Local Nonprofits Hit Hard By Down Economy Turn to Live Auctions

Online, September 7, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Like scores of other charities, The Denver Children's Advocacy Center is hosting an event and, for the first time, including a live charity auction, hoping for big results.

With the economic downturn, most charities have seen a surge in the need for their services while their donations have been declining. Nonprofits are looking for effective fundraising that will keep them stable through this economic time and a professional live charity auction is a tried and true method that maximizes revenues.

Kevin Rutter of Hot Auctioneering will be conducting the live charity auction at The Denver Children's Advocacy Center's fundraising event, called "Imagine", on Saturday, September 12, 2009. This will be the first time the DCAC has included a live auction in their program. Why this trend toward hiring professional auctioneers?

"In the past, many organizations have conducted their events without hiring a professional auctioneer. With the economic situation the way it is, they just can't afford to take that risk now," states Kevin Rutter, who has seen an increase in calls from charities looking for creative advice on fundraising.

The trend can be confirmed by the statistics. According to the National Auctioneers Association, sales at charity auctions have increased by 21.8% between 2003 and 2008. That translates to 2.9 billion dollars raised in 2008 for charities. Surprisingly, this rise in fundraising is occurring while the economy is in a downturn.

Nonprofits that have included a professional live auction in their fundraising for the first time have been thrilled with the results. There is no question that items at a live auction will produce more money than the same items at a silent auction. In many organizations the money raised at a charity event will account for 60% of their yearly revenue. The cost of hiring a professional auctioneer is well worth the reward.

"There are only a handful of auctioneers in the industry that have the skills to consult, manage, and also perform a successful charity auction. When choosing your auctioneer, make sure they are an experienced and skilled benefit auctioneer," advises Kevin Rutter.

To witness a live charity auction, consider attending the event at the Denver Children's Advocacy Center, 2149 Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO 80211. The evening will include entertainment, cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Registration begins at 6:00pm and the entertainment program starts at 7:00pm, followed by the live auction. In order to attend, please contact the auctioneer, Kevin Rutter.

Kevin Rutter is an experienced professional benefit auctioneer that wants to help charities maximize their fundraising potential. He is a graduate of many schools of education inside and out of the auctioneering profession, including graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering, graduate of the Professional Ringmen's Institute, and graduate of the Leroy Van Dyke Auctioneer Course. He is certified in Dale Carnegie training courses, certified in the Sandler Sales System, and as a Friedman Group management/sales trainer who works with Fortune 500 companies.

For more information about utilizing charity auctions for fundraising or for upcoming events please contact:

Kevin Rutter, President
Hot Auctioneering
720-329-8626
http://www.hotauctioneering.com