Smoothies

Procurement Methodology

HOW does one come up with new, fresh, exciting, and valuable (in the eyes of our attendees at a minimum) auction or raffle items year after year? It's not rocket science. You just need to shake it up! Here are several suggestions to kick-start your brain. Auction Shake-Up has compiled a list to inspire you and your committee with ideas we have come up with, or that others have shared, to make your event the best ever! Below are a few suggestions to help you with "creative procurement" and to get you thinking out of the box.

Additions to this list are made frequently, so check back often for inspiration!
And, if you have a great idea that has worked for you in the past, please share/contact us, and we will add it. Let’s all help each other out!

FIRST, THOSE RESTAURANT CERTIFICATES... easy to get, but there is work to do on the backend to package them.

"PASSPORT TO INTERNATIONAL DINING" Presented in a couple of nice leather/quality passport covers -- insert the ethnic /global restaurant certificates you have collected: Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, Thai, etc. Fun for a travel related theme!

“BRUNCH FOR A YEAR” You can also do "BRUNCH FOR A YEAR" and honestly I find it sells better than dinner certificates. When one is in the mood for brunch, they often are not in the mood to think about where to go--so they end up going to the same place. Get 6+ certificates from the newest "brunch eateries" in the area.

"COOKING IS DANGEROUS!" What to do with those certificates for the "not very fancy, but we all eat there" restaurants? It's a basket: Start with a kitchen size fire extinguisher in a basket lined with red, yellow, and orange tissue paper or cello. Now, gather those "meh" restaurant certificates for chain restaurants or fast food places. Throw those babies into the basket of fire! We all eat chain food now and then and can all use an extra fire extinguisher for the garage or boat.

"FEED ME FOR A YEAR" Have a local restaurant donate lunch and dinner for one person for 365 days. (Dine-in only, alcohol/tip not included.)  The chances of one person dining without a friend, for two meals a day, for an entire year are pretty slim. A friend of mine bought this for $1200.00 --which was outside of his auction budget of "$ I will go to the event for the dinner". He told me "Hey, I got lunch and dinner for an entire year costing me $100/month.- a deal for a bachelor that does not like to cook! Pretty good deal and it sells for more than the usual restaurant certificate. Winners typically invite someone else along, buy their dinner, have some wine. The restaurant will makes money on the package, and so will the event! **Maybe have a prize at the next year's event if the winner actually redeems it in full --eats 2 meals a day?

AUTOS

"THAT'S MY SPOT" PARKING FOR A YEAR Always searching for a parking spot? Search no more! One year of an assigned spot saved just for the lucky winning bidder! Where will it be? School, church, grocery/mall, office, airport or?

"DREAM CAR WEEKEND" Zip around town in a Tesla, Mercedes, Porsche, Jag, or Bentley. Drive the dream car of your choice Friday through Sunday. Display car at the event venue and in the marketing materials. (Make sure driver is over 25, fully insured and remains in the state.)

"CAR WASH FOR A YEAR" 12 car wash vouchers from your local facility.

"AT HOME CAR DETAIL BASKET" Include Carnuba wax, chamois, soft brush attachment for hose, tire shine, RainX, and hand vac. Perfect gift for a first-time car owner?

BEAUTY, HEALTH & FITNESS

"HEALTH & BEAUTY" BASKET Love to read and care about your health and wellness? Include books such as New York Times bestselling author Mark Bittman’s “Food Matters-A Guide of Conscious Eating,” Branda Watson MD’s “The H.O.P.E Formula, The Ultimate Health Secret,” Angela Lehaan Leone’s novel “Swimming Toward the Light,” a beautiful coffee table book like “A Diary Between Friends,” Kathy Keston’s “Longevity,” Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s “Eat Right for Your Health,” Kevin Trudeau’s “More Natural Cures,” a book on Glenn Gould, and Hema Sundaram, MD’s “The Truth About Beauty – And a Guilt-Free Guide to Finding It.” So many to choose from! Plus, create a healthy meal with a gift certificate to Whole Foods Market or a one-year subscription to one of the food/meal delivery services!

"WHAT A GREAT SMILE" BASKET Sonicare type toothbrush, Whitening treatment from a local dentist, Dental Floss, Toothpaste, a certificate for a photography session top show off those pearly whites!

"YOU ARE THE BIGGEST LOSER" BASKET Fill a gym bag with hand weights, resistance bands, medicine ball, inflatable ball, sweat towels, water bottle, energy drinks, weight lifting gloves, (or a gift certificate to the local sporting goods store for all of the above.) Include fitness tracking watch (Fitbit or Apple Watch), subscription to book or music services such as Audible, Spotify, Amazon Music, several sessions with a personal trainer/membership to a local gym, a digital scale, and of course, a certificate for alterations at the local tailor!

