PBS exposure for crafters

[boygirlparty]

i've been talking with Rhode Island PBS about a fundraising idea - local crafters donating a sample of their handmade goodies for the annual auction in exchange for television exposure and info about the crafting community and individuals around here.  are you, or do you know anyone who would be interested in this?  does this sound like a good idea?  do you have any further suggestions for how to make this a success for all parties involved?

[sewing stars]

sounds really cool! i would donate! keep us posted...

[kitschykoo]

yep! yep! count me in!

[boygirlparty]

here is some info for everyone regarding participating in this event!  i think you can participate in it even if you don't live in rhode island - here is the information based on some email exchanges between the fundraising director and i:



1.  What kinds of donations are accepted for RIPBS's auction?  What should
their retail value be?

I would need higher quality crafts.  I am not sure what sorts of crafts are
available.  There is a fine line between very good hobbyists and the stuff
you see at church Bazzars.  Do you understand what I am trying to get
across?  If I get a donation that I feel is not appropriate for this auction
that I would like to hold it for our Spring, General Merchandise Auction
held in April.

There is a $75 minimum donation value.

2.  When would these products be due?  Where should they be sent?  Should
any other information (bio, promotional materials, etc) be sent along with
the products?  If crafters send some business cards along with their
donation, will they be distributed/available for people at the auction to
take?

I need these donations ASAP.  My donation deadline for the Gallery Night is
September 21st but I will continue to accept donations up through the 2nd
week of October.  If the donations could be delivered to the Rhode Island
PBS Studios that wouod be helpful.  Bios and promotional materials are
encouraged.  I have attached a letter and donor form for you that should
explain all of that.


3. Will the donation be considered a tax deductible 501(c)3 donation?

Yes, Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.  Were are a
503C.

4. When and where exactly does the auction take place?  I know there is a
charge for the craft show admission, will the auction be free for
participating crafters to attend?

There is not charge!  The Auction is televised Oct. 24 - Oct. 27 from 7-11
pm.

5.  What kind of televised exposure will there be?  (possibilities are
short - maybe two minute long - interviews with crafters about their
business and donation pieces for the auction)

Each donation is described on the air and the donor's name and address is
mentioned a minimum of 2 times.  I do not have time to interview donors.

feel free to PM message me for more, and please include your name, tel #, and email address if  you'd like me to send you the donor form!  i think this is a great way to receive some exposure in the rhode island area, and to help out pbs!

[boygirlparty]

some more info i dug up...

1. i asked about sending items with a lower retail value, but sending them as a package totaling over $75 retail, but the auction director said he'd rather avoid that situation.  so, i guess this is mostly just for special fancy items!

2. there is a private reception that serious buyers and contributors are invited to at the rhode island convention center on wednesday, oct 13.  all donations will be listed in the auction catalog.  if you choose to bring any promo materials (such as giveaway samples, business cards, postcards, etc) they will be distributed at this night.  the auction will be televised about a week later on PBS.  (i posted the exact time + day above)

3. if you are a CRAFTER, and you donate six items, your work will be presented in two separate segments (i think that means twice!) devoted solely to your creations.
if you are a BOUTIQUE/GALLERY (hello, okie dokie/craftland!) and you donate six items from your boutique/gallery, and your work will be highlighted in two separate segments with the name, location of your store, and logo at the bottom of the screen.  each individual artist will also be credited - so maybe we should round up some people and donate under the okie dokie/craftland umbrella and help get doubley the exposure!  (technically, quadrupley)

4. i have a letter of invitation as well as a donor form to distribute to anyone interested!  please email or PM for more!