Benefit Auction Item Idea - Spending Time on Boats and Yachts
By Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS
President, Red Apple Auctions LLC

Regardless of whether you live near an ocean, lake, reservoir, or river, there is likely someone in your community who has a boat. Because so many people enjoy being on the water, let's consider some ways in which you might incorporate a boating item into your event.

To help get your creativity flowing, here are some boating-related items I've sold:

Private Cruise to Eclectic Stiltsville for Six People
The winning bidder in Miami, FL got to take a 33′ Gradywhite out to Stiltsville and enjoy a catered lunch in one of the seven remaining homes (the homes date to the days of Al Capone). These homes are literally built on stilts in shallow water in Biscayne National Park, one mile from shore. Guests could enjoy fishing, swimming, and snorkeling while getting to experience a home with a vivid past.

Murder on the High Seas
In Norfolk, VA I sold a unique item perfect for creative types. The winning bidder would take seven guests onboard a 68′ yacht. During the four-hour evening excursion, four couples investigated Archibald Frath's murder in this murder mystery game. The guests would enjoy cocktails as the plot unfolded, dinner in a private room at a local waterfront restaurant while the boat is docked, and then sip on dinner drinks aboard the boat afterwards when the murder mystery is solved.

A Day on the Bay

In Washington, DC, one of my clients annually sells the opportunity for the winning bidder to join the well-liked chorus conductor and her friends on board a 46′ yacht. The afternoon includes dropping anchor in a secluded cove for a gourmet meal with wine.

Don't know a boat owner? Ask for a donation from a broker.

Research the boat shows taking place in your area. Once the show concludes, what do the dealers do with the boats? The Miami Boat Show brings in hundreds of yachts from other ports. Once the show concludes, many of those yachts are piloted up the intercoastal waterway to Fort Lauderdale where a number of yacht brokers have their offices. The three to four hour ride from Miami to Fort Lauderdale is a fun way to see the beautiful homes built along the waterway!

In your area, consider approaching boat dealers to see if they could accommodate guests on board while they move their merchandise back to "the store" after a boat show. The boat has to be moved anyway, so your request isn't requiring extra effort on their part. Throw in a donated lunch and you've got an "insider experience" for a lucky bidder.

If you'd like more benefit auction ideas, get Sherry Truhlar's free "What Sold Great in 2008" Auction Item Guide and complementary subscription to Auction Circle Ezine. The Guide features 100+ of the top-selling items Sherry sold in benefit auctions around the country last year. Sign up at http://www.RedAppleAuctions.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sherry_Truhlar Need fundraising assistance? Call us toll free 1-866-813-9437