POLE DANCING LESSONS The latest craze in fitness classes. Look on Groupon for local companies that provide lessons. If they are willing to do a "Groupon," they are probably willing to donate to the event.

TRAPEZE LESSONS Look on Groupon for local companies that provide lessons. If they are willing to do a "Groupon," they are probably willing to donate to the event.

COVID 19

"WIPE OUT" THE VIRUS! Costco sized bale of toilet paper. (Or, make it 5 bales for added excitement?)

"MASKET" (BASKET) Let's "face" it, masks are going to be part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future. Collect a bounty of masks: fashionable, utilitarian, disposable, all sizes, and colors. The winner can always donate any extra masks.

"WHO WILL HELP ME EAT THE BREAD?" BASKET The Little Red Hen (not to be confused with Henny Penny who thought the sky was falling...) had a problem with getting anyone to help plant the seeds, sow the wheat, grind the flour, and bake the bread. But, she had no problem with help eating the fruits of her labor! Provide everything needed for a nice loaf or two of homemade bread: yeast, flour, sourdough starter, loaf pans, rolling pin.

"SOMETIMES, THE PIECES JUST FIT" One dozen jigsaw puzzles--you can make it of varying difficulty-- AND/OR an ultra hard version. (I recently saw a 1500 piece puzzle where all the pieces were clear--front and back!)

"IT'S WHAT FOR DINNER" 1.0 We are all tired of looking into the refrigerator/pantry to figure out what to prepare for the next meal. One year subscription to a meal kit delivery service.

"IT'S WHAT FOR DINNER 2.0" Make it even easier than the meal kits--one year of food or grocery delivery from GrubHub, Door Dash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Walmart, Amazon Fresh, etc.

"WHAT ARE WE WATCHING TONIGHT?" One year subscription to Netflix, Hulu, or Disney, etc. Include gourmet popcorn, treats and a cozy throw.

"I'LL BE IN MY ROOM (OFFICE, SHE-SHED, MAN-CAVE...)" One year subscription to Audio Books, a Kindle, or Music Services, etc.

"IT'S VIRAL!" 1.0 BASKET Fill it with all things "sanitize-y": Bleach, wipes, hand sanitizer, fancy/washable face masks, gloves, laundry detergent for washing those masks.

"IT'S VIRAL!" 2.0 BASKET Fill it with all things that are a bit hard to come by: Meat or poultry delivery, eggs and milk delivery service for one year, one year subscription to a service like Imperfect Produce.

"COOKING GARDEN" Think of the "Victory Gardens" of days gone by. Seeds and starts to grow things edible.

COUPLES FUN

"FLOWERS FOR A YEAR" Local florist(s) donates one arrangement valued at $75-100 per month, including delivery. You could feature one arrangement from 12 different local florists if a single shop does not want to donate all 12. This makes each florist challenged to make their arrangement the "most memorable" of the bunch!

"HONEY, DON"T MAKE ME SLEEP ON THE COUCH TONIGHT" Let’s face it. Everyone will “mess up” now and then. This basket is an insurance policy that you will not be sleeping on the sofa. Include a gift certificate for flowers (or flowers for a year?), something that sparkles, champagne and a certificate for dinner out. **Pair this with a romantic getaway or adventure! (refer to the Earthshaking page for trip ideas.)

"SOME ENCHANTED EVENING" BASKET Who could resist this romantic “Some Enchanted Evening” gift basket for two featuring Dom Perignon champagne, two glasses, classical music CD or tickets to the symphony, candles and chocolates? It guarantees a romantic evening!

"WEDDING TREASURES" BASKET For the bride-to-be, a collection of wedding treasures to have and to hold – featuring a flower girl basket, ring bearer pillow, unity candles, garter, goblets, thank you notes and more. A perfect gift for the bride-to-be!

“DATE NIGHT FOR A YEAR” You and your special someone will enjoy a date night out every month for a year! —This is where you gather twelve of the many restaurant certificates we all get when looking for auction items! Consolidate them so they only take up one space on the table, or one line in the program. Include a variety: high-end steak house, local seafood, and a few of the middle of the road type establishments. You can also do this as "BRUNCH FOR A YEAR" and honestly I find it sells better than dinner certificates. When one is in the mood for brunch, they often are not in the mood to think about where to go--so they end up going to the same place. Get 6+ certificates from the newest "brunch eateries" in the area.

