The Betty Brinn's Children’s Museum
The Betty Brinn's Children’s Museum,
in Milwaukee, increased its Gala auction results by
$12,000, an 18% increase, compared to 2006.
The old system
Previously, the charity had relied on a
paper-based silent auction system that required guests to leave
their conversations and walk through the museum to write down their
bids, causing many to focus on one or two items.
A new approach
This year’s Gala was given a complete fundraising overhaul;
IML’s electronic bidding technology replaced the old paper system,
unlocking a wealth of new fundraising potential for the
charity.
How it worked
Guests used IML’s electronic keypads to place instant bids on
items from anywhere in the venue, including from the comfort of
their dinner table seats. Bidders quickly got the hang of using the
keypads and began entering bids within seconds of the opening of
the silent auction!
Keypad screens instantly informed guests if their bid was
successful and continuously updated them with the highest bids.
Large plasma screens placed around the room also displayed the
highest bids, enabling guests to see immediately if they had been
outbid. This lead to competitive bidding amongst those determined
to outdo their peers and win their desired lots no matter what the
cost.
As the auction neared its close, excitement mounted and a flurry
of bidding took place, driving-up the value of the lots to raise
even more money for the charity.
Added benefits
In contrast to the paper system, IML’s technology enhanced
guest’s enjoyment of the evening, enabling them to bid on items
whilst enjoying uninterrupted conversations and
entertainment. The system added a level of energy and friendly
competition for all attendees.
Pledge
Guests were also able to use IML’s keypads to pledge money to
the charity, which added to the fundraising success of the
evening.
Testimonial
"IML’s technology helped us raise more than $79,000 from
our silent auction lots. Guests found it easy to use, as it
enabled them to bid instantly on multiple items from any location
at the event. This led to increased bidding, and it was fun!
Guests loved the friendly competition, the instant feedback
the electronic keypads provided, and the novelty of the system. The
system also provided the Museum with an excellent donor recognition
tool, enabling us to thank our top sponsors in an entertaining and
highly visible way. We’ll certainly be using the technology
again - it’s fantastic." Melissa Nelsen,
Board President, Betty Brinn’s Children’s Museum.