• Choose an engaging person to be the auctioneer.DreamPictures/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  An auction is a good fundraising event because it brings in money for your cause at the same time that the bidder gets something in return. The most important advice when hosting an auction, either live or silent, is to make the event fun. Select an auctioneer or announcer who is lively and engaging. A festive atmosphere is conducive to more audience involvement. The items you are "selling" should be staged to look attractive to the buyer. For smaller items, create groupings of items to sell together.
  
  

Setup

• Make the items you sell interesting.reading image by Luigi from Fotolia.com
  
  When you have an auction, don't stick the table in a back corner of your event. Place it prominently to attract the most attention. If people will need to stand in line for tickets or a meal, place the tables of items near where people are waiting. If this won't work for your event, place the tables just inside the doors so that people will see the items when they enter. However, if it is a pass-through area, they may quickly forget. Move the tables around if necessary, or for smaller items, have volunteers take the items around on trays for people to look at. If you have a silent auction with an announcer, have him occasionally give reminders to bid. Make sure you use strong descriptive words to describe the items. If you have a fiction book for sale, don't just say your group is selling a book. For example, say that you are selling the latest thrilling adventure which will transform the reader into an international spy.
  
  

Publicize

• No matter how many hours your group has spent gathering items to sell or creating attractive gift sets, if no one is at the event, you can't make any money. According to Fundraiser Help, public awareness is the most important aspect of an auction. The public needs to understand what you are raising money for and how the public can help. The added bonus is that members of the public get the chance to buy some nice objects. Of course, make sure your local newspaper is aware of your event, but don't stop there. Post or pass out fliers in busy areas and give fliers to local merchants who have donated items. This helps everyone be part of the event. Make sure to post your auction on the Internet at local websites and even Craigslist.
  
  

Planning

• Consider hiring a professional auctioneer for live auctions. People enjoy the pace of an auctioneer's voice, but more importantly, the auctioneer can keep things moving to build a level of excitement. If you don't have the funds to hire an auctioneer, definitely make sure your "auctioneer" is witty and a good public speaker. Have the person practice in front of your group before your auction to boost his confidence.
  
  

Obtaining Items

• An auction, silent or live, needs items for the public to make bids. Your organization can purchase items to sell; however, the amount you raise will be much lower. If you are creative, you can gather a good assortment of free items to sell. Start early gathering items. Contact corporations via the Internet or by phone initially. You can go to the local store, but often you will be required to contact the main office. You will probably be requested to provide information on your organization. Submit this information promptly and also make sure to include information of how you will promote the company. Contact Gifts in Kind International is an organization that gathers new items for nonprofit events. Contact sporting venues in your area for tickets or autographed items. Contact restaurant chains or movie theaters for gift certificates. You can also contact local artists. For example, a glass blower might give an item away as long as you promote her. Whatever items you receive, make sure to write thank you letters after the event letting the company know how much they helped the event succeed.