BOOKS/MOVIES/NIGHT-IN

"LET'S PLAY BRIDGE" BASKET Feature regular and jumbo cards, tallies, pencils for scoring, bridge motif paper plates with matching cups and napkins, munchies, candy dishes, bridge motif gift wrap and a gift for the First Prize winner!

"NIGHT AT THE MOVIES" GIFT BASKET A night out at the movies without going out! Include classic movie theater-sized snacks - JuJubes, Junior Mints, Red Vines, Milk Duds, Starburst, and Skittles, Gourmet popcorn, plus movie theme coasters and popcorn bags, or a pretty ceramic "popcorn bowl". Add a subscription to Netflix or other streaming service, or even a few classic DVD’s. It would be fun to throw in a couple of Snuggies or a cuddly fleece blanket as well.

"YADA, YADA, YADA" SEINFELD BASKET Who doesn't love classic Seinfeld? Reminiscent of the NYC of a different time. Start with a set of DVDs of all the seasons and add things that represents an iconic episode: Soup Cookbook (“Soup Nazi” Episode), Certificate to Sporting Goods Store (“Puffy Coat” Episode), A 4 pack of Charmin TP (“Square to Spare” Episode), Tree Air Freshener (“Smelly Car” Episode), A dozen muffins a week for one year (“Muffin Top” Episode), Box of Junior Mints (“Junior Mint” episode). Pez dispenser? Chocolate or Cinnamon Babka? Certificate to a restaurant specializing in pies? A couple of nights in a Florida condo (Where Jerry’s parents lived)? ** The possibilities are endless here! Go to Wikipedia and enter “Seinfeld Episodes” for more inspiration!

“I WISH EVERYDAY WAS SUNDAY” BASKET One year’s subscription to the Sunday Edition NY Times, 1-2 pounds of gourmet coffee beans, Espresso maker, French press, or high-end coffee maker, A couple of pairs of cozy socks or comfy slippers, lap throw or his/hers onesies or “Snuggies”, a certificate for pastries for two each week for a year.

"RAINY DAY READING" BASKET Real books! (Not a Kindle type reader— unless you think it will sell better.) What better way to spend a rainy day than reading a good book? Include 6-10 best sellers or classics, cuddly lap throw, 2# bag of M&M’s, bookplates (to label your books if you loan them out), bookmarks, book light, and a blank book/journal.

FOOD/GOURMET

"WHO DONE IT AND DINNER?!"PARTY Muster the staff/volunteers of your organization to host a murder mystery dinner. Instructions can be found on the internet.

"SEASON'S BOUNTY!" One season's share of produce and dairy from a crop sharing organization or local farmer's market.

"HAPPY HARVESTING!" The "Season's Bounty!" (see above) package is the easy way.... but, some people may want to DIY and have gift card "passes" to a U-Pick farm where they can actually pick and choose their produce, collect their eggs, milk a cow, or more!

DINNER WITH "SOMEBODY" Every community has a few "somebodies"! Pair a dinner restaurant certificate (for 4 people) so 2 people can enjoy dinner with the mayor and his wife, the police chief, council member, newscaster, CEO of your company, or head coach, etc.

BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S DINNER The Board of Directors makes and serves dinner to 6-10 lucky supporters in someone's home or at a special location (like city hall? the fire station...?)

"THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAN'T COOK!" DINNER A different version of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS DINNER above. Market this as "We were going to ask our Board of directors to prepare a meal for you, but they are terrible cooks!" Then, SURPRISE! Since the board can't cook: A professional chef will cater dinner for 6-10 people at a special or historic home, a sunny rooftop, or in a park. This is the perfect opportunity to have the board socialize with generous supporters and if appropriate, go in for an ask...

"HONEY, WHAT'S FOR DINNER?" "Meal Kit Service" companies are popping up everywhere! They are very convenient for that busy person/family, and quite good. Standard meal subscription for two people for one year.

VIP TOUR This idea is nothing new and always sells well. Arrange for a VIP tour for two (or a group) at a local vineyard/winery, artisan brewery, candy maker, or cheesemaker.

"A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY" BASKET Salute! A bottle of Prosecco or Italian Wine, Italian Soda Syrups, interesting pasta in a variety of shapes, cookbook, “Learn How to Speak Italian” Book or CDs or private lesson, Fodor’s Italy Book, Italian Ceramic serve ware, olive oils, and Balsamic vinegar.

"A TOAST TO THE WORLD" BASKET Include a variety of spirits/liqueurs from around the world. Feature Absinthe (Switzerland), Chambord and Grand Marnier (France), Campari (Italy), PIMMS (England), Kahlua (Mexico), Bailey’s (Ireland), Amarula (South Africa), etc. Also include a "designer" cocktail recipe that features each of the included spirits. Throw in glassware, barware, "worldly" themed cocktail napkins, etc.!

