Leading the Way
by Cathy Hankins, PP, PLS
All NALS members like to have fun and having fun at regional
conferences is no exception. One of the ways
we have fun is at the Foundation Auction. Each region
has a different spin on how they hold their auction, but
the end result is the same: raising funds to benefit
the NALS Foundation. This year, the NALS Foundation
has once again donated a beautiful ring to each of the
eight regions. However, there is no minimum goal
to be met. Instead, the Foundation will split all
profits from the regional fund raisers with the NALS building
fund.
If you've never been to a regional conference, or, if
you've attended but weren't quite sure how it worked, we're
going to let you in on the secret. The regional director
(or a Foundation Trustee or other member assisting with
the auction), sends out requests to the chapter and state
presidents asking for donations from members and chapters. Donated
items for the auction are varied - jewelry, food products,
books, music, plants, photo albums, gift cards, baskets,
etc. The items you donate should be new, not used. This
is not a flea market or garage sale. Did you get
something for Christmas last year that is just sitting
in a box in your hall closet because you don't like it? Donate
it to the Foundation auction! Wonder what to do with
that item you got for your birthday that just isn't you? Donate
it to the Foundation auction! Do you buy presents
for people and then forget where you put them, only to
find them a month or two after the fact? Donate it
to the Foundation auction! Is there something
special that is sold in your hometown, like a particular
kind of candy or type of pottery? Donate it to the
Foundation auction!
It's all in the presentation. Looking for a clever
way to "package" your donation? Visit your local
dollar store. You'll be amazed at the variety of baskets,
bags, bowls, etc., that you can use to showcase the item
you are donating. You might also find an item that
you can fill with goodies to donate to the auction. For
example, how about a popcorn bowl that you can fill with
treats you might eat while watching a movie? Just
add a $5 gift card from Blockbuster and you've got a prize
everyone will want. Or, how about filling a flower
pot with a lush green plant from your local greenhouse? All
the winner needs to do is set it on the patio when she
gets home. When making a decision on what to donate,
remember to keep in mind the distances you and your members
must travel to get to your regional - drive or fly? You
also need to remember that our meetings are held during
the summer and some products don't do well in the heat,
like chocolate!
Most regions sell tickets for the same amount (25 for
$20 or $1 each), and each $20 purchase entitles you to
one (1) premium ticket). The more tickets you buy,
the better your chances of winning. Each premium
ticket is golden. It gives you a chance to win one
of those beautiful rings that the Foundation donated to
each region. You may find that some regions have
more than one premium prize, as additional prizes may be
donated by members or sponsors/exhibitors. If you
are unable to attend your regional and would like a chance
to win the ring, we've got tickets for sale. Got
your eye on the ring from a different region? Don't
worry, be happy! Simply contact the regional director
from that region and purchase your premium prize tickets.
Don't be left out! Contribute a item to your Foundation
auction and be sure you take an extra "20 bucks" with
you to your conference. We know you'll go home a winner!
