Thread: Donating performance to charity auction - dos and don'ts?

I am considering the idea of donating a performance to a charity auction. But, I am a bit reluctant because I am fairly sure that can cause a whole lot of unhappiness if not done in a smart way. So, I figured, I'd ask for help on Bhuz ;-)

Does anybody have an example of a contract/conditions/advice for that specific situation to share?

I've donated wiggle and giggle workshops before. It all went great and helped to raise a good chunk of money...until actually dealing with the winners.

The rescheduled on me twice and then didn't show up for the workshop. Their loss I guess.

I put an expiration date on it so they weren't calling 2 years later. Also, some days you may not be available so perhaps you can't book the performance in December or on NYE when you maybe be really busy with other paying christmas shows etc. You can have blackout periods ;)

Also specify what you will and won't be available for (retirement yes, bachelor party no)

The length of performance, what kind (veil and zills, or props), how far you will or will not travel, how far in advance they need to book you.

xo

Originally Posted by anyadance

I've donated wiggle and giggle workshops before. It all went great and helped to raise a good chunk of money...until actually dealing with the winners.

The rescheduled on me twice and then didn't show up for the workshop. Their loss I guess.

I put an expiration date on it so they weren't calling 2 years later. Also, some days you may not be available so perhaps you can't book the performance in December or on NYE when you maybe be really busy with other paying christmas shows etc. You can have blackout periods ;)

Also specify what you will and won't be available for (retirement yes, bachelor party no)

The length of performance, what kind (veil and zills, or props), how far you will or will not travel, how far in advance they need to book you.

xo

Yes.

I put something like "subject to availability" re: any booking date, and I managed to fit the conditions on a certificate that was given to a lucky bidder. Expiration date is a must.

I think that the "conditions," contact info, etc, can otherwise be attached to the certificate with the added sheet very nicely designed.

Deborah

I agree that "subject to availability" is very important to have on there, in addition to an expiration date (I usually use 6 months).

Another great thing to put on Gift Certificates is "NO CASH VALUE". Sometimes the GC is given to someone who doesn't want it, and the recipient may come back to you and say, "I know the performance is a $150 value, so I'll give you back the certificate and you can just give me the money instead." A acquaintance of mine who owns a music school had this happen to her a few times and it was a nightmare.

Also, don't be surprised if, like anyadance reported, someone buys the performance and never uses it. I have donated at least 20 gift certificates for a free private lesson to various charity auctions, and I've only had 2 cashed in!