What do we do?
• Here is what 3 of our of clients say that we can do for you.

To Whom It May Concern,

Whenever anyone mentioned "Silent Auction" I would cringe and dread all the work and time that I knew would be involved. That was "BD"- Before Dennis.

Dennis Benda & his assistant Jan from Art a La Carte are a God send. They do it all. They set up for the event, provide all the items, collect for all items sold, package them up, and break everything down. The two of them made our lives here at the Halifax Medical Center Foundation so much easier. We have had 2 fund-raisers in the last 2 weeks with Silent Auctions at both and Art a La Carte handled it all.

Our attendees were thrilled with the great selection, the professionalism and the expertise this company provides.

If you are considering a Silent Auction and want it to be a success then your next thought should be "I better give Dennis Benda a call at Art a La Carte". I know you won't be disappointed, we sure weren't.

If you would like to speak with me please call me at Halifax Medical Center Foundation (386)254-4111 or your may e-mail me at carol.holton@.halifax.org.

Sincerely,

Carol Holton Development Coordinator
Halifax Medical Center Foundation, Inc.

To Whom it may Concern,

Having been involved with Special Events at the Central Florida Zoo for ten years, I have had many calls from outside sources who suggest their intent is to assist in our fund raising efforts. Some have been effective, some not.

I have been the Staff Chairperson for our largest gala, Black Tie on the Wild Side, for six years. This event features a cocktail hour, raffle, silent auction and dinner and dancing. Over the course of the years, procurement of auction items of quality has become increasingly difficult.

Two years ago, I received a call from Dennis Benda at Art a la Carte. Dennis explained that he could supplement our auction items with an eclectic selection of paintings, jewelry, handbags, sculptures and one- of-a-kind ceramic tiles. I set an appointment to view the goods at the Longwood warehouse.

We were very impressed with the selection and decided on the number of pieces for our auction. Not only does Art a la Carte provide the pieces, the expert staff sets up, breaks down, and works the entire event. I have never encountered another company that provides such complete service.

We are approaching our 3rd Gala with Art a la Carte on board, and I cannot imagine doing it without them. The addition of the Art a La Carte items has translated to increased revenues, and that is the name of the 501-C3 game.

We have built a relationship of trust Art a la Carte and I leave the decisions on what items to bring to the Art a la Carte crew. They have the experience and never repeat an item. When event time arrives, it is so great to have one less thing about which to worry.

If anyone is questioning a partnership with Art a la Carte, I would encourage it. Please call me at (407) 323-4450 ext 136 or email at jaynaf@centralfloridazoo.org with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jayna Fox

Director of Guest Services
Central Florida Zoo

 Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a silent auction?

• In a silent auction, there is no live auctioneer and bidding is open for a pre-set time period. Items are displayed with a paper bid sheet next to it. The starting bids are much lower than the items value. Participants will write down their bids throughout the auction. When the bidding closes, the person who wrote down the highest bid on an item wins that item. Winners will be asked to pay and pick up their items before leaving the event.

I'm sorry, but I still don't understand what you do?

• We are like a food caterer except we cater the silent auction. Instead of bringing a variety of delicious foods, we bring glamorous and exiting works of art, jewelry, ladies bags, ceramics, glass, crystals, and other fine collectibles. Unlike the food caterer where you spend money - with us you make money. It's that simple.

I am new in the Fundraising Committee and need more information.

• Congratulations. Our strategic fundraising alliance will make you look good. The more you understand what we can do, the more creative you can be, and the easier your job will be. Please call and visit us. You'll find we are very easy to work with.

Isn't a silent auction difficult to do?

• Not when we help. We have participated in so many events, that we know from experience what works and what fails. There are secrets to where the items should be set up, when the silent auction should begin and end. Even your bid forms can help or hinder how smoothly your event goes.

We're having a live auction so why have a silent auction?

• Successful auctioneers will tell you that a silent auction warms up the audience and gets them in the buying mood. As a result you get more and higher bids for your live auction items.

We already have donated baskets and certificates, why do we need you?

• You raise more money.  Our clients have discovered that by combining their donated items with ours, it creates more buying excitement. That results in higher bids on their donated items.

Will your items add glamour and prestige to our event?

• Yes. Art, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, etc. glamorizes the visual and buying experience. This pays immediate and long term dividends for your fundraising goals. Remember you're competing with thousands of non-profits to retain and expand your contributor base. By adding glamour and excitement to your event, you brand your patrons with positive memories that they are more willing to continue sponsoring you throughout the year, and to return next year with their friends.

We're planning a reception. Is a silent auction disruptive?

• No. A silent auction is great socializing event. As your guests mingle with drinks & snacks, they will be quietly entertained with the #1 sport in America - shopping. As a bonus you raise awareness and funding for your special cause.

We can only accept donated items.

