The Greeley Family House Summerfest was a resounding success, bringing together community members for a night of fun and fundraising. This annual event supports the organization’s vital mission of providing temporary housing and support services for families experiencing housing instability in Weld County.
 
Hundreds of guests gathered at the beautiful AIMS Community College Welcome Center. The casual and fun event followed a tropical theme, with pineapples and tiki lanterns as decor. Guests mingled in the open outdoor reception area while a Salsa Band and Dancers entertained.
 
Following the welcome reception, guests moved upstairs to the banquet hall to dine on Cuban-inspired dishes provided by the University of Northern Colorado catering team. A mission-driven program and raffle drawing quickly followed dinner.
 
The evening concluded with plenty of laughter and fun, provided by 2 professional comedians from Denver Comedy Works.
 
Big Deal Company played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s smooth operation:

1. Event Management: Our team assisted with overall event coordination.
2. Check-in Process: Big Deal led the check-in procedures, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.
3. Event Flow: We assisted in managing the flow of activities throughout the evening.
4. Raffle Prize Distribution: Team members were on hand to help organize the distribution of the many raffle prizes at the end of the evening.

 
Special thanks to all sponsors, attendees, and volunteers who made this event possible. The community's continued support is vital in addressing homelessness and supporting families in need.
 
The Greeley Family House is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting families experiencing homelessness in Weld County. Their programs focus on providing temporary housing and support services to very low-income and working-poor families in Greeley and Weld County.

Top 7 Silent Auction Items that can Guarantee Fundraising Success!

Silent auctions are a common staple of nonprofit fundraising events. They offer a unique opportunity to engage donors and raise significant funds for a worthy cause.
 
At Big Deal Company, we have first-hand knowledge of what items attract the most interest. We are always on the lookout for that special something that will generate the highest interest and bids!
 
Gone are the days of gift baskets and gift cards. Today’s fundraising auction bidder craves experiences and high-end ticket items. We have a good pulse on what is popular in Northern Colorado (mountain weekend getaways, professional sports packages, etc.). Follow along to see some of the top silent auction items that guest love to bid on nationwide, backed by anecdotes from successful fundraising events to illustrate their impact.

1. Exclusive Vacation Packages Imagine offering a trip to a private island, a chartered fishing trip in an exotic location, or a luxury ski resort. Vacation packages consistently draw high bids due to their unique and experiential nature. For instance, at a recent charity gala supporting children’s education, a week-long stay at a Tuscan villa, including cooking classes and wine tours, sparked a bidding war. The package ultimately sold for $10,000, significantly exceeding expectations and providing essential funds for educational programs. (Charitybuzz. (n.d.). Retrieved from Charitybuzz)

That might be an outlier, but a vacation package that includes a luxurious stay and engaging activities, can garner a lot of excitement. Take some time to research popular travel destinations and pull together a package that will inspire guests to dream and bid!

2. VIP Event Tickets
Tickets to major events, such as the Super Bowl, the Oscars, or Broadway premieres, are always a hit. These items are sought after because they offer access to experiences that are typically hard to come by. At a fundraising dinner for a popular arts nonprofit, VIP tickets to a sold-out Broadway show, including a backstage meet-and-greet with the cast, fetch an astounding $7500, supporting the nonprofit’s outreach initiatives. (BiddingForGood. (n.d.). Retrieved from BiddingForGood)
The Super Bowl or the Oscars might be out of reach, but could you partner with a local business who might have box seats for a local professional sports team - Broncos, Rockies, or Avalanche? Throw in a gift card for dinner out and tickets to a game, and you can easily pull together a winning ticket!
 
3. Celebrity Meet-and-Greets
Donors relish the opportunity to meet their favorite celebrities, whether they are athletes, musicians, or actors. At a silent auction for a healthcare charity, a meet-and-greet with a popular TV star generated immense excitement. The chance to have dinner with the celebrity saw competitive bidding, and pulled in a $5000 contribution in support of medical research! (Charity Navigator. (n.d.). Retrieved from Charity Navigator)
Northern Colorado is a long way from the bright lights of Hollywood, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make bank on this type of experience! Check with Colorado Sports Teams or Universities - there may be a favorite figure who would be willing to donate an evening with a fan.