"COMMANDER IN CHEF" BASKET The winner will be the ultimate commander and chef with this basket featuring all the tools for grilling: apron, stainless steel skewers, barbecue tongs, meat baster, meat and vegetable baskets, steak thermometers, grilling recipe book, barbecue marinade, rubs, spices and sauces, dipping pot for sauces, and charcoal lighter.

"DEATH BY CHOCOLATE" OR “CHOCOLATE IS A FOOD GROUP” BASKET Cookbook specializing in chocolate recipes, chocolate liqueur, tour of a local candy/chocolate making facility, imported/gourmet chocolates or truffles, fancy hot chocolate mixes with mugs. **Pair this with the Earth-Shaking "Belize for Chocolate Lovers" travel package for a "bean to bar" experience! (Refer to the "Earthshaking" page for trip details.)

"¡FIESTA!" BASKET Margarita Pitcher and Glasses, Mexican Sarape Style Tablecloth, Sunglasses, Margarita Mix, Fancy Salt, Gourmet Salsa and Chips, A cookbook from Rick Bayless (Chef renowned for his Mexican cookery), high-end Tequila, and a six-pack of Mexican beer. (Probably skip the Corona in light of the current times...)

"FAR OUT! FONDUE PARTY" Fondue pot and accessories, Fondue Cookbook, various cheeses and chocolate for melting(or certificate to buy them), CD of “cheesy” 70’s music.

"OPA! IT'S GREEK TO ME" BASKET This basket contains all things Greek – a gift certificate for dinner for two at a local Greek Restaurant, fine Greek coffee, Ouzo, wine or brandy, demitasse set, worry beads, handcrafted table cover, etc.!!

"I DREAMED OF AFRICA SAFARI" BASKET Books and Movies that are set in Africa, (Auction Shake-Up will provide you with a list of good reads/films!), a couple of bottles of South African Wines, Animal Print Throw, African Cookbook. **Pair this with one of the Earth-Shaking Africa trips for an “under the equator”/ “over the top” auction item! (Refer to the "Earthshaking" page for trip options and details.)

"SINGLE MALT & 'HABANA'" AT IT'S FINEST Winners will toast life with this whiskey and cigars package! Include libations and smokes for the group--10-12 people? Suggested libations to include various high-end single malts such as Single Malt 750 Ml.-Oban Scotch Whiskey, Class Malt, Single Malt 750 Ml.-Lagavulin 16-year-old, Scotch Whiskey, there are so many to choose from! For the smokes: Fine Dominican, Honduran, or Cuban Cigars such as Habana Romeo and Juliette, Habana Monte Christo, Dominican Romeo and Juliette, Honduran El Rey Del Mundo. Also include a portable humidor, cigar lighter, cutter, and crystal glassware. **Pair this with an Earth-Shaking trip package to one of the multi-million dollar private villas in Cap Cana, the Dominican Republic. (Refer to the "Earthshaking" page for trip options and details.)

"TEA TIME" BASKET Luxuriate with a proper tea! This special “Tea Time” gift basket features everything needed: specialty teas, cups, napkins, coasters, a book on tea.

"ULTIMATE ESPRESSO" Personalized latte card good for a daily coffee beverage of choice for one year, Deluxe Espresso Machine, Coffee Grinder, 2 pounds gourmet coffee beans, Steaming pitcher, Coffee Mugs, Stainless Coffee Scoop, Chocolate Truffles

"A TASTE OF INDIA" Start with a tome of tandoor (Indian cookbook), include items from cashew nuts to Kashmiri, cardamom to curry.

FOR HER

"MOM IS ON STRIKE" Sometimes Mom just needs a break! Include fast food/pizza certificates with some Netflix coupons so she doesn't have to cook, house cleaning services, in home mani-pedi/massage, a nice bottle of wine.

"GIRLS NIGHT OUT, ...OR IN?" BASKET Feature a collection of evening gloves, feather boas/scarves, evening bags, limo driver and car (If the girls are going out) or matching jammies (if the girls are staying in), restaurant certificates for dine out or delivery, and a couple of bottles of wine! Could be adapted to a "Zoom Night In" girls happy hour as we stay at home?

"MUST-HAVE-IT" ACCESSORIES FOR A YEAR Have an upscale department store donate one designer accessory per month. Examples might include: Chanel Sunglasses or Earrings, Tory Burch Handbag, Beauty Products of Choice, Manolo Blahnik Shoes, Prada Belt or Sunglasses, John Hardy Bracelet, David Yurman Ring, Christian Louboutin Shoes, Fendi Handbag, Restrictions: Not redeemable for cash, credit or exchange. No monthly balances issued. Winner must go to the store each month to select the accessory. Winner will probably be something else while at the store.

