Originally Posted by ROTAX454

Would you consider "used" boat parts and accessories? I don't mean junk stuff. Good to great to new stuff. Many of us have stuff packed away that we will NEVER use. Can't get crap for it and trying to sell it is just one big pain. Then the haggleing just really gets to me.

Goes like this: A person "donates" a part and gets the write-off as a donation to a charity auction. Part placed on the auction table and someone gets a part for something waaaaaaay under what it is worth. Buyer gets a super deal, seller gets a write-off and the charity gets the loot. Deal?

Originally Posted by fund razor

Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that the very best auction items are either A) experiences that people can't buy. (ride on the medivac chopper, grand marshall at local parade, date with somebody, vacation at private condo, etc.) These seem to be the things that people who "have everything" go for.
Or B) something that someone who has had a few drinks just MUST have, like a puppy. Have a cute girl walk around the event with the puppy.
Another good one is summer car lease for a fun car. They don't have to store it, depreciate it, only insure it for a few months. We had a local car dealer donate a 3 month summer lease on a mustang convertible, and it was so popular that the auction guy stopped the auction and asked the car dealer (in the moment) if he would do two if the top two bidders both stayed in. He said yes. They both got the deal.

Regular "stuff" doesn't seem to do as well, because it is more logical, and less emotional. You want items that elicit an emotional response. I wish you luck. I have seen some members have new signature that really discourage people from trying to help the kids, but I think that you are great for doing this. Some of my best memories are from these kind of events. Seems like the compensation comes in other forms than money, but as I am sure you know... a generous heart leads to a richer life. Best of luck.