Banquet auction raises vital funds

For the first time in several years the Coachmakers Banquet featured an online auction. Since the last time we ran an auction, technology has marched on and so now it was easy for all attending, and even those not attending, to participate and bid for auction lots.

On the night we raised a total of £17,269.

The majority of lots were donated by our sponsors and supports, members and guests of the Coachmakers and some coming from our auction app provider, Givergy. The benefit of using the app meant non-attendees could participate and we can also see which items were the most interesting for bidders. As this was the first auction like this for us, we now know how to do it better next time and perhaps continue with a Banquet auction and raise even more funds to help our charitable causes.

The top 10 items that attracted the most bidding were all provided by Company contacts. There were also individual donations on the night of more than £1,000. Many of the donations and winning bids came from guests of the Banquet rather than members of the Company.

We learnt a lot about how to run such an auction and what works well for the Coachmakers’ membership. We know auctions can build over the years as we become used to running them, donors get used to providing unique experiences and items, and members of the Company get used to the auction taking place.

Many thanks to the many people who donated items for auction and to the bidders and donors. The funds raised will go into the charity’s 350th anniversary fund to grow the number of awards we make, and expand our other activities, up to and beyond our anniversary year.