4. Unique Artwort
Art can sometimes be a tricky item to auction - after all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! However, original artwork or signed pieces from well-known artists can often attract art enthusiasts and collectors. A piece by a renowned artist donated to an environmental conservation fundraiser not only drew attention for its beauty but also for its cause. The artwork sold for $8000, funding important projects and raising awareness for the nonprofit’s mission.(Charitybuzz. (n.d.). Retrieved from Charitybuzz)

There are a lot of talented artists in Northern Colorado - perhaps you can add to the package with a pair of tickets to the Denver Art Museum, too?
 
5. Fine Dining Experiences
Exclusive dining experiences, such as a private chef’s dinner or a wine pairing event, are perennial favorites. At a recent silent auction to benefit a homeless shelter, a package that included a private dinner for ten prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, along with a curated win selection, secured a $6000 bid. This experience not only provided a memorable evening for the winning bidder but also significant support for the shelter. (Charitybuzz. (n.d.). Retrieved from Charitybuzz)

Dinners for bidders and their guests also help to further the nonprofit mission. More people are exposed to the mission and brand, and the experience may inspire attendees to donate to the charity in return for a fun evening!
 
6. Luxury Goods
High-end items such as designer handbags, jewelry, and watches are always popular. At a gala for a youth mentorship program, a donated Rolex watch attracted a lot of attention. The bidding was intense, and it ultimately sold for $9000, helping to fund mentorship opportunities and other programs for the nonprofit. (Paddle8. (n.d.). Retrieved from Paddle8)
​
Does your organization have a large and generous donor who has a jewelry collection? This type of partnership is a way to combine planned giving and an event auction for maximum impact! 

7. Sports Memorabilia
Autographed sports memorabilia, such as jerseys, balls, and equipment, are particularly appealing to sports fans. They are extremely popular auction items at golf tournaments!
At a recent fundraiser for a community sports league, a baseball signed by a Hall of Fame player ignited some fierce bidding competition. The item sold for $4500, supporting the league’s efforts to provide sports equipment and facilities for underprivileged youth. (BiddingForGood. (n.d.). Retrieved from BiddingForGood)
 
To maximize the success of your auction, consider the interests and passions of your donors. High-quality, unique items that offer exclusive experiences or rare opportunities tend to attract the highest bid. Additionally, storytelling can enhance the appeal of auction items. Consider enlisting the help of a professional auctioneer to help drum up excitement for the package you are trying to sell. The auctioneer can share anecdotes about how a winning bid will leave a lasting impression in the lives of your organization’s beneficiaries - inspiring more generous bidding!
 
At Big Deal Company, we specialize in curating exceptional silent auction items that will captivate your guests and elevate your fundraising efforts. Let us help you create an unforgettable event that not only raises funds but also deepens engagement with your cause.
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help support your next fundraising event.
 

What a lovely evening at Windsong Estate, supporting ​Cache la Poudre National Heritage Area and their Cache & Cocktails event!

​The Family Center-La Familia (TFCLF) welcomed hundreds of community members, supporters, and sponsors to their annual Belong Fundraising Event, despite the rainy weather. Held as an open house, the event showcased the center’s commitment to strengthening families and building community bonds.
 
Community Spirit Shines Through
It may have been raining cats and dogs outside, but inside The Family Center,  community spirit was alive and shining through! Attendees were treated to live music, delicious tacos from Angry Hippie Tacos, and sweet treats from Rainbow Paleta Bar Ice Cream Truck, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.

​Celebrating Connection
The event was an opportunity for TFCLF to share its mission with the greater community. Guests enjoyed hosted drinks and snacks, face painting, and tours of the facility, gaining insight into the vital work being done to support families in Northern Colorado.
 
Honoring Individuals
This year’s Belong event had a special addition - a photography art exhibit by lifestyle photographer, John Robson. Titled “Soul Family”, the exhibit featured portraits of La Familia staff, celebrating the unique individuals who make a difference every day.
 
Participants who were photographed for the exhibit were encouraged to wear an article of clothing that connected them to their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their roots.

Looking Forward
TFCLF looks forward to the Belong Event each year. It’s an opportunity to share their work and connect with the community. Despite this year’s challenges provided by the weather, the event was a display of community and unity that defines TFCLF and its supporters.
 
