the chronicle of philanthropy
the chronicle of philanthropy
the chronicle of philanthropy
Approach the Best Celebrity to Draw Attention to Your Auction Fundraiser
Copyright (c) 2009 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Sometimes a non-profit will seek advice on how to find the most appropriate celebrity to promote their cause. The group may be considering the impact a well-known actor or musician could have at its auction fundraiser.
The charity’s goal is multi-faceted. The presence of a star could draw others to attend their gala, or the star himself might donate to the auction, thereby raising funds in a more direct way.
When Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson – both active in several different charities – passed on the same day, the uncanny timing of their death drew considerable awareness to their respective charities.
Contacting and cementing a relationship with a star can be a lengthy process, so targeting the right celebrity upfront is important. It would be a waste of time to send correspondence to a star who has no interest in supporting your cause.
An important point is to research celebrities before you attempt to contact them. Only contact those who have a direct tie to your charity’s mission.
Questions you might consider include:
* Where was the celebrity raised?
* What city does the celebrity identify as his or her “home town?”
* Were or are they close to anyone who has a particular condition or illness (such as a brother with Down’s Syndrome, or a Mom recovering from breast cancer)?
* Do they themselves have a unique condition, like dyslexia or diabetes?
* Has the celebrity been known to attend specific charitable events, perhaps being photographed?
The answers to these questions might provide clues to whether the celebrity is a logical person for you to approach.
Actress Farrah Fawcett’s preferred charities were cancer-related organizations and domestic violence groups. As a survivor of domestic violence, her work with the National Domestic Violence Hotline was a natural extension of her life experience.
Her commitment to cancer-related issues began in the 1980s when she served as chairperson for Women Against Cancer, an awareness campaign launched by the American Cancer Society. Her connections to other cancer-related causes solidified in her life’s final years as she underwent treatment for anal cancer. Then again, Fawcett brought awareness to her illness and related charities like the Cancer Council via her documentary “Farrah’s Story.” The movie chronicled her life with cancer and was released just weeks prior to her death. There was a direct connection between her life and her charities.
Michael Jackson’s philanthropy usually rewarded children’s charities. His over-the-top donations landed him in the 2000 Guinness Book of World Records for most charities supported by a pop star. Although he clearly enjoyed an elaborate lifestyle, he was just as quick to lavishly donate his time or money to causes which caught his heart.
Jackson gave widely to many causes, but a look at his donations and involvement in various groups clearly indicates he had a soft-spot towards children’s charities and making the world a better place for kids. Groups like Childhelp USA, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and YMCA enjoyed Jackson’s attention.
No doubt other youth-oriented non-profits reached out to him with their own stories. Given that his own rocky childhood has been documented widely, we can’t be too surprised that Jackson’s philanthropy reflects a desire to improve the childhood for someone else.
When seeking star support at your fundraising auction gala, do your homework. Take the time to learn the backgrounds of your targeted celebrities and understand their unique life circumstances. Spend time on the Internet Movie Database or other celebrity sites to learn more about your favorite star.
Reaching out to a celebrity could prove to be a worthwhile activity for your charity and might develop into a long-term relationship. But before you pick up the phone, spend time upfront researching your targeted stars.
About the Author
Award-winning auctioneer Sherry Truhlar regularly writes about ways to improve the bottom line at charity auctions. If you’re looking for other auction ideas, she invites you to download her FREE Auction Item Guide available at Red Apple Auctions The Guide lists 100 of the best-selling items currently selling well in auction fundraisers.
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