Benefit Auction Procurement Idea - Stock the Bar Or Stock the Cellar

Copyright (c) 2009 Red Apple Auctions LLC

Several years ago, I attended a wedding in which the couple was in their mid-40s. The marriage was a first for both, and each one had been living on their own prior to their marriage.

Given their age, the couple had already acquired the typical accoutrements of life, so standard wedding gifts such as blenders and Calphalon weren't appropriate. The couple asked that anyone wishing to bring a gift, "Please just bring a nice bottle of wine for our cellar." It was a "stock the cellar" gift.

Similarly, I have read about co-ed bridal showers called "stock the bar" parties. The idea is for guests to bring the betrothed couple all of the wine, spirits and related equipment needed to stock the bar for future entertaining.

Some fundraisers have their own method of conducting "stock the cellar" parties. A few of my clients conduct these. Other groups might want to consider adding this event to your calendar.

About a month prior to the benefit auction, the organization hosts a party. Usually the soiree is held at someone's home. It is often catered with heavy hors d'oeuvres and includes a wine tasting. The entry fee for the event is a bottle of wine of, say, $30 or more.

The bottles of wine collected from the party are then sold at the benefit auction. Sometimes the bottles are sold as one item in one lot. Other times the bottles are sold via different games involving wine.

If your crowd leans towards enjoying spirits instead of wine, consider an adaptation of this activity. Alter the wine donations with your own version of "stock the bar."

One way to conduct the party is to ask guests to bring whatever they would like: wine, spirits, glasses, wine openers, olives, etc. It is their choice. So if you end up with five bottles of Bailey's Irish Cream, so be it!

Another option is to create more of a game atmosphere around the activity. For instance, to ensure a wider selection in your bar, segment the guests. Guests are assigned to either bring different types of liquor, or suggest that each guest bring something to stock the bar that begins with the initial of his or her last name. For instance, my last name is Truhlar. I might bring Tennessee whiskey, Tanqueray gin, or triple sec ...with toothpicks thrown in for good measure.

By the time everyone arrives with their items, you will have a completely stocked bar, ready to sell at your benefit auction.