An auction is a public sale in which property or items are sold to the highest bidder. Items can include arts and crafts, paintings, clothing, furniture and more. Although we're used to hearing about how the rich and famous purchase their wares at these events, auctions are not just for millionaires.

In fact, you can use an auction to benefit both the local Pakistani-American community, as well as Pakistanis abroad.

The Pakistani-American community has individuals with great talent, whether it's in painting, watercolor art, handicrafts, sewing or more. Why not use an auction to take the creative works of these individuals, sell them to the highest bidder and send the money to a good cause in Pakistan?

Older Pakistani-Americans, many of whom are either house bound or often times neglected, can feel good about helping a worthy cause with this project. The younger generation can benefit similarly with this idea. The auction allows them to showcase their artistic work which may have remained ignored and underappreciated until then. And of course they will also get a boost from helping a good cause.

The additional benefit of the auction is that you can raise a large sum of money all at once if the crowd is generous and the quality of the material being sold is good.

Start organizing this activity by identifying individuals with talent. When you go to a Pakistani-American friend's home, notice what kind of artwork they have on their walls, mantels and living room. Notice what they are wearing as well. Find out what materials are handmade and who made them.

The next step is contacting the artistic individuals and asking them to attend a meeting. Tell them you have an idea where they can use their creative talent to help Pakistanis in need.

At the meeting, explain in detail exactly what you are looking for: all kinds of beautiful art, whether it is paintings of landscapes, handmade shawls and jewelry, watercolor art, etc. Tell them you intend to hold an auction where you will sell the items to the highest bidder. All of the money will go to Pakistan to help the needy through a specific charitable organization.

If the meeting attendees agree with your idea, don't stop your request for material there. Add one more idea: can they come up with a piece of artwork by a set deadline (i.e. next Eid) that has Pakistan as its theme? For instance, can a few of the women talented in quilting produce a quilt with different aspects of Pakistan represented on it? Can one of the young artists produce a painting that depicts some part of Pakistan's amazing landscape? If so, give them a deadline to hand the finished product to you by.

Once you've got your team of volunteers either searching for or creating outstanding art for the auction, choose a Pakistani-American or Muslim community event at which you want the auction to take place. An Eid bazaar, for instance, is ideal, since many people usually attend this kind of event and are often in the spending mood.

Contact the organizers of the event and ask them if they can devote a part of their program (about half an hour) to the auction. Push your cause by saying this activity will generate excitement and interest amongst attendees. Also ask if they can give you this opportunity for free, so you don't have to pay to be part of the program. Explain that you want all of the money to go to Pakistan and that you have no intention of taking even a penny of it.

Once you've gotten the go ahead from the organizers of the event, start advertising the auction. Don't just tell family and friends, but also try to distribute flyers about it wherever you normally find Pakistani-Americans in your community: Masjids, Asian grocery stores, certain clothing stores, etc. Also remember to invite not only Pakistanis but non-Pakistanis as well. Maybe there is a person looking to add to his or her collection of lovely paintings who can contribute generously. If you know of such individuals, contact them either directly or by mail.

Arrange a day, time and place when all of the artists must drop off their work for the auction. Make sure they have carefully labelled each item with their name, the date it was produced and if possible, some of the history behind (i.e. what inspired them to paint the picture, start the quilt, etc.).

If possible, hire a professional auctioneer to do the actually selling. If this is not feasible, get a person who is articulate and talks fast to do this. It helps if he or she has prior experience. This person should spend some time a few days before the auction getting all of the information they need about the items that are to be auctioned off so that they can use this knowledge to convince the audience to bid more for the things.

Once everything is auctioned off and you've raised the money, your job is not finished. Take a photo of all of the artists and buyers. Then include it with the check to the charitable Pakistani organization and a letter explaining your project and how you were able to creatively raise these funds for Pakistan.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:47:37 PM

© 2004, Human Development Foundation. All rights reserved.
1350 Remington Road, Suite W, Schaumburg, Il. 60173
Toll Free: (800) 705-1310 | Email: info@yespakistan.com | Privacy Policy