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| Path: Main Street : Resources & Library : Research Articles : Feature Article |
Charity art auctions ---
do it yourself or hire professionalsJanuary 30, 1995; Canadian FundRaiser
Charity art auctions can raise an organization's profile, solicit new patrons and thank volunteers, says Ruth Rosen, of Rosen Fine Art of Toronto. The firm has been in the charity art auction business since 1987. As well, organizations can hire a third-party fundraising consultant or do the job themselves, using staff and volunteers.
Rosen solicits donations from private collectors, approaches a charity, organizes appraisals, catalogues each piece, and handles such logistics as sending out the invitations. The charity receives 60 per cent of the net proceeds, while Rosen retains 40 per cent.
:Charities must be large enough to bring in a crowd and be able to issue tax receipts for Revenue Canada," says Ruth. "If the auction loses money, then Rosen's absorbs all the costs. We protect charities from any liabilities."
Rosen's donor base stretches from Halifax to Vancouver. Its collection includes Canadian and international artists such as William Ronald and Pablo Picasso. Some of the company's clients include the Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, the Canadian Friends of Ohr Somayach of Thornhill and The Stage Company of Penetanguishene.
The Canadian Friends of Ohr Somayach raised $50,000 at their art auction at the Park Plaza Hotel in Toronto, with approximately 300 people attending. "For an organization like ours, it's like finding money," says Rabbi Avram Rothman, executive director. "It's totally organized. It was like coming as a guest; I didn't have to do anything."
The Alzheimer Society of Sherbrooke, Sainte Justine Hospital Foundation of Montreal, and the Riviere des Prairies Hospital of Brossard, organize their own art auctions using volunteers and staff support. The Alzheimer Society raises about $20,000 at its annual auction each April, which features the work of 30 local artists from the Eastern Townships.
In the case of the Alzheimer Society, a committee of six volunteers collects the art work, assembles a catalogue, sells tickets and coordinates the logistics. An additional 20 volunteers work on the auction night. The Society keeps 60 per cent of the proceeds, while the remainder goes to the artists.
"We said we could do it," says executive director Nicole Ouimette. "Even the first year, people were impressed with how professional it was. Everyone pitches in and gives their all. It goes really well."
Charities must issue tax receipts for each donated piece of art at fair market value, not the price at which the item is sold. Revenue Canada recommends that charities use an independent appraiser for works worth more than $1,000. Pieces with a market value of less than $1,000 can be appraised by an employee of the organization.
For auction success, Rosen offers these tips:
- Research each art auction company to prevent fraud.
- Allow enough lead time to organize the event, ideally one year for organizations that do it themselves, and 6-8 months for those using a consultant.
- Use all your contacts when making up the guest list and soliciting donations.
- Use word-of-mouth and the local media to publicize your event. Also use media in the larger cities, such as Toronto and Montreal.
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