• Start with friends and relatives who have businesses, are artists, or have  remarkable skills.

• Broaden your circle to the companies that you do business with.

• If you know the business owner you will be more likely to be successful when seeking a donation!

Written Solicitation

• A personal letter, from you!

• The official Donor Letter, Procurement Form, and PNA brochure packet is strongly suggested.

• These printed materials are available at PNA and printable HERE – feel free to make copies, or request more from Jessica: jaho@pacificnorthern.org

Walk-in Solicitation

• Quick overview of what the auction is, and where and when it takes place

• Take the opportunity to talk about PNA!

• Don’t ask for a specific donation or immediate commitment at first contact, but give them the Donor Letter (printable HERE), a PNA brochure, and your contact information, and wait 3-5 days for them to contact you.

• Make a return visit and this time be specific in your request.

• Be positive, don’t be discouraged by a no, be gracious, and thank them for their  consideration!

By-the-Way Solicitation

• Asking is easy and fun to do when you have made a purchase at your favorite store, or are talking with a tradesman or service provider.

• Keep your Donor Letter and Procurement Form in your car or purse so you never miss a chance to introduce a donor to the PNA auction and what a powerful opportunity to advertise it is.

• Ask for what you want, leave your materials and be sure to follow up via phone, email, or a personal visit.

Have a good idea of what you want from the potential donor, and do your homework to know the variety of items or services they have to offer. You will receive a better donation and response if you ask for something specific. ” Ask for the Moon, but be happy with the Stars!”

Retail Donations

Boutiques, niche artisans, spas, jewelry stores, children’s stores – look for quality items that you would enjoy!

Think Local! We’d love to support local businesses, artisans, and artists!

Entertainments, Sports, and Recreation

Sporting events, specialty classes, entertainment events, music and dance lessons, kayak and raft lessons, or guided trips, there are unlimited opportunities for fun!

Think BIG! Think OUTSIDE Alaska! Outdoor adventures, tickets to sporting and entertainment events outside Alaska, lodging or recreation opportunities.

Popular winter and summer toys: fat tire bikes, snow machines, kayaks, paddle boards, snowboards, or skis.

Services

Massages, mani-pedi, spa services – any service you might use!

Local home & garden goods or services, housekeeping, plumbing, painting, etc.

Dining Experiences

Gift certificates from $1 00 to a dinner party for 8.

Don’t forget specialty and gourmet stores!

Beer or wine tastings at a local brewery or restaurant.

Vacation and Travel Donations

Do you own a time-share, cabin, or other lodging in or outside Alaska? Consider donating a block of time.

Do you have a connection with a local guide or recreation business in or outside of Alaska?

Are YOU traveling outside Alaska? Items that can’t be purchased in Alaska are auction best sellers.

Businesses who already received letter/donated in past

Hi, this is <insert name> calling from Pacific Northern Academy.

May I please speak with the manager?

We sent you a letter regarding our annual Illumination Gala on Saturday, May 14th.

I’m wondering if you might be interested in donating a certificate?

We are seeking certificates of $50 or more to serve as auction items. We would love to feature <Business Name> as one of the businesses that supports PNA, and independent education in Alaska.

Great! Thank you so much! I’d be happy to pick it up.

When is a good time for you?

Great, I’ll bring a form for you, that has our information, and will serve as your receipt.

We really appreciate your generosity!

Businesses who have not been contacted

Hi, this is <insert name> calling from Pacific Northern Academy.

May I please speak with the manager?

I am working on planning for PNA’s upcoming Illumination Gala, which will be held on Saturday, May 14th.

I’m wondering if you might be interested in donating a certificate?

We are seeking certificates of $50 or more to serve as auction items.

We would love to feature <Business Name> as one of the businesses that supports PNA, and independent education in Alaska.

I would be happy to send you more information about our school and our event, which is one of the largest fundraising auctions in the Pacific Northwest.

Shall I send it to you by fax or email?

Thank you so much; I will look forward to hearing from you.

-or-

Great! Thank you so much! I’d be happy to pick it up.

When is a good time for you?

Great, I’ll bring a form for you, that has our information, and will serve as your receipt.

We really appreciate your generosity!

-or-

Thank you so much, have a lovely day!

The Procurement Form is our way of tracking donated items, ensuring the donor is properly recognized and thanked. Each item donated must have a completed procurement form attached to it. All donated items are due April 29. You can download a form HERE or stop by the front desk at PNA.

Please bring in your solicited items no later than Friday, April 29th so we can get them loaded into the silent auction.

The silent auction opens early on May 4th! We will share the auction launch via email.