A challenge has been issued: The members of Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) challenge each and every other state organization to do hold a photographers auction or similar event during state seminars and conventions. The time commitment is minimal, the fun is boundless and the change that can be made is endless. It's true...they raised over $7,000 in less than 45 minutes!
It began February 29, 2008, when the VPPA gathered in Portsmouth, Virginia, for their annual membership brunch, during which they held a photographers' auction (all of the proceeds benefit PPA Charities this year).
Seven local studios volunteered to be auctioned off at the brunch. Each studio agreed to be a mentor for the winning bidder: they would spend one day with the winning bidder at their studio, or the winner could come and visit the mentor's studio. This decision was completely up to the winner, although the date had to be mutually agreed upon.
Mary Fisk-Taylor played auctioneer and started the event by explaining a little about PPA Charities and Operation Smile. She stressed that it would take less than $250 to change a child's life, and that she really did not think any photographer should go for less than a child's smile. Then, each mentor got up and spoke about themselves and their studio's specialties. As the auction ensued, they walked around, encouraging friends and competitors to spend more money for the charity.
Being the auctioneer and desperate to make more money for PPA Charities and Operation Smile, Mary would let the bidding get to the final number and ask if the last two or three bidders would be willing to spend the last bid amount...if they could each have their own day with the mentor. Everyone agreed and each mentor was happy to give another day of leadership.
A northern Virginia studio owned by Bill and Marie Piacesi offered a day learning the lighting and composition of glamour photography. When the bidding stalled out at $500, Bill stood up and offered to print competition prints for any and all of the winners. They made a lot more money!
When Mary Fisk-Taylor's studio came up for bid, she upped the ante. Mary announced that she would throw in her business partner Jamie Hayes' assistance to the winning bidder at a wedding and rehearsal dinner! Jamie was a little shocked but took it in stride. Mary's studio sold three days of mentoring and--much to Jamie's dismay--three weddings and rehearsal dinners.
When the auction was all said and done, VPPA had raised over $7,000. This contribution will change the lives of many, many children, and the entire event took less than 45 minutes.
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