Last year I conducted an auction for a new client and discovered a silent auction item that became an obvious live auction situation for this year's event.
A pastry chef donated 6 gourmet cheesecakes that had guests fighting for that last bid to win a taste of these beautiful desserts that could feed an entire table of ten. The highest cake went for $70 dollars but it was the potential competition in a live auction that I knew could generate more money for my client.
This year, we made it a production. In a 1950's themed event, we started the live auction by cutting the lights and having Elvis lead in the cake procession from the back of the room to the stage. Elvis danced and his music rang throughout the room. Students from the school walked throughout the room showcasing the delicious desserts amongst the guests.
I sold the cakes as choice. I auctioned the chance to have first choice of the cake you desired if you won the highest bid. The guests reacted with raised paddles. The coconut went first at $255 dollars. Another bidder matched the $255 for the peanut butter chocolate cake. I then sold three more at $160 each and finished with a chocolate Mousse at $80 dollars. In a matter of 2-minutes, I sold 6-gourmet cakes for $1,070 dollars. It hundreds of dollars, it eclipsed the silent auction total from a year ago and guests commented how fun it was participating in the dessert auction.
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