Businessmen of Two UK Towns Promote an Auction as the Perfect Fundraiser

The Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce (ASCC) is out to raise big money in an event that it is promoting as a ‘better way to give to charity. ‘

The ASCC has announced that an auction with a professional auctioneer is to be the main feature at a fundraising Gala Ball later this year. According to an article in Altruism, its business magazine, it is hoping that Ian Crawford could hammer out his magic at the ball.

Before becoming a professional auctioneer, Crawford, recalls for the magazine, how he once found a badly cracked little pottery cat that when auctioned off fetched £3000. In another instance a painting, concealed in belongings left for two sisters by their parents sold for £4,800. The sisters thought the painting was worth five pounds, or at most maybe £50. It is no wonder therefore that Crawford really believes that put under the hammer, items often raise more money than owners think they would and the ASCC is confident that it is on to a winner.

The November 17 Gala Ball is expected to attract around 300 ASCC members and President Michael Lister is said to be hoping it will set a fund raising record. “I can’t think of a better way of giving money to charity,” he said.

In the fundraiser for St. Ann's Hospice, the ASCC is hoping to put, up to two dozen items on the block.


If auctions are a still to be tried and tested freehearted fundraising activity , the upcoming ASCC event may yet be a pace setter in fundraising for charity.