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High School Scholarship Auction

by Allison
(Boston, MA, USA)

I am an alumna of a very small private high school, and was recently involved in the school's annual auction, which raises money to benefit students who demonstrate the ability to attend the school but have a strong financial need in order to attend.

I was one such student who received aid from this scholarship during my attendance at the school. This auction has been in place since the founding of the school, but recently was split into two components in order to reach a wider audience.

In the past, the auction was hosted at a private room or someone's home, and was done in the format of a silent auction, with brochures given out in advance to all those interested in participating.

The auctions were successful but the audience was limited by the location and size of the space available. Knowing that others involved with the school wished to participate, but could not due to these constraints, an online auction through cmarket was proposed.

Setting up the auction online was very easy, and soon after we sent out a mailing to all alumni and parents of current students, explaining that one portion of the auction would be conducted online through cmarket.

This allowed for great exposure via word of mouth - relatives and friends were now able to easily participate and help the school. It was very easy for people to click on a short link and view the items available for bidding.

Overall it was a great success and the online auction raised over $5000 alone, on top of the traditional auction held in conjunction.

The students enjoyed helping to organize it and parents and friends of the school enjoyed knowing that their money was going to help future students have opportunities they'd only dreamed of.