[PenguinTrax]

1.) Advice! This is our first major undertaking as a new chapter, and we could certainly use a voice of experience .

<<I would do a silent auction for the majority of items and only do a live auction for items that have a high value ($75-100 and up). Run the silent auction for an hour, then close it down and serve dessert or something while the live auction is running. Afterwards, people can 'check out' and pick up their auction winnings and leave.

2.) Ideas on companies or individuals who we could contact for donations, or celebrities who might consider donating an item or contributing.

<<Write up a request for donation letter and personally go out to businesses in your area requesting donations. Contact beauty salons, gift shops, massage studios, health food stores, local bookstores, etc. After the auction has ended, be sure to send each and every donor a thank-you note which includes the value of the item they donated (for tax purposes). I have sample letters I can send you if you like. Just e-mail me.>>


3.) We need an auctionneer! This is a huge expense, and the money is not there for us to front.


<<I wouldn't hire a professional auctioneer - put your money someplace else. You can probably get someone's father or mother to do the job, or even a professor on campus that's popular. Select someone lively and funny, one that can cajole the audience.>>

4.) If anyone has anything they would like to donate to this auction, please do let me know

<<I can donate one of my basic ZTA bracelets if you like. Click my personal link below to see them.>>