Bromley group fundraiser is a great success30 September 2010
Bromley Friends of the Earth held an auction of pledges to raise funds a few years ago. When they heard about our urgent appeal, the group sprang into action with another.
Sheila Brown, joint Co-ordinator of Bromley Friends of the Earth, shares their success and top tips:
What was most encouraging was how people got behind our fundraiser so wholeheartedly.
So many people came forward with pledges or items right up to the last minute - we ended up with a staggering 45 lots.
Local businesses were very supportive, with vouchers from supermarkets, local tearooms and the country market in St Mary Cray.
The huge variety of items included:
- mandolin lessons
- lifts to hospital
- taking rubbish to the tip
- a ride on a tandem
- an offer to feed somebody's cat(s) for a weekend (which somehow turned into feeding somebody's ducks)
Life is certainly full of variety!
It was a really fun evening and people went home with items they wanted or vouchers for future experiences or pleasures.
We're really grateful to group members for their support and generosity, for providing goods and pledges, and for coming along on the night with bulging wallets (that weren't so bulging when they left).
We made an amazing £602 - far beyond our expectations!
The key to success?
- It's no use offering items without buyers - and they came forward with great enthusiasm.
- Our wonderful auctioneer, Dan, knew how to get the bids in - many items went for double the reserve price.
- We also had a produce stall, which added to the takings.
Huge thanks to Bromley Friends of the Earth and all our local groups who've responded to the appeal so far.
Get involved
There are over 200 local Friends of the Earth groups around the country. Find out how you can make a difference in your community.
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