Charity Auction - what can I give ??

[LucyLamb]

So my friend just invited me to a big charity ball - fabulous charity that funds children with life threatening illnesses taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland, all expenses paid etc.

She has asked me to bring something for the auction !

Last year there was stuff like bespoke jewellery, signed photos, signed Rugby shirts, X-boxes, digital cameras etc - I think a lot given by companies, and obviously people with contacts !

Problem is - my company doesn't do stuff like that (civil service) and also I don't know anyone famous or even anyone who knows anyone famous !

So - clever ideas needed !

I don't mind buying something - up to about £50 - but something original !!

50 lottery tickets

Marsys LDC...priceless

Seriously though....I don't know...but I am sure others around here could come up with something original...

you could donate a servise like ironing or gardening or anything u good at [i dont mean anything rude lol]

Actually I like RubySlippers idea....

not meaning to be flippant but if there are other amazing items then you are going to have to be original if you can't get a 52 " plasma screen tv
BTW lots of shops and travel agents etc have a charity budget and may well donate something to you
always worth a quick phonecall to someone like BA
Selfridges or somewhere like that may donate an amazing food hamper - costs them very little
Also, tell them they will be mentioned in all the on the night blurb etc

I thought of something I could do - but I am pretty average at everything and also work f/t - so I haven't really got time.

I think I need something to buy - like a thing or a service !

Oh good idea about asking businesses ! I will ask my health spa - good advertising for them !

yes - if you are a regular at the salon i am sure you can twist their arm ...

Anyone else got any ideas ?

Anyone have any famous people contacts ?

my dh used to work in the royal parks in london and did the queens garden but sorry they not on first name terms [this is actually true ]

Dh's old work place had a charit auction. What he did (DH helped organise it) was email or write to certain organisations and stars and ask them for something.

Is there an exclusive hotel or golf club nearby? You could perhaps approach them, see what they say. Where are you near? We were lucky with ours as we were near St Andrews, and it was the weekend of the Dunhill Links, so lots of famous golfers and celebrities going around.

lucy it true i promise u huni he is fully qualified lanscape gardener and worked in the royal parks in london which included buckingham palace

Hampshire !

Have just emailed all the external companies I work with - so hopefully one of them may come up with something - I cheekily asked for money if they didn't want to give a gift ! If a few of them give me £30 I could buy something decent I reckon ?

Am going to ring a few spas and haelth clubs later on.

DH's aunt does lovely paintings - might ask her if she feels like donating one ?

love st andrews course bit expensive to play on though

The best thing I ever bought at a charity auction was the wrapping of 12 christmas presents.

They were done beautifully!

wat about donating your kiddies lol i could
be tempted some days arghhh [joke dont call social services ]

meant donate MY kiddies

What about approaching Portsmouth FC and asking them if they could donate something. DH did this and from Hearts, Hibs and the two Glasgow got something, a signed football from one, a signed team shirt from another, and the two Glasgow teams offered the chance of a trip round their stadiums

portraits or paintings are often popular items
a round of golf and dinner/lunch is always a winner

tea at the ritz would be good

off on school run bye

Ahh - I know a man who runs a golf course - will give him a call too !

Don't know anyone with a restuarant though.

Keep the ideas coming !

case of wine or champagne
speak to Majestics/Oddbins or even an independent retailer
laurent perrier have a charity budget IIRC

If you are in Hants/Berks the Sunday Times Wine club operates from Theale Trading Estate (nr Reading) - they are called Laithwaites

Companies are often quite willing to donate vouchers, perhaps you could persude one to donate in partnership with you.

Vouchers for spa treatments, months free pass or a free days entry etc don't cost the company donating them as much as an actual physical gift so easier to get them to donate.