A one-of-its kind has prestige. For 26 years, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has showcased a vintage car race thru the picturesque parks and serpentine streets of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The PVGP prides itself as the longest continually running vintage road race in the nation. This world class racing event gathers over 50,000 spectators and gives all its proceeds to two charities, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix hosts its Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala at the 108 year old Fox Chapel Golf Club. Architecturally intertwined with the Allegheny Mountains, it is one of the most elegant and picturesque settings for a benefit anywhere in the country.
Celebrating its 11th gala anniversary, the committee of the Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala sought to invigorate its event by hiring a licensed professional auctioneer to solely call bids for its live auction. But it was a recommendation to seek the services of Auction brio that ignited intrigue to the event director. On a Sunday morning Mark held a conference call with the event director and the silent auction chairperson. By listening to the committee Mark assessed their needs. The committee presented a tough challenge. With fewer items available for bidding they wanted a larger revenue return. It is the expertise of a certified benefit auctioneer specialist to present a solution to achieve this goal. Examples were presented where he could increase bidding thus increasing revenue on the live and silent auction. Upon investing in Mark, he restructured the live auction and managed the silent auction by turning a bargain table into a money generator.
Guests arrived to the summer sun brightly reflecting off the glossy finish of polished vintage cars that lined the grass median of the Fox Chapel Golf Club. Dressed for the era photographers took flash photos to commemorate the moment. Champagne was served as guests admired and discussed the eras, chassis and models of the collection of vintage cars. One of the items for auction, a Mini Cooper S Experience, was strategically parked outside the entrance doors. It was a fashionable setting for an elegant auction gala.
The silent auction opened with a beautiful presentation. Guests hovered over items and continued to raise the bidding. When the silent auction closed at 9pm it generated more money than any previous year! Mark had successfully executed a silent auction with limited items and delivered a money generator. The live auction elevated to a new record of revenue. An elite Kolbold Watch Co. Men’s timepiece produced immediate results. Mark received an instant bid and sold the elegant timepiece for $3,500!
Remarkably, an auction with fewer items returned more money for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala. Mark’s expertise in auction management and Auction brio services revved-up record revenue. His results drive one-of-a-kind prestige.
"Mark was able to come in at the last minute to help us with our live and silent auctions. While I was originally looking for just a live auctioneer, he explained his services and we decided to work more collaboratively on the entire fundraising event. Our revenue increased with 30% fewer packages than in prior years. We had higher bidders on fewer items and were able to make this event a huge success with his help.”
Beth Martin ~ Event Chair Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
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