The Family Center-La Familia extends thanks and gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and supported the Belong Event. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected community for all.
 
Special thanks to this year’s sponsors:
First Interstate Bank
Kaiser Permanente
UCHealth
HPE
CHFA
Fort Collins Nursery
Realities for Children
Blue Federal Credit Union
ANB Bank
OtterCares
High Country Beverage
Greek House Chefs
 
And to all of the event vendors who made it extra special:
Angry Hippie Tacos
Rainbow Paleta Bar
Face Painting by Christine Busch
Music by J Wily
MOA for All
John Robson
On The Rocks
Big Deal Company
Dick Knapp - Event Photography

BIG DEAL Company is the proud marketing & events partner for
​The Family Center/La Familia

BIG DEAL was the proud planning team, assisting Partners with their annual fundraiser, "Party for Partners." This year's theme, "A Sparkle & Shine Soiree" was all we hoped it would be! Happy guests, dressed in style, and thrilled to support mentorship in Northern Colorado.​

With about 300 guests in attendance and $90,000 raised --- awareness and funds were successfully raised to keep this important organization thriving and supporting hundreds of youth in NoCo.

Thank you to all of the sponsors, community partners, in-kind donors and guests who supported this important event!

Event Vendors:
Location: Lincoln Center, Fort Collins
Caterer: Fresh Plate Catering
Event Planning: BIG DEAL Company
Photography: Dick's Photography
Photo Booth: Lincoln Center
Decor: Partners & BIG DEAL Company
Bartending: Sapphire Events
Auctioneer: Taryn Atlas

Understanding Event Attendees Through Their Values
​As event planners and marketers, one of our primary goals is to connect with our audiences on a deeper level. Traditionally, we’ve relied on demographic data such as age, gender, location, and income to understand attendees and help design experiences tailored to their needs. However, there is a revolutionary new approach called Valuegraphics that is changing the way we perceive our audiences by focusing on shared values rather than traditional demographics.
 
What are Value Graphics?
is a concept designed to shift the focus from surface-level demographics to the varied core values that drive human behavior. This term was coined by researcher David Allison, who has spent years studying how values influence human decisions. His work emphasizes understanding what truly matters to people, what motivates them, and how their values typically shape their choices. By identifying shared values within a target audience, event planners and marketers can create experiences and promote products that resonate with them on a profound level.

Why Focus on Values?
Focusing on an audience’s shared values can help build deeper connections. This connection goes beyond just meeting basic needs - it can create a sense of belonging and understanding that encourages long-term loyalty.
 
Understanding attendees’ values also allows planners and event curators to design experiences that align with what they care about most. Whether it’s an event, fundraiser, or company culture initiative, focusing on values leads to more impactful and memorable interactions.
 
It can also lead to increased and more meaningful engagement. When people feel that their values are recognized and respected, they are more likely to engage with the event or brand. This can lead to higher attendance rates, more enthusiastic participation, and stronger relationships overall.
 
Values - Implications for Event Planning and Beyond
Valuegraphics offers a transformative approach to event planning and other initiatives by focusing on the values that drive attendees’ behavior.

• Event Planning: By understanding the values of event attendees, planners can create events that resonate deeply with their target audience. Valuegraphics can influence theme choice, event speakers, and event activities.
• Nonprofit Fundraisers: For nonprofits, aligning with donors’ values can lead to more successful fundraising campaigns. Donors are more likely to contribute when they believe their support is going to causes they genuinely care about.
• Company Culture Building: Focusing on values within a company can help build a culture that attracts and retains employees who also share those values. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and a more cohesive and motivated team.

​A Positive Impact for Business and Beyond
By shifting our focus from traditional demographics to values, we can create a positive impact for both businesses and the world at large. When we focus on what truly matters to people, we can foster deeper connections, drive meaningful change, and create experiences that leave a lasting impression.
 
Utilizing Valuegraphics in event planning and marketing campaigns can raise the bar - creating elevated events and new ways to engage with audiences. It’s a simple but transformative shift that can lead to greater success and fulfillment for all involved!
 
Want to see how Valuegraphics can help elevate your next event? Contact our team of event professionals - we will walk your business through the entire process. Let us help bring joy and lasting success to your job today: https://www.bigdealcompany.com/

Download our free printable below.

