The Grand Finale Celebration is our opportunity to recognize you for your hard work throughout this campaign! We will also be announcing the winner of the Student Visionaries of the Year campaign and the grand total raised! However, it is important to keep in mind that this is also a valuable fundraising opportunity for you and your team. Learn more about how you can maximize the Grand Finale and Silent Auction.
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Important Dates/Deadlines
Auction Items Due: March 24, 2023 by 4:00PM CT
Sponsorship Benefits & Program Book Tribute Ads Deadline: March 24, 2023 by 4:00PM CT
Grand Finale: Friday, April 7, 2023
Silent Auction
Each team can submit up to TEN items/packages in total for the Grand Finale (there will be additional opportunities to win additional auction items by reaching Hall of Fame Status and through the Weekly Incentive Challenges)
We recommend silent auction items/packages be a minimum value of $250 each (items can be combined to create a package ex: a basket of items)
All auction items must be summited ONLINE by (February 13, 2023). We cannot accept items without completed forms.
Teams are credited for the amount the item sells for at the Grand Finale
LLS uses mobile bidding devices (your own cell phone or computer) for auction bidding.
The auction bidding site will open up a few days prior to the Grand Finale. An email with the bidding link will be sent out once the site is live.
Donors do not have to be present at the Grand Finale to bid/win items so make sure to send the link out to everyone you know!
Check out this link to see some of the top Auction Items from 2022 and 2021!
Experiences tend to receive more interest at the silent auction! Ex: Private cooking classes, vacation houses, golf outings, etc.
Have fun with this! Are there restaurants or business in the St. Louis area that you love and frequent regularly? These may be great places to approach for auction items. Do you have friends who work at businesses that may be able to make a connection for you? Lastly, we recommend keeping a stack of auction donation letters and forms in your car with you. That way you can make asks as you go about your normal day!
Mistakes to Avoid:
Packaging too many items together
Packaging high-value items together that would sell better as stand-alone items
Waiting until the last minute to ask for auction items
How do I Solicit Auction Items?
Think of the silent auction as icing on the cake or a bonus
Ask for a sponsorship first and then auction items
Reach out to businesses, friends, family, and team members to help you collect auction items!
Use this auction item request email template and letter template to assist you.
Program Book Tribute Ads
A great option for a company that is looking for visibility and has turned down a sponsorship (ALWAYS ask for a sponsorship first)
Ad Options:
Half Page Program Book Tribute $1,500
Half page tribute in black and white (landscape)
Full Page Program Book Tribute $3,500
Full page tribute in color (portrait)
Ad artwork must be received no later than (DATE TBD) to guarantee addition in the virtual 2023 Program Book
Check out this example 2022 Program Book for ideas
Grand Finale Fan Package Opportunities
We know it can be hard for your supporters to choose how to support you during the campaign! That's why we have added TWO new options for your supporters to choose from!
Deluxe Fan Package $5,000
Front inside, back inside, back cover, or center 2-page spread (color/portrait)
Name listed in the Grand Finale Tribute Book
2 tickets to the Grand Finale
Fan Package $2,500
1/2 page tribute ad (black and white/portrait)
Name listed in the Grand Finale Tribute Book
1 ticket to the Grand Finale
*Ad artwork must be received no later than (DATE TBD) to guarantee addition in the virtual 2023 Program Book
**Check out this example 2022 Program Book for ideas
Fund the Fight
This is your supporter's FINAL CHANCE to support LLS and you before we announce the Student of the Year winners. During the Grand Finale, there will be a portion of the program dedicated to asking those in the room to make donations to help you hit your final goal. This will take place using our mobile auction site so make sure your guests are registered (we will send out the registration info the week of Grand Finale).
What does this mean for you?
Your job is to FILL THE ROOM with friends, family, sponsors, team members networks, etc. that can make a donation during Fund the Fight. Specifically, candidates as you earn tickets for Grand Finale work with your parents to think about your guest list - who can you invite that you know will want to make a donation that night? Who will be inspired by the mission and motivated to help you hit your goal?
Keep in mind that it often comes down to the Grand Finale fundraising to determine the winner!
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