FOR HIM

"GROWN MAN'S TONKA" EXPERIENCE What man did not own a Tonka Truck or two growing up? Contact an earth-moving/heavy equipment company to donate 1-4 hours operating a dump truck, bulldozer, crane or the like. Pair it with a certificate for “a manly meal” with 4-6 "man-friends" at a local BBQ restaurant or steakhouse so he can refuel after a tough day operating “big boy toys!”

FOR THE KIDDOS/FAMILY

"ENCHANTED TEA COSTUME PARTY" (FOR SIX LITTLE LADIES) Pretty handmade invitations, Fanciful dress-up, Favor bags, Gift basket for the “hostess”, Frog Prince figurine, Jewelry box w/ hairpins, barrettes, clips, earrings, necklace, charm bracelet, Monthly Manicure and Pedicure for a Year, Include 4-5 bottles of nail polish for the bidder and a couple of emery boards? Go for the "Royal Treatment" and add 4 days/ 3 nights at The Kentucky Castle (for 2 people, more guests can be added post event--refer to the "Earthshaking" page for details)

"MY SCHOOL BUS IS RED AND SHINY" Contact the local fire department to donate transportation to school for a child in the truck! Note: I have seen a bit of push back on this package due to the concerns parents have about dropping the kids at school when there is a firetruck in front. The "workaround" is to have the firemen also schedule a fire safety assembly, CPR or AED demonstration on the same day. Parents will have received email or snail mail notification prior—problem solved!

"THEY SAY YOU SHOULDN'T SLEEP AT SCHOOL..." This is one time where it is OKAY to sleep at school! Arrange the sleeping bags in the gym or cafeteria for a slumber party hosted by several teachers complete with pizza, snacks, beverages, and a movie. This could be a fun "Senior Event" where the seniors pick their favorite teachers and "roast" them? Or perhaps a group of younger kids for an evening of bonding with their new teacher, games, storytelling and/or a Disney-ish movie?

"I AM THE MAESTRO" or "STRIKE UP THE BAND" An opportunity to conduct the school band or the city orchestra at a concert!

"VIP SEATING" FRONT ROW seats at graduation or a school play!

"VET FOR A DAY" I think almost every child I have asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” has answered VETERINARIAN! Get a local vet to donate a couple of hours or even a full day of “trailing” him/her…. , Depending on the age of the child (or adult?) they could help with vaccinations, microchipping, checking in patients, etc.

"OFF TO COLLEGE, ON TO THE WORLD!" Start with those twin XL sheets? (Keep the tags on because the kid will probably want to change the color.) Include shower caddy, items in team colors like a fleece blanket/snuggie, pillows, coffee mugs, etc. Add some certificates/coupons for Starbucks, pizza, gas, Bed Bath & Beyond. Must also include: Top Ramen, a big bag of M&M’s, and a couple of bottles of Bud 😉 Think back to college… what did you want/need? (It has been a really long time since my college days, and things have changed so much!)

"FULLY PACKED PICNIC FOR FOUR!" Picnic basket (with all of the necessities-plates, flatware, glasses, napkins,) blanket, and a certificate to the local deli for picnic food like potato salad, chicken, cheeses, fruit, etc.

"THE CAKE IS ON FIRE!" BIRTHDAY PARTY AT THE FIREHOUSE Have the fire department host a birthday party at the station house! This works great for 6-8 kids, but it also works well for a group of middle-aged women that want to have their cake served up by a bunch of hotties! ("Cougars & Cupcakes??") Ask the local baker to donate the cake or cupcakes. Party favors, hats, etc. donated by the party store.

"JOY OF READING" BASKET Time for reading fun! This sweet gift basket includes books to start children off to a lifetime of reading enjoyment. Starter books for young readers, classic storybooks, pictorial books, and novelty items to motivate the young literary mind.

"LITTLE BOY BLUE" BASKET Start with a Moses basket and fill it with gifts for the newborn baby boy – blanket, bumper, mattress with removable cover, pillow, bibs, stuffed animals, stuffed ball and matching cap, Baby’s First Album, Baby’s First Books, music, 6-piece feeding set, onesies, layette set and clothes to grow by!

"BEDTIME STORIES" Slumber party at the local library!  This could work for a child’s (or adult’s) birthday party or a book club.  Have library staff read from an age-appropriate book, tell ghost stories? Supply certificates for food (popcorn, pizza, soda--or more sophisticated catered treats/"adult beverages".)

