Maximizing Impact: 8 Reasons to do the Paddle Raise First

Maximizing Impact: Paddle Raise First

The Paddle Raise, also called the Special Appeal or Fund-A-Need, is the most EFFECTIVE way to make money in 15 minutes. And this is why my other auctioneering friends and I prefer to do it first!

Donations are usually 100% tax deductible, donors feel the difference they're making, and it's the highlight of the evening. While there's no right or wrong time to create this magical moment, there are some specific strategies and reasons you should think about doing it first and we're highlighting them below.

Sets a "Philanthropic Giving" Tone for the event

The earlier and more clearly the mission is conveyed to the crowd, the better. This helps present in a way that makes people feel good about why they are giving.

More People Are Present if You Do a Paddle Raise First

If more people are present and seated, that means more checkbooks are in the room. If you wait until later in the evening, you run the risk of people leaving early and missing the event entirely.

Crowds Are More Attentive at The Beginning of The Night

The average audience attention span is 8-10 minutes. That's not a lot of time so it's important to make your speeches short, focus on the mission and ask for money before you lose the crowd as the night goes on.

Bi-Phasic Alcohol Curve

No, that's not the name of a new fancy drink. It's the turning point from good to bad drinking. It's always best to ask for money before the downward slide. That's usually 1.8 drinks for women and 2.1 for men.

Inclusivity

12% of your audience will participate in the live auction while 60% will participate in a paddle raise. This means more people will be included in on this incredible auction event.

Separate Budgets for Philanthropy/Purchasing

Not everyone wants "stuff" - the items or experiences in the auction
Most make decisions on giving separately from buying things

Doing a Paddle Raise First Is Easier on The Event Staff/ Volunteers

Since the special appeal will have the most entries and data to capture, it gives your team time to process before people run to the checkout line.

You Can Ask for More Money at the End of The Night

Here's a quick example - let's say your goal is 100k. If you do the paddle raise (the special appeal) first thing, and your team tabulates all the money and the final total is 95K. You are so close you can go back onstage and try to "close the gap" at the end of the evening.

Reasons Why the Paddle Raise Should Be Done First

Hopefully, that helped your understanding of what a paddle raise is and why it should be done first thing at an event.

So what do you think?  Still need an auctioneer for your event? Schedule your free consult today.