Approach Charity Auction as a greenhorn

[October Reader]

Following my post under "Introduce yourself". Here is what happened in a nutshell regarding a "went no-where" Charity Auction approach.

I found on the web a black-tie gala event organized by a musical group in my local area. Picked up the phone and called the number and was patched through to a young man. I asked if they would be interested in a framed painting for the auction and I was told an enthusiastic "Yes". "Good" I thought and got his email address and said that I would be emailing him an image in two weeks time.

I immediately started a painting in a subject matter that I thought would be of interest to the organizer, a period piece of historical musical figures. Once the painting was somewhat in advanced stage I emailed the image to the young man as promised.

I received a prompt and positive response from him. I emailed him back to suggest a second donation item which is a 50% donation of a portrait commission . In that email I detailed standard commission process. I did not get a response. A week later I followed up with an inquiry over the phone. The young man said that he had passed on the info to his boss and would get back to me in three day's time. I wanted to ask him right there to be put in direct contact with his boss but thought better of it. I did not want to come across as being too pushy so instead I just offered to help as he had never handled painting donation before.

I email again with a suggestion of a portrait gift certificate in place of the 50% portrait donation and asked if promo material is allowed. I also offered to do the setup and etc. I did not received an response from him or his organization. Well I think three emails and a follow up phone call with no response were sufficient hints in this case to call it a no go.

So that was the story. My question is this: what could be done differently so the next time I approach a charity function it will work out better? Thanks in advance for your input!

[Mary Sparrow]

Hi October, I kept meaning to welcome you and never got back up to that section yesterday!

There is really no way of knowing just exactly what took place. But from my experience working on the end of being in charge of a large black tie auction, my bet is your offer of a gift certificate got lost in the shuffle. Just based on the fact that they were quite enthusiastic and eager to have your painting. It is apparent that they didn't have a problem with your ability as an artist. So my guess is that they either had a policy (for some odd reason) to only have one item per company/person to offer, or your email's weren't getting to the right place, or you just were dealing with a slacker.

It would seem that three emails and a phone call would have been sufficient. However, as wonderful as email is, I never assume people get my emails. With so much spam that gets through these days, and just basic glitches, it is easy for them to be overlooked. As for your phone call, it could be as simple as they didn't get the message.

I certainly wouldn't take that particular experience as something that you feel was a negative reflection on you as an artist. They loved what they saw, right?!

[Michele Rushworth]

I agree with Mary. There's no way to know what happened. Anything's possible (a slacker, one of their deadlines that passed, they got overwhelmed with donations and dropped the ball... who knows!) If it's not too late, I'd call (not email) the more senior person directly and re-state your offer.

[Chuck Yokota]

I had an experience this autumn when I donated a portrait to a public television auction. Although it was listed in their on-line auction catalog along with sample images, it was never mentioned on the air, and wasn't purchased. Since this also happened to a different portrait donation on the same auction, I figured that without a physical artwork in the studio, they didn't quite know how to handle it, and lost it in the shuffle.

[October Reader]

Thanks very much for the feedback people - a bit more wind underneath my sail!

I called the organization back and was told no one was available to speak to me and they would have to contact me back. Frankly at this point I am getting the impression of poor organization from them.
I found an alternative gala event next month which happens to be put on by their competition.

It's just as well because I contacted the second event organizer and they came across as being straight forward and they also promised to tell me a bit about their members when we discuss donation details down the road.

According to the second party, there are few other paintings involved already and response to paintings in past auctions has been mixed. I am excited to learn more about this group and have a feeling it may work out to be a potential match if their members are interested in realist works.

For greenhorns interested in auction donations, I am learning the more you know who you are dealing with the more return for your time and effort.

[October Reader]

Just a quick note. Nothing like the sound of competition. I received response from the first group within minutes of me telling them about the second event. How interesting!

Apparently the first group is selling donation items on-line now. Also they don't accept partial donations.

Could anyone advise if on-line auction venue with regards to exposure is better or worse than actual life auction? Thank you!

[Michele Rushworth]

I would stay away from on-line auctions. Much less exposure and credibility for you -- and no one gets to see your actual painting or sample portrait in person.

[October Reader]

Thanks so much Michele! Things are looking up again and I owe many thanks to all of you who extended a helping hand!!

SOG rocks!!!