How do other charities get big trips for their galas?

Your committee sees another nonprofit auction off an F1 weekend or a trip to Ireland and assumes a wealthy board member donated it. Those trips are almost never donations. They come from consignment, and any children's hospital or pediatric charity can list the same ones.

The trips you see at other galas, radiothons, and family events are not one-off gifts. They are consigned experiences. A supplier gives the charity a ready-made package with photos, descriptions, and a cost. The charity lists it, sets a starting bid above that cost, and keeps every dollar over it. For children's hospitals and pediatric charities, the emotional mission does the heavy lifting. The packages give families a way to give big.

There is no upfront payment. You reserve what you like from over 140 experiences. You only pay if an item sells. A recommended starting bid is 15 to 20 percent above cost, so you make money from the first bid. If two families want the same trip, you can sell it to both. That doubles or triples your profit on one package. Nothing is bought ahead of time.

This week, pick a few experiences that fit your room. Formula 1, major golf events, bucket-list sporting events, and top international spots like Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland sell well for children's hospitals and pediatric charities. Giveback XP can help you choose the right number of packages for your audience size. Items can be added last minute, even the day of your event.

Your gala or radiothon has the same access to big trips as any other charity. You list the packages, set your reserve, and keep everything above it. Winners get up to two years to travel. The travel team handles their bookings. You focus on your mission.

Other questions about online auctions for children's hospitals & pediatric charities