Does this article interest you? Reach out to BIG DEAL Company. For more industry tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

As a collective of experts, BIG DEAL Company specializes in creativity. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns! 
BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do.
​As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too!

Contact BIG DEAL Company
​​*** Bringing Joy to the Job ***
Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
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Take Note! One of our mottos is, "Giving you something to look forward to," and WOW -- we have a lot! Below are just some of the spectacular and important events coming up in Northern Colorado.

Party for Partners is our can't miss event of the year! Join Partners' incredible community of supporters who believe in investing in the next generation.
This Sparkle and Shine Soirée is an evening filled with dynamic entertainment, heartfelt stories, delicious food and drinks, and unique opportunities to give--all to celebrate our important mission and growing local impact.

Party for Partners: A Sparkle & Shine Soiree
Friday, April 19th, 2024
The Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia St, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Time: 6pm-9pm

We invite you to The Family Center/ La Familia's Open House Fundraising event,
"BELONG; “Growing Together”
Saturday April 27, 2024
2pm-5pm
Help to GROW Awareness and GROW our Community.
Enjoy food truck, mobile bar, kids activities, music and a firsthand childcare experience. This family friendly event is our way to feature the important work we do to support families in Northern Colorado. Meet La Familia staff and get to know us! This event is indoor/outdoor and will take place rain or shine.

Location: 309 Hickory St #5, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Website: https://thefamilycenterfc.org/belong /
RSVPs Required - Meal & Drink Ticket Included
Cost: FREE *Donations appreciated (suggested $10pp) , all proceeds from vendors will benefit La Familia

Acquiring New Donors
Acquiring new donors is essential for growth and sustainability. Discover actionable strategies to expand your donor base and engage potential supporters effectively in the following list of tips for donor acquisition:

1. Lead by Example: Every member of your Board of Directors, advisory group, or donor development committee should be contributing to your organization. This demonstrates commitment and inspires confidence in potential donors.
2. Identify Potential Donors: Gather Board Members and Staff asking them to brainstorm and actively identify potential donors within their networks. Everyone can play a role in expanding your donor base.
3. Craft Your Elevator Speech: Develop a short and compelling statement of your organization’s mission, goals, and core beliefs. This ensures you can articulate your ask effectively when engaging with potential donors. For example - think about the issue your organization addresses and simplify it so you can provide a clear and bite-sized answer when someone asks “What do you do?”.
4. Timing is Key: Consider strategic times to make donation requests, such as after-tax time, during Colorado Gives, or at the end of the year when businesses are building out their budgets for the following year.
5. Event Inclusion: Provide clear addresses and maps to facilitate attendance if hosting events. Events - even small gatherings like a donor coffee, offer valuable opportunities for donor engagement.
6. Collaborate with Other Nonprofits: Foster relationships with other nonprofits to exchange ideas and potential cross-connect for fundraising efforts.
7. Innovative Fundraising: Explore alternative fundraising methods, especially for major projects, to diversify your revenue streams.
8. National-Level Donors: Research potential national-level donors who may align with your organization’s mission and vision.
9. Know Your Audience: Spend time researching your audience so that you fully understand the demographics and preferences of who you are speaking to. Tailor your fundraising to match these.
10. DEI Initiatives: If you want to reach a larger audience pool and foster a more inclusive community of supporters, spend some time exploring and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Build these into your organization’s values.

As crucial as it is to acquire new donors, fostering meaningful relationships with existing supporters is equally important for the long-term success of any nonprofit. Cultivating these already-established relationships is quite cost effective, and ultimately can turn a one-time donor into a brand ambassador for your organization. In the following section, we’ll delve into strategies aimed at appreciating and engaging current donors to ensure their continued support and commitment to your cause.

We LOVE a theme party and Halloween is hands down, one of our favorite holidays! Our friends at Ensight Skills Center hired BIG DEAL Company to bring back their annual Halloween Eye Ball - a spooky fun fundraiser!

The Lyric in Fort Collins was the perfect location for this type of event! A free-flowing evening with DJ/dancing, tons of Halloween decor, cult classic movies playing in the background of the theater, door prizes, food buffet, open bar, costume contest, and huge silent auction! Thank you to all of the vendors  and sponsors who made this event possible.