• Our mission is to help raise more money than you ordinarily receive. After you have spent thousands of man hours and vast sums on your event location, catering, entertainment, etc to create the event, we know you are looking for something to make money with. Ours is the only service that doesn't cost you money, but makes you money, and makes it easy for you.

We have already spent our budget.

• One of the great things about our service is that it costs you nothing, zero, $0.00. Unlike your other budget items, we don't cost you - we make you money. You can't afford not to add us.

I tried consignment items in the past, and it was too much work to unpack, keep track of, repack, ship and worry over damages.

• With us, you don't need to do or touch a thing. Besides bringing a wide variety exciting items, we display them, man the auction, and remove any leftovers, so you are not responsible for any damage.

Do we make money on every items sold?

• Yes. You're guaranteed that you will make money on each item sold.

Plus when an items sells for more that the starting bid, you receive all, not part of, the additional revenues.

Example:  If a starting bid is $100.00, you get $20.00 if there is only 1 bid.
If the item has $10.00 increments over the starting bid, and the $100.00 starting bid item sells for $170.00, you get $20.00 + $70.00 = $90.00

You also receive 100% of the proceeds from all your donated items.

How do you save us hundreds of man-hours of labor?

• By having us bring a wide variety of high quality items, your staff saves hundreds of down time calling to find donated items, driving to pick them up and working the event. Instead you can use those hundreds of hour saved doing your primary mission or for selling more tickets to your event.

How do I save thousands of dollars?

• Two ways. Typically we donate $3,000.00 in our labor and printing costs to select, print bid forms, deliver, set-up, man the event, clean-up, and remove unsold items. Second, you can save thousands more in free pre- and post-event publicity, by emailing your story and pictures of our items to your local news organizations. (Yes, our items look that good.)

How can my event get greater exposure and publicity?

• Maximize your fund-raising & publicity efforts by combining events, such as:
• Gala + Silent Auction, or Tournament + Silent Auction Reception.
• Newspapers & magazines love photos of people with art, so take lots of pictures.
• We can provide you images to send with your pre-event publicity materials to newspaper, magazines, and radio stations to sell more tickets.

Can we include our own donated items?

• Yes. You receive 100% of the proceeds from your donated items. We will even make the bid forms for those items.

Are bidding numbers required to be issued to our patrons?

• No, but you are missing 5 valuable secrets if you don't.

• 1st - It's easy. Your patrons really don't mind filling our bid form out.
• 2nd - With a bid number in hand, it immediately puts them in a buying mood.
• 3rd - It's easy to be tempted to bid on more items, which is more $ to you.
• 4th - The information from the bid forms makes the auction go smoother.
• 5th - Now you have mailing list for future fundraising campaigns.

Do you accept cards during the fund-raiser?

• Yes! Accepting credit cards has been proven to help increase your sales. You are only charged the actual processing fees costs.

Do you collect the money or do we?

• It is your choice. If we collect the funds, you will be paid in 3-4 business days, to allow checks and credit cards to clear.

Will the artwork damage my walls?

• No! We bring our own easels to display the art.

What equipment do we need to provide for the auction?

• All you need is a few tables for to put the silent auction items and bid sheets on.

On the day of the event, how much set-up time do you need to need?

• Give us a few hours before to set-up and a couple after your meeting to pack up.

How much time do I need to give Art a la Carte to organize an event?

• Usually we can schedule a small event for you with only a few days.
• Larger events may require a week or weeks.
• It doesn't cost you to ask about setting up a fund-raiser for you.
• We only book one event for a particular day, so reserve your date ASAP

Do you also do live auctions?

• No, but we can help you find a live auctioneer.

 Where can a Fund-Raiser be held?

• Just about anywhere in Florida. Conventions, hotels, clubs, restaurants, meeting halls, homes, churches. etc.

Can we include our own donated items?

• Yes. You receive 100% of the proceeds from your donated items. We will even make the bid forms for those items.

Guaranteed to make money?

• Yes, you make money on the very first bid, and the more they bid the more money you make.

How much does it cost?

• NO up-front costs! Our auction service is free. You pay only for what you make money on after the event.

What labor do we need to provide for the auction?

• NO LABOR is needed on your part, we do the set-up and fund-raiser for you.

Why should we choose your company?

• Experience, selection of items, dedicated staff, and reputation. You have nothing to lose by choosing us and much to gain.  Our clients include:

• Non-profits
• Associations
• Foundations
• Corporate Event
• Organizations
• Zoos
• Meeting Planners
• Event Planners

How can you afford to provide your service?

• Our service is a win - win - win arrangement between you, our artists, and our company. You win with an unbeatable silent auction package. Since we buy directly from our artists, craftsmen and suppliers, they win. And finally, our company wins by gaining greater exposure.

Are more fund-raising and special events programs available?

• Yes! Call us and we can tailor a fund-raiser for your special needs.
• www.PearlsForCause.com is your year-round fundraising E-Store.