A silent auction fundraiser can raise thousands of dollars for your school or charity. It requires lots of planning and effort, but is an excellent way to help the organization thrive. One of the most successful items at silent auctions are gift cards and gift certificates.
Many businesses are happy to donate gift cards to help support nonprofit agencies and schools. It provides advertising, and allows them to build a positive reputation in the community. In some cases, their small donation will help them attain more business.
You can collect these donations by either asking in person, calling them, and/or sending a letter. A letter might be more effective at getting donations. These letters are usually followed up with a phone call or visit.
Below are a few sample fundraising letters for silent auction gift card donations. These letters are to be typed, using business letter style. If you’ve forgotten, please read “How to Write a Business Letter.”
Sample Fundraising Letter to a Restaurant
Dear Mr. Chef,
My husband and I enjoy eating at Chez Suzette.We celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary recently at your restaurant. It is a great place for dates, and I have recommended it to your friends.
Recently, I was given the responsibility of finding silent auction gift cards for my son’s PTA at his school, Ramirez Elementary. The funds generated for the silent auction will help pay for field trips for 4th and 5th grade science, smart boards for two classes, and new computer software.
We would be thrilled if you donated a gift card for Chez Suzette. I am sure it would receive many bids. Your donation can benefit your business as well. You will receive free advertising in our PTA newsletter.
I will be calling you sometime next week. However feel free to call me sooner. My phone number is (580)342-1234. Thank-you for your time and support.
Respectfully,
Patricia Petea
Sample Fundraising Letter to a Spa
Dear Mrs. Joy,
I am writing to request a silent auction gift card donation for Hillside MOPS group. As you probably know, MOPS is a nonprofit organization that supports moms who have children under the age of 5. We are planning a silent auction for our May 17th meeting, and would be ecstatic if your spa was included.
I thought of you immediately when I was assigned to find donors. I had my hair and nails done for my wedding about 10 years ago at your spa. I am sure your gift card would be quite popular and receive numerous bids.
If you donate a gift card to our MOPS silent auction, the money will be spent wisely. We plan to use the money to pay for guest speakers. Also, it would cover scholarships for MOPS memberships for next year. We have several single moms in the group who cannot afford MOPS right now, but greatly benefit from the meetings.
I will be calling you next Monday. However feel free to email me at [email protected] Thank-you for your time. Have a great day!
Sincerely,
Julie McMom
Sample Fundraising Letter to a Massage Therapist
Dear Mrs. Pearson,
I am writing to kindly ask for a gift card donation for an upcoming silent auction. This auction will benefit the Cherry Tree Children’s Home. We would be thrilled if you were to donate a small gift certificate for our fundraiser.
I recently noticed that you are a new member of the Chamber of Commerce, and your business started last year. This opportunity will provide some advertising. We will list you in a quarterly newsletter, and in a e-mail to all of our employees and supporters. You might receive new clientele through your donation.
If you choose to donate to our silent auction, the funds will support the children’s home in numerous ways. The silent auction money goes to help pay for braces for some of our children and extracurricular activities (such as band and soccer). We also plan to use some of the money raised this year to help provide one-on-one tutoring for our children who are struggling at math.
I have included an addressed envelope for your convenience. Please call me anytime at (123) 456-789 with questions. Thank-you for consideration and have a wonderful day!
Respectfully,
Jose Smith
These are just three sample fundraising letters for a silent auction. These can help you generate your own letters to businesses in your community. Always be truthful when contacting any donor. Letters are not necessary for collecting donations. However, it allows time for the business owner or manager to think about it beforehand. .
For more fundraising advice, please read “Fundraising Idea: How to Organize a Bridal Fair / Expo.” and “Charity Fundraiser Idea: Singing Valentine’s.” Also, check out “How to Host a Kid and Family Expo.
Good luck with your fundraising adventure!
