Suggested Searches
Featured Experiences
US Destinations
International Destinations
While items such as gift baskets, artwork, autographed memorabilia bring an occasional reaction to an auction lot, trips to destinations around the globe consistently garner the highest bids from lively bidders.
There's something about an unforgettable vacation that inspires people to reach even higher and go home with a sense of satisfaction for having supported a mission.
Experiences are increasingly being viewed by today's supporters as being far more valuable than physical objects. As a result, travel experiences have become one of the most effective forms of auction items at charity galas and fundraising events, allowing donors to reconnect with family and friends, to celebrate milestones and to create new memories to talk about for years to come.
Auction items that garner lots of attention are those that evoke feelings or stimulate the imagination. Vacation packages create an emotional connection as soon as people start to envision themselves relaxing at an idyllic location.
Each of the hundreds of unique travel packages available in the Destinations of Excellence® collection provides an imaginative and exciting opportunity to donate and bid at a charity fundraising gala. Whether it's to spend a week in a private Tuscan villa, watch wildlife in their natural habitat on an African Safari or relax on a beautiful Greek Island beach, or for a weekend of unparalleled luxury and entertainment on the great white way in New York's Broadway district, travelers can imagine themselves there while bidding on the trip of a lifetime.
Unlike other auction items that usually draw in only a select group of donors, travel packages are able to cater to a variety of supporters. And not only that, but donors are likely hard-pressed to think of a way to recreate such an experience on their own.
While every audience is different, some destinations just seem to draw more excitement than others.
Of the destinations Mitch-Stuart features, many of the most sought-after for charity fundraising are located in Italy, Greece, and Portugal. The varied landscapes, cultures and interests of these countries allow for a wide array of Destinations of Excellence® packages that can fit the diverse interests of donor groups.
Adventure-seekers would also love to go on an African safari where they can see wild animals in their natural habitat while having luxury accommodations to rest in after a long day of exploring.
Domestic options include Hawaii and New York City Broadway packages. Travelers are drawn to Hawaii by the lush tropical landscape and premier oceanfront resorts that are open year round. New York City is a hub for entertainment and offers a variety of packages including luxury accommodations and experiences at the top of the city's iconic landmarks, in addition to the best Broadway shows and premier seating.
A vacation to a wine region is a fantastic opportunity for a donor looking for an experience of this type. Packages can include trips to California's Wine Country, the Tuscan countryside, or even France's famous Champagne region. These types of packages give donors the opportunity to taste some of the world's best wines while also immersing themselves in the local food and culture.
Travel packages can make for a great fundraiser because they create momentum for your auction during the lead up to the event and cause excitement among guests as they ponder the great vacation experiences up for grabs.
The conversations surrounding a highly sought after destination or vacation package typically begin prior to the event date. This can lead to an amazing amount of excitement as donors bid for the opportunity to experience an experience of a lifetime during the actual auction. And, naturally, this leads to some great competition to assist in meeting the fundraising goal for your event.
There's also value added to the event as donors depart with memories of the amazing items that have been offered to them by your nonprofit. They are inspired not only by the worthy mission that the donor supported but also by the incredible experience of the travel package(s) that was offered for bid.
For over 30 years, Mitch-Stuart has worked with over 25,000 non-profits across the globe that have raised over $1 billion at fundraising auctions with their no-risk travel packages.
Donor preferences are constantly evolving but there is one thing that holds true: people are inspired to give when they are given the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience. With a travel package that will be bid on by your donors for the trip of a lifetime, everyone will win, including your organization.
Travel taps into aspiration and memory in a way physical items rarely do, which broadens donor interest and typically drives more competitive bidding. No. Mitch-Stuart provides packages on a no-risk basis, so your organization only pays after a package sells and proceeds are collected.
Italy, Greece, and Portugal are consistently popular, along with domestic favorites like Hawaii and New York City, though the right mix depends on your donor base.
Simply contact Mitch-Stuart to discuss your donor demographics and event goals, and their team will help select and prepare travel packages suited to your auction.
