Public Relations/Advertising

 Dear Agency Director:

My career in the non-profit sector spanned six years through United Way of Miami-Dade before I began my public relations consulting firm DreamN2Action. Through those years I came to know first-hand that these days require new partnerships and creative ways in raising new sources of funds in the private sector as public funding continues to dwindle.

I’m sure you will also agree that in order to have a viable community, the arts as well, need to be supported. Through my public relations practice I have come to work with talented artists and found that they, as well, could use a lot of help in channeling their creative works to the community. Is there a way to benefit artists and non-profit agencies in a collaborative project that could benefit them both without too many hassles? Indeed, there is.

Recently I have studied the success of the auction business of West End Gallery, which leads the auction business on cruise ships such as Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Cruises and cable networks. I’ve worked with them on a plan that could benefit your non-profit organization.

This is how it works:

• If you have a scheduled special event and would like to add a fundraising component to it, we can put together an auction that can take as little as 45 minutes or up to 2 hours. The auction is informal, low-key and designed to be fun, entertaining and informative. If you do not have a scheduled special event we can work with you in providing the elegant West End Gallery free of charge as a venue in which to hold an auction with your guests.
• A typical auction includes about 60 framed original works of art, ranging from lithographs, serigraphs, etchings, watercolors, oil paintings, and acrylics. Most works are internationally renowned artists from around the world. There is also a large collection of animation art.
• Due to the gallery’s strong relationship with various art publishers, and buying power, bidding usually starts at 50% below retail prices. Most works are in the range of $300 - $500. Many pieces, however, start as low as $100.
• When the event is well promoted, and attendance is between 150 to 200, the revenue generated averages $50,000. Your non-profit will receive 30% of these sales. You can be provided with marketing support and materials to increase the attendance.
• The checks for the art sales will be made out to your organization. You retain your 30% commission, and forward the balance to West End Gallery with the order forms so we can fulfill them as soon as possible.

Yours in service,

Director