"COLLECTION OF MUSIC, BOOKS & GIFTS FOR YOUR LITTLE ANGEL" For the little ones in your life, treat them to a collection of award-winning music by RORY! Include five Rory & Friends CD’s featuring “I’m Just A Kid,” “Make Believe Day,” “Little Broadway,” “Little Hollywood,” and “Good Friends” with duets of Rory with Carol Burnett, Jason Alexander, Al Jarreau, and Michael Feinstein! Also include some of RORY’s Sleepy Sheep books with audio CDs and a gift certificate for Baby Gap.

"PRINCESS PARTY" What little girl doesn’t dream of being a princess? Fulfill her dream with a princess party for 6-10 little girls. Have a local pageant winner come to the home and host a princess tea party for all the girls, where she will discuss etiquette, grace, and of course, the classic “pageant wave!” She will also do hair & makeup and provide several sparkling pageant gowns for a special mini-pageant and crowning ceremony where pictures will be taken. Each princess will take home special gifts, including their very own rhinestone tiara. Include custom printed invitations. It’s a party that the little princess will never forget! Go for the "Royal Treatment" and add 4 days/ 3 nights at The Kentucky Castle (for 2 people, more guests can be added post event--refer to the "Earthshaking page for details)

FOR YOUR PET

"AQUARIUM" Fish can be relaxing, but setting up the aquarium is another story. Make it easy and get the full setup at once. This list should(or similar) should suffice: Include a 29-gallon aquarium, 24″ full spectrum fluorescent light bulb and 40 pounds of Amazon River gravel, Millennium 3000 Wet-Dry multi-filter, and 150-watt Visi-Therm Heater. Also include a Pro Aqua water conditioner and a Termin-ite biological booster. Top it off with a complete pet owner's manual, instructions, warm water tropical fish foods and a $100 gift certificate to a pet store.

"DOGGIE ESTATE"Have a local architecture firm (or architecture school student looking for something to add to their resume?) design and build a custom doghouse. Add to the house: a lux doggie bed, doggie treats, fancy collar and leash.

"KITTY KASTLE" Cardboard box. Doesn't matter what size. (You KNOW cats will like the box better than any expensive house!) Include a couple of tin foil balls and some catnip. (**This actually sells really well—especially if it is marketed next to the fancy "Doggie Estate"!)

"MAN'S BEST FRIEND" BASKET Pamper the pooch with this pet lover’s basket filled with great items for “man’s best friend!” Include dog outfits, leash, a feeding bowl, water bowl, bones, rawhide chews, a package of balls, dog shampoo and conditioner, Frisbee.

"PET BOARDING" Contact Pet Hotel or local vet for 2-3 nights boarding, attention, and pampering while you are away!

"PURRFECT" BASKET Your feline friend deserves catnip, toys, treats, flea treatment, brushes, etc., right?

HOUSE AND HOME

"HOME SWEET HOME" PAINTING Have a local artist paint "that "special place" or dream home, favorite vacation spot.

"HANDMADE TREASURE" Contact famous artisans, local starving artists, a talented grandmother? Ceramic or glass piece, quilt, wooden rocking chair? — or something from the first-grade class at the local school? It just needs to be handmade.

"ANIMAL HOUSE - LOVERS OF THE WILD" BASKET A basket to jazz up the house with “in the wild” animal print decor items featuring placemats, letter holder, pen and note pad, napkins, kitchen utensils, picture frames, throw pillows, pot holders, lap throw, etc.!

"FLOWERS FOR A YEAR" Local florist donates one arrangement valued at $100 per month, including delivery.

"FROM BEACH TO SHINING SEA" BASKET Include novelty fish candles, shell motif placemats, and napkins, beach towels, paperware for snacks, a food cover, note cards, and any other items of beach or seaside theme.

"HOME BARTENDER'S DELIGHT" BASKET This basket features a home bartending kit, a variety of spirits, bartender’s DVD and recipe book for cocktails.

"PARTY ON THE PATIO" Patio Umbrella painted and decorated by a local artist, Large Metal Beverage/Ice Bin with some wine or microbrews, Tiki Torches, Citronella Torch Oil or Candles, Pretty Acrylic Glasses and Tableware, Colorful Linen Napkins/Placemats, Indoor/Outdoor Speakers

LESSONS

"THE NEXT PICASSO!" Private painting, drawing/sketching lessons.

"DANCING WITH THE STARS" Private Dance Lessons for two.!

"DRUMSTICKS AND DRUM LESSONS" Include drum sticks, drum stick bag and a half-hour drum lesson with a local well-known drummer.

