It’s in the Bag! is an auction of handbags filled with gifts, and is a successful fundraiser that has been done for several years now by the Spokane Symphony Associates. The associates begin with new and gently used bags given by members; symphony concert tickets, gift certificates, and other items are then added, based on the theme of the event. The bags are placed in a silent auction. Over time, each auction has been modified to better suit the occasion. The most successful auction featured fashionable styles from boutiques, with higher bidding on the latest handbags.
The associates recently used plastic tote bags holding tulips donated by a florist plus the usual prizes. This year the group plans to have flowers in totes of moss-covered wire for an event held just before Easter. One factor that has contributed to the success of the auction seems to be how much opportunity there is to look over the bags before attendees make their final bid.
Adding this silent auction to luncheons, annual meetings, card parties, or galas makes any event a fundraiser.
For more information on this Gold Book Award-winning project, visit It’s in the Bag! For other project ideas visit Gold Book and search for projects of interest. Gold Book is a resource for successful projects dating back to 2005, and facilitates easy networking and information-sharing among organizations.
Posted March 3, 2014
