What to make to donate to a charitable auction?
chancito
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I joined the local chapter of a national organization entitled, Village to Village, which assists elderly residents in staying independent at home for as long as possible. Nonetheless, they’re having their annual fundraising auction in September and I’ve committed to make “something” to donate. My wife suggested Steve Latta’s folding card table: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2022/09/29/build-a-folding-card-table.
Which seems fine but just wondering if others have done this and if so, which pieces were well received. I realize this is very subjective but thought I throw it out there anyway. Also, any advice on suggested starting bid would be helpful; cost of materials?
Thanks so much,
Replies
Might help to figure out what it "costs" if you were to make it for normal sale. To keep simple, how many hours + cost of materials. For the rate, if you have an idea of what a woodworker charges in your area to make things that would be helpful. If you don't, if you know what a machanie or plumber makes as an annual salary in your area, that could sever as trade. I wouldn't dive into things like overhead, profit margins, etc. This is an auction and you are just trying to get an approximate value so keeping it simple will suffice. That will be a fun piece to make for sure. I once saw a Maloof inspired rocker sell for $3K and they were hoping to get just $400 for it so it really depends on level of interest of those there.
I've sold these Paul Seller's clocks at our local church/school auctions.
They raise about $200 each. Takes me about 20 hours to make (I'm slow). I couldn't make a living selling these they way I make them. However, the folks that win them really are happy and that helps me feel good about it.
Thanks I like the clock idea. They look good and not to elaborate.
Paul Sellers has YouTube videos on how to make these clocks. I've gotten down to about 14 hours by hand tool work but I don't enjoy making them at that pace. With machines you could likely make them much more quickly. I've made about 8 of these clocks. I've only kept one, donated two to auctions, and given away the rest.
I've done this several times. Most often I build an Adirondack chair, sometimes with stool if I have the time and extra wood. I've also donated bowls. I try to stay within about 10 hours of effort.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Erick
Thanks sounds like I need to make something straightforward that won’t take a lot of hours.
Charity auctions generally don't bring in nearly what a hand made item is worth. Certainly not on something as elaborate as the Latta table. I'd actually be surprised if it sold for what the materials cost you, never mind all of your time.
I've seen some top craftsmen swear that the charity would benefit more if they made an item, sold it to a client, then donated the money to the charity, rather than go through the auction.
I would go with a much simpler and less time consuming project for your first auction donation.
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Seconded - you need to know your market. Is it mums and dads, or is it squillionnaire donors? The former will pay peanuts for gold and the latter will pay gold for peanuts.
A nice cutting board or a well-decorated bowl that will actually be used may fetch more than time and wood.
I like the idea of an Adirondack chair as they can be produced quickly at very low cost and people often have room outdoors.
Funny, but great insight. Doubt there’s any filthy rich in the crowd.
Speaking of nice cutting boards. If you can find some wood with awesome figure in it, it doesn't take too much labor then to make something awesome. My wife had wanted an anti-pasta board (with inlay). It didn't take much time to make (especially so if you don't put in some inlay). The key in this was wood with awesome figure.
I made a very nice Stickley 603 tabouret for a charity auction, sold for $60. Never again.
I make test pcs for larger projects to test joints, clamping methods, order of operations, etc. They serve the purpose and I wind up with the knowledge I need and nice things I don't. They wind up as gifts or donations.
I have never started a project intending it for an auction, but some have landed there after I have pulled all the value from it that it was intended to provide me.
Donating the lumber money for any of them might have been more bang for the charity in most cases.
Smaller, less expensive and more of them might bring in the most money
I’d go with candle holders.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2017/09/08/handmade-gift-tea-light-candle-holder-becksvoort
Those are nice too.
When considering what to make for a charitable auction, you have numerous options depending on your skills, interests, and resources. Here are some ideas:
Handwritten Notes or Letters: Craft heartfelt letters or notes of encouragement, inspiration, or gratitude.
Virtual Items: Donate digital goods like e-books, online courses, or virtual consultations.
Unique Collectibles: Offer collectible items such as rare books, vintage clothing, or antique items.
Personalized Items: Create personalized items like custom artwork, engraved jewelry, or monogrammed items.
Having won a Brian Boggs chair for a $5 raffle ticket with few ticket sold - keep it simple. I have made small framed mirrors that were quite popular at benefit raffles and auctions. Little wood, careful joints and a small piece of mirror and you're done.
As usual, the forum dudes exceeded my expectations. Thanks all the great ideas and taking the time to respond; very helpful.
Size matters! Not everyone has a pickup truck. If it won't fit in the back seat it limits the number of buyers.
I'd start from the other end. What can you make that will sell for under $xx. I'm thinking $20 is the max you'll get at that kind of sale.
Make something unique! Perhaps you could get some local salvaged wood, or historical wood from a town tree taken down by a storm and make a box, small table, or the like. People also like items with bends, angles, etc., I've found. You won't make a lot of money from anything you make, but something from local products would enhance your chances. Or, turn a honey pot and get some local honey to go along with it.
That's a good idea. My wife goes nuts for honey from local regions. Suspect she isn't alone.
I've done this several times and it's usually a small round-top plant table or an end grain cutting board. You wouldn't believe the responses I get. The referrals are amazing.
I've made several things for local fundraising auctions and agree with making something small-ish, and that most people don't want to spend much. Smaller is easier for someone to take home. And since they won't pay much, investing a lot of time and/or money making something for little return is disappointing. Some examples are attached. The bottle holders are realtively quick to make the cutting boards not so much.
I've made a version of this mirror frame twice for a charity auction. I acquired the the live edge planks cheap and air dried them for a couple years. They ended up warped so long straight boards were not possible. Worked great for short projects. Just 3 hours or so work plus purchasing a mirror that was cut to fit. Low cost, low hours, and they sold for $200-$300. At one silent auction there was a lady hovering as time ran out to make sure she won the mirror. Can't do this mirror again as I'm out of planks.
I've donated a few things for auction purposes. The thing that generated the most interest and money was a round mission style cherry end table.
Something that is easy to make and appeals to a broad group of people is a nice gift box for wine bottles. I got this design from a woodworking magazine a few years ago, only made one. it has a top that slides off, if that's not apparent from the photo.