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 silent auction items.

A new approach

This year’s Gala was given a complete fundraising overhaul; IML’s audience response rentals and services replaced the old paper system, unlocking a wealth of new fundraising potential for the charity.

How it worked

Guests used IML’s audience response keypads to place instant bids on silent auction items from anywhere in the venue, including from the comfort of their dinner table seats. Bidders quickly got the hang of using the audience response keypads and began entering bids within seconds of the opening of the silent auction!
Audience response 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 silent auction items 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 audience response rentals and services enhanced guest’s enjoyment of the evening, enabling them to bid on silent auction 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 audience response rentals and services to pledge money to the charity, which added to the fundraising success of the evening.

Testimonial

"IML’s audience response keypad 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.