great.
Last year was our first year doing it. Each class had a theme and the room parents went out and solicated donations. Letters were also sent home (from the room parent) asking parents to donate. We did it on the fly last year.
I don't want to ask people to donate to the auction if possible this year--I want them to spend more at the auction. I am solicating many more businesses this year. Room parents split up local businesses for solicitation. I think it is good to limit the number of people solicitating otherwise it can get too confusing. And I'm handling donation letters to national businesses/offices.
This year were also not pre-assigning themes, but seeing what we get first
Good luck with that. Our biggest excuse is "I don't want to look like I am begging." Well, I AM begging for my kids' school. You could send out info say that the donation committee is going to meet. You don't want 10 people going to the same place, it could give your organization a bad rep. At the meeting make a list of areas and places to go, assign it to certian people and encourage them to get a buddy to go with them to these places, or another person to split their list with. If the parent's do not like receiving this info they don't have to read it. As far as I know, no one has ever killed over for being asked to help. A few of them may have had elevated bp's, but they survived.
I am the chair of the auction committee this year. I would really like to get the parents involved in obtaining items for the auction.
Last year it was just a few of us that were soliciting for donations. Does anyone have a notice that they sent out to parents. If so, please may I have a copy!!!
I really do not want to offend anyone by sending this out. You never know how people will react.
