Successful Fundraising Ideas for Groups and Clubs

Bachelor / Bachelorette Auction Fundraiser Idea

How to put on a successful bachelor or bachelorette fundraiser

Bachelor or bachelorette auctions are always a lot of fun, and the bids can go quite high if you have the right bidders in attendance. Of course you’ll need to source out some eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, but that should be an easy task. Response is usually good when people know it’s for charity. Try and get a local celebrity (or two) to participate to generate even more interest.

As with any auction, the winners are the highest bidders, and get to go on a lunch date or dinner date (or whatever you deem to be appropriate), with the bachelor or bachelorette that they won the date with. You can work with local restaurants to offer up a free meal to the newly formed couple, or contact attractions like museums or even the zoo to offer up free tickets. If you make it a pre-planned date, it could add an element of fun to the event.

Here are a few pre-planned date ideas you can suggest for your winners:

Book a reservation for the couples to attend a cooking class.
Plan an adventurous date such as hiking, rock climbing, or kayaking. Be sure to include the necessary gear and ensure the safety of both participants.
Offer tickets to a concert, theater show, or a museum exhibition, followed by a dinner at a trendy restaurant or a cozy café.
Offer tickets to a sporting event. Include VIP seating or access to exclusive areas if possible.
Arrange a spa day complete with massages, facials, and relaxation treatments.
Arrange a creative workshop such as painting, pottery, or crafting.
Plan an adrenaline-filled activity like skydiving, bungee jumping, or hot air ballooning. Make sure the winners are up for the challenge and all safety precautions are in place.
Arrange a private wine tasting tour at a local vineyard or winery. Include transportation, gourmet snacks, and a knowledgeable guide to enhance the experience.
Organize a guided sightseeing tour of the city or a nearby tourist attraction. Include visits to iconic landmarks, historical sites, and hidden gems.

Be sure to promote your event well in advance. Take advantage of social media. Try and host your bachelor / bachelorette auction in a place with a fun atmosphere and make sure you have a fun and engaging emcee. You will also need a PA System (audio) equipment which most facilities should have available.

This type of fundraiser works really well for groups of all sizes with the ability to secure enough volunteers. Not only can your generate revenue from the auction process, but you can charge an entrance fee or table fee.

Steps to planning a successful bachelor or bachelorette auction fundraiser

Set your budget

Remember, you’re in this to make money.

Come up with a creative and fun name for your event

Select a venue

Choose a venue that can accommodate your expected number of attendees comfortably. Consider factors such as accessibility, parking, and facilities. You could choose to host the event in a school gym, a movie theatre that rents out theatre space, a banquet hall, a ballroom, a club, or even an outdoor space, depending on the season and your preferences.

Recruit your bachelors and / or bachelorettes

Reach out to potential single bachelors or bachelorettes who are willing to participate in the auction. These could be friends, colleagues, or volunteers. Make sure they understand the purpose of the fundraiser and are comfortable being auctioned off for a date.

Determine who will emcee your event

Your emcee can be someone from your group, or someone who wants to volunteer from your community. You will want to make sure that they are an engaging person who can do a great job up-selling your dates that are being auctioned off. An emcee can make or break your event, so choose wisely and go through some practice rounds.

Secure prizes

Solicit local businesses for free date experiences in exchange for promotion at your event.

Promote your event

Create some buzz and excitement around the auction by promoting it through various channels. Utilize social media platforms, email newsletters, flyers, and posters to spread the word. Highlight your cause and emphasize the fun and excitement of the event.

Plan additional entertainment (optional)

Consider incorporating entertainment into the event to keep attendees engaged. This could include live music, DJ performances, etc.

Offer additional auction Items up for bid (optional but a great idea)

In addition to your primary auction, consider including other items that attendees can bid on such as gift baskets, experiences, or services donated by local businesses or sponsors. This can help you achieve your fundraising goal much faster.

Set up some rules for your auction

Establish clear rules and guidelines for the auction process. Determine bidding increments, bidding procedures, and payment methods. Ensure that all participants understand the rules before the auction begins.

Prepare bidder packages

Create bidder packages to be handed out at the event containing information about the bachelors or bachelorettes participating in the auction, including their interests, hobbies, and any special skills or talents (have your bachelors or bachelorettes submit a bio when they sign on). This will help attendees make informed decisions when placing bids.

Host the auction

On the day of the event, make sure everything is set up and running smoothly. Have designated staff or volunteers to manage registration, handle bids, and facilitate the auction process. You should also set up tables which have photos of the participants along with their bios. Encourage lively bidding and create a fun atmosphere throughout the event. After the auction, thank everyone who participated, including bachelors or bachelorettes, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Provide updates on the amount raised and how it will be used to support your organization.

Follow Up

Follow up with attendees and participants after the event to thank them again for their support. Share photos and highlights from the auction on social media, your website, and in newsletters to keep the momentum going and encourage future participation.