How do other children’s hospitals get big trips for their galas?

Most big trips at charity galas are not donations. They are consignment. A nonprofit lists a travel package with no upfront cost. They set a reserve price. If a bidder goes above the reserve, the charity keeps the profit. For a children’s hospital gala, this means you can offer the same experiences without a wealthy board member.

There is no cost to list a package. You pay only if it sells. The reserve covers the trip cost. Start bids 15-20% above cost, so you profit from the first bid. If two families want the same trip, you can sell it twice and double your return. How many packages you list depends on your event size. A gala for 200 might use 3 to 5 travel items. A radiothon can handle more.

This week, review your silent auction lineup. Choose one or two travel experiences that fit your crowd. For children’s hospitals, Formula 1, major golf, and destinations like Ireland, Portugal, or Iceland sell well. With Giveback XP, 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. Reserve a package, get the marketing sheet, and see how your bidders respond.

Your gala or radiothon will have the same big-trip silent auction items as any other charity. Your family-focused crowd gets to bid on experiences they actually want. The mission does the emotional work, and the travel packages give them a fun way to give big. You keep the profit, and the winners plan their trip with help from a travel team.