Bite-Sized Case Study: A Fundraising Gem

The Cause: The Children's Cancer Institute

is an Australian based organisation dedicated to the eradication of childhood cancer. Every year 950 Australian children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer. Every week nearly three Australian children and adolescents will die of cancer.Our organisation exists solely to put an end to childhood cancer. We don't just hope to do it. We will do it.

The Event

The Children's Cancer Institute Diamond Ball was held on September 9 2017 at Sydney's International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. The night certainly lived up to its glittering moniker, with hosting duties performed by Seven Network's Kylie Gilles and entertainment provided by the incredible singer songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke. Guests were treated to a beautifully decorated space that paid tribute to many of the children supported by the Institute.

The Fundraiser

A live and silent auction, complete with live pledge and the Diamond Raffle. We loved how guests were encouraged to register for the auction via clear and easy to follow instructions projected onto a big screen on stage.

Amazing Prizes

The prizes at the Diamond Ball were very special indeed. The auction included an internship with Channel 9's A Current Affair, high tea with fashion designer Carla Zampatti and a luxury getaway to Qualia on Hamilton Island. The prize items also included a donation of artwork by renowned artist, Rebecca Cooper. Art was an important outlet for Rebecca while she was undergoing cancer treatment – the donation and Rebecca's story made a remarkable and positive impact on the event.

Auction Logistics

The Institute opted for a mix of self-managed auction software and having the GalaBid team on site at the Diamond Ball. Managing the auction site gave the organising team control over the presentation of the auction. Having the GalaBid team on hand on the night was a good way to access extra support when it was needed.

Things We Loved

1. The Ball's incredible prize selection that was a testament to donors' generosity, the organising committee's hard work and the importance of the cause.
2. Rebecca Cooper's artwork donation was a beautiful way to create a strong link between the charity, its work and the children and families the CCI supports
3. A mix of fundraising options (raffle, auction and pledge) is a great way to encourage participation from each and every guest.

Takeaways 

1. Unique and money-can't-buy experiences are valuable assets to any fundraising auctions.
2. Establishing a link between your prizes items and your cause is a powerful way to engage bidders.

What They Said

“Managing the GalaBid platform on the night was so easy and simple. That was particularly important as we had volunteers taking control of the system and it had to be easy for them to use. The GalaBid team who were onsite were great and very helpful and the payment element of the system ran so smoothly.

Lara El-Eter, Events Coordinator, Children's Cancer Institute