How much more can we raise by adding a silent auction to our event?

Your foundation’s event already fills the room with supporters drawn by a celebrity name. They have seen every signed jersey and expect something fresh to bid on. Travel and live-event experiences, bucket-list sporting events, top international destinations, give them that. When the room is ready to spend, a silent auction turns their generosity into a second revenue line, not a distraction from the evening.

Adding an auction costs nothing upfront. You browse over 140 experiences, reserve what fits your crowd, and get marketing materials. You only pay for an experience if it sells, keep 100% over the cost, and can sell experiences multiple times if the bidding gets hot. You are not too late: items can be added the same day as your event. Recommended starting bids are 15 to 20% above cost, so profit starts from the first bid. Experiences like the Kentucky Derby or a trip to Italy often sell for 30 to 50% above that.

This week, look at the 140+ experiences at Giveback XP. Pick a few that match your event’s audience, Country Music Awards passes, US Open tickets, Italian villa stays. Reserve them with no commitment. You’ll receive a one-page display PDF and a marketing email to help you present them on the night. Adding a silent auction takes little time on your part, and the Travel Team handles all booking for winners after the event.

After your gala or golf classic, you have a new revenue stream without having changed the event’s core. Donors get experiences they’ll remember, and your foundation keeps the profit. The auction table becomes a natural part of the evening, and you can repeat it next year with different packages.