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!