I feel two of the most important factors in a benefit event is ACQUISITIONS AND ATTENDANCE. Hopefully you'll be able to acquire some desirable items that will match the clientele at the event.  A lot of times it works great to get a committee, or just some people together and "brain storm."  It's amazing the unique items you can come up with that are great for live or silent auctions.  Great items make for a great benefit auction event! 

Attendance is critical, and you definitely want a full house at your event.  We have found that table captains work well to try and sell tickets. Basically, you have a "captain" that will try and sell so many tickets. The main reason people do NOT come to an event like this is 1) NO ONE ASKS THEM and 2) THEY'RE AFRAID THEY WON'T KNOW ANYONE. So, if your "captains" call people they know and explain what a fun evening it will be...hopefully a lot of tickets could be sold. Keep in mind, prominent people are important - people who will SPEND money rather than fill a seat. It helps to identify people you want to come to your auction.

We recommend that if at all possible, pre auction revenue should always pay the bills. In other words, the reservations should cover the entire auction expenses. This way, the auction gains 100% the night of the event.