"POLE DANCING LESSONS" The latest craze in exercise! Look on Groupon for local companies that provide lessons. If they are willing to do a "Groupon," they are probably willing to donate to the event.

"TRAPEZE LESSONS" Look on Groupon for local companies that provide lessons. If they are willing to do a "Groupon," they are probably willing to donate to the event.

"LESSONS, LESSONS, LESSONS!" Look at the possibilities; they are endless! Singing, quilting, piano, cooking, gardening, flying, scuba diving, sailing, etc.

"NIMBY" NOT IN MY BACKYARD!

"YOU HAVE BEEN TOTALLY FLOCKED!" OR "FLAMINGO FEVER" Go to www.orientaltradingcompany.com and pick up a bunch of pink flamingos for a song! The winning bidder gets to have them "flock" to the yard of their choice. The recipient has to pay to have them removed. ($100? Or, maybe give some volunteer hours at the organization?) They can move to other yards where the next person would have to pay to make them go away to another house, and so on... Pack the birds back up each year to re-use. "Decorate" the birds with ribbons for the cause (For instance red for heart disease, purple for Alzheimer's, your school colors, etc.) to make people passing by aware of the cause

"PORT-A-POTTY 1.0" This is similar to above, but a little more labor-intensive. Contact the local port-a-potty/honey bucket company and ask them to provide a new unit decorated in Christmas lights, that the winning bidder can have delivered to the driveway of their choice. I have done this where the company agreed to move the unit from house to house twelve times (for the 12 days of Christmas). **Contact your local news station to cover the "journey." And give your event a bit of free media coverage!

"PORT-A-POTTY 2.0" This is a play-off of the above package. Maybe you do not want to have all the follow-up and chaos of having a traveling portable toilet? Get the port-a-potty company to donate a unit that the winning bidder could use for extra facilities for a garden party/BBQ, or if they have a remodel/landscape job and dot not want the workers tromping through the house.

MISCELLANEOUS

"EVERYONE CAN USE A LITTLE HELP SOMETIMES" Choice of (one or more) services: car detailing, home cleaning, spring or fall yard cleanup, computer set up or maintenance, home network set up, home theatre set up, irrigation for the thirsty plants on the deck/patio, chimney cleaning, window washing, pressure washing, etc. All these services can be featured individually (and they will sell), but it looks cooler to let the winner pick the one or two or three they need.

"UBER OR LYFT ME!" Most of us would enjoy a certificate for an occasional ride to/from the airport or to/from home after a fun evening out. Ask for 12 rides to the airport, and they might give it to you at a discount.

RAFFLE IDEAS

"RAFFLE THE WORLD" Feature ALL of the trips from the Auction Shake-Up "Earth Shaking" and any others you may have from other supporters. Sell a limited number of raffle tickets (500 tickets at $100 each?, 200 tickets at $50.00 each?) The raffle winner gets to pick where in the world they want to go!

"DEAL OR NO DEAL" Have several cases with a cash amount in each, draw the number of the case to be auctioned. Once the bidding stops, allow the winner to keep or trade the case for one of the others. (Sell tickets to subsidize the money in the cases prior to, or during the event.)

"IT'S RAINING GOLF BALLS" Prior to the event, sell numbered golf balls (one for $10, 3 for $25?). Have a helicopter company drop the balls over the 18th hole. The numbered ball that is closest to going in the hole wins a prize-or even 50% of the amount raised in selling the balls.

SERVICES

"DREAM TEAM"The winning bidder will get 8 hours of time from a team of at least 8 local craftsmen such as carpenters, painters, landscapers, plumbers and other service providers like maids, moving and hauling.  Prior to featuring this item, reach out to the supporters of your event and the community and compile a list of 30+ people willing to donate/volunteer their time and trade.  Most of the time, the entire list of 30 people will not be available on the desired date—hence the necessity of having a large pool to select from.  This could also be coupled with a work party BBQ or pizza party.

"HONEY - DO LIST" HANDYMAN OPPORTUNITIES Time to get some of those items off of the honey-do list and bring in the professionals! Here is the chance to get some home projects completed by fabulous professionals: Handy-Man For A Day: 8 hours (or $500.00 value) remodeling, painting, light carpentry; Plumber for A Day: 8 hours (or $500.00 value) new faucet/showerhead, toilet? ; Exterior cleaning for a Day: ($500 value) window cleaning, pressure washing, gutter cleaning.

