An open-pledge auction can raise a substantial amount of money in a very short amount of time. The open pledge is normally part of the live auction.

In an open-pledge, any and all guests raise their hand or bid card and pledge a fixed amount of money. The real winner in this auction item is your organization in that many people have pledged to give a donation.

Establish a specific cause or project within your organization that needs special funding. Examples might be:

• New Computers
• New carpets in the library
• An entire new building, gymnasium, activity center, library, etc etc
• A remodel or refurbish of an existing facility
• New phone system
• New staff position that needs funding to get started

Additional vehicle for use by the organization

Have a financial goal in mind for this specific project. Announce that goal to your guests.

We need to raise $30,000 for the new library, to remodel the gymnasium, etc, etc.

The donation amounts can be a small amount of money, say $100 or can be larger amounts such as $500, $1000, $2500 or higher. You can even accept bids at various levels. Start the pledge bidding at the highest level.

How many guests will donate $1000 for the new library, please raise your bidcards. Keep your bid cards raised until our recorders have taken down your number. Keep your bid cards raised until I have called your number

How many guests will donate $500 for the new library? Keep your bid cards raised until the information has been recorded.

How many will donate $250, $100, etc etc.

The live auctioneer or an assistant should keep a rough tally as to how much is being raised. It is not difficult to keep track of this and to be able to proudly announce that we have raised $$$$$$$ for the new facility. Thank you for your support

I’ve seen one private school raise $25,000 in less than 15 minutes. 4 or 5 bids of $1000 can secure you $5000 in very short order.

Other groups have raised $5000 when 50 people pledged a mere $100 each. $5000 can go quite far for some organizations.

Whatever method you use to obtain these bids, fixed amount or various amounts, you must figure out a way to record and collect these pledges. There is no benefit to a pledge unless the money is actually received.

The open pledge can be the last item of your live auction. It is possible that every one of your guests could participate in your pledge. What method will in place to keep track of pledges and collections for your 300, 500, 1000 or 1500 guests?

• Have an auction recorder or recorders keep track of the bid numbers pledging the various amounts as the live auctioneer announces them
• Collect the actual bid cards (if appropriate) from each guest if they pledge. Auction spotters can circulate the room to pick up these cards and bring them to a central area.
• Pass out pre-printed pledge cards with either the fixed amount or various amounts indicated. The card has room for the guest name, table number, bidder number, phone and a possibly a credit card number. Auction spotters can distribute these cards and the guests can fill them out and turn them in as they leave. (Sample card below)

Whatever method you use, announce to the guests how to pay and thank them for their contributions