SPORTS AND GOLF

"GOLF BASKET" Gift certificate to the golf shop, Golf towel, Golf Balls, Golf Ball Monogrammer, Gloves, Tees, Golf Lessons, Driving Range Voucher, Golf Course Voucher, Divot Repair Tool, GPS Golf Course System, Head Covers, Golf Umbrella, Lunch at the Course, Cigars

"TAILGATE PARTY" Pendleton Blankets/Throws in the local team colors, Catered party for 10 people, Cooler of Beverages, Portable BBQ, Portable TV, Team sweatshirts/hats, Foam Fingers, Folding Chairs, Folding Table, Pop up Tent /Canopy, Football, Tickets to the game, Cigars

TRAVEL

"FELINE OR FIDO PET BOARDING" It is always so hard to leave the furry family members behind! Make sure they are pampered during their staycation while you are on vacation! Get a local Pet Hotel or veterinarian to donate 3-5 nights boarding for your special four-legged friend.

"A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY" BASKET Italian Wine, Italian Soda Syrups, Cookbook, Interesting Pasta, “Learn How to Speak Italian” Book or CDs or private lesson, Fodor’s Italy Book

"SAFARI" BASKET Books and Movies that are set in Africa, South African Wines, Animal Print Throw or “Snuggie”, African Cookbook

"TRAVELERS COMPANION" BASKET Feature an inflatable backrest, an inflatable neck pillow, a digital travel clock, a foldup women’s raincoat, a foldup men’s raincoat, a folding umbrella, a 2000 watt voltage converter and adapter set, luggage tags, and shopping bag!

"ALOHA" BASKET Include an orchid plant, a copy of James A. Michener's "Hawaii", and a shave ice machine. (I know you can come up with better ideas, but this is a start!)

"DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS TRAVEL" BASKET A basket of great entertainment from Discovery Communications featuring a travel bag, Planet Earth DVD, Planet Earth interactive game, t-shirts, cold water container, and travel tags.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

"A DAY AT THE RANGE & A BOX OF DONUTS" EXPERIENCE Contact the County Sheriff’s Association for your state or your local law enforcement agency and ask for an “experience,” including a tour of the training facility and a couple of hours at the shooting range. You could also ask for a “ride-along” experience spending the evening on patrol in a squad car. Finish it off with lunch or dinner with your county sheriff or police chief. Include a voucher for Dunkin’ Doughnuts or Krispy Kremes with the package certificate.

"COMMANDER AND CHEF" BASKET You’ll be the ultimate commander and chef with this unique basket featuring all the tools for grilling: apron, stainless steel skewers, spices, barbecue tongs, meat baster, meat and vegetable baskets, steak thermometers, grilling recipe book, barbecue marinade, and sauce, dipping pot for sauces, and charcoal lighter.

"DANCING WITH THE STARS" Private Dance Lessons for two!

"BEDTIME STORIES" Slumber party at the local library.  This could work for a child’s (or adult’s) birthday party or a book club.  Have library staff read from an age-appropriate book, supply donated food (popcorn, pizza, or more sophisticated treats).

"GROWN MAN'S TONKA" EXPERIENCE What man did not own a Tonka Truck or two growing up? Contact an earth-moving/heavy equipment company to donate 1-4 hours operating a dump truck, bulldozer, crane or the like. Pair it with a certificate for “a manly meal” at a local BBQ restaurant or steakhouse so he can refuel after a tough day operating “big boy toys!”

YARD AND GARDEN

"FOUR SEASONS" Gift cards for Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter from the local nursery.

"FOR THE BIRDS" Bird Bath filled with: Custom Made Bird House/Feeder, Bird Seed, Bird Watching Books, Field Glasses.

"GET YOUR GARDEN IN GEAR" A wheelbarrow filled with any of the following: Gift Certificates to Smith & Hawkin/Local Nursery, garden clogs, bag of potting soil and/or compost/“beauty bark”, cute trowel, claw and spade, knee cushion thingy, pretty pots, seed packets, book on composting/gardening, wind chimes, gazing ball, solar lighting system, pretty garden gloves, landscape design service, birdhouse, irrigation system or service, bulb planter. garden fountain.

"PARTY ON THE PATIO" Patio umbrella painted and decorated by a local artist, fill a large metal beverage/ice bin with some wine or microbrews, Tiki torches, citronella torch oil or candles, pretty acrylic glasses and tableware, colorful linen napkins/placemats, indoor/outdoor speakers.

"400 DAFFODIL BULBS AND AN ARMY TO PLANT THEM" This package includes 400 Dutch Master Daffodil Bulbs for your garden, These are the highest-quality bulbs available. What makes this package even more incredible is that you will have a team of people head to the winner's house and plant all of them! The team will come and plant the Daffodils in the fall.

Procurement Methodology

Yellow Pages Procurement

Talk To Strangers Procurement

"Can I Steal That?" Procurement

AUCTION ITEM IDEAS