Dessert Dash vs Dessert Auction
When it comes to fundraising events, desserts aren’t just the cherry on top of the evening—they can be powerful tools for raising money for your cause. Two popular approaches are the Dessert Dash and the Dessert Auction. While both are centered around enticing treats, they differ in structure, audience engagement, and fundraising potential. Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide which one is the best fit for your event.
What is a Dessert Dash? A Dessert Dash is an exciting and fast-paced group activity that combines competition, teamwork, and delicious desserts. Here’s how it works:
- Each table works together to pool donations into a collective bid.
- Tables are ranked based on their total contributions.
- When bidding closes, the table with the highest total gets the first pick from the dessert table.
- A designated runner from each table “dashes” to the dessert table to claim their chosen treat.
- The dashing continues until the lowest bidding table picks their treat.
This high energy approach encourages friendly competition that often inspires guests to give more generously to secure their preferred dessert. This format works particularly well in large galas where table dynamics are strong, and it adds an interactive and playful element to the evening.
What is a Dessert Auction? A Dessert Auction focuses on individual bidding, with desserts being auctioned off one at a time. Here’s the process:
- Desserts are displayed beautifully, often with descriptions highlighting unique ingredients or special bakers.
- An auctioneer invites attendees to bid on each dessert.
- The highest bidder wins the dessert and sometimes additional perks, like a bottle of wine or a special table setting.
- This can be done in both a live and silent auction settings. The key is to make sure to have a dedicated time in the program that brings the focus to the desserts closing.
Dessert Auctions often highlight premium, one-of-a-kind desserts. This approach works best smaller scale or more intimate events. Events with individual guests that are eager to outbid each other for a truly special treat can also be ideal for this approach.
Key Differences at a Glance:
- Group vs. Individual: Dessert Dash focuses on group contributions by table, while Dessert Auction relies on individual bids.
- Pace: Dessert Dash is fast and energetic, whereas Dessert Auction is slower and spotlight-driven.
- Audience Engagement: Dessert Dash encourages team spirit and table interaction, while Dessert Auction spotlights individual generosity.
- Revenue Strategy: Dessert Dash often raises funds collectively from tables, while Dessert Auction depends on high bids from individual guests.
Which One is Right for Your Event?
Choose Dessert Dash if:
- your goal is to create a lively, team-focused activity that gets the whole room involved.
- your audience consists of tables purchased by businesses. Sponsored tables that are more likely to pool their funds as opposed to having one primary bidder.
Choose Dessert Auction if:
- you want to highlight premium desserts
- you have an audience ready for individual competitive bidding.
Want to Try Both?
You could combine both strategies, too! Kick off with a Dessert Auction for a few standout desserts and then transition into a Dessert Dash for the rest.
No matter which approach you choose, both the Dessert Dash and Dessert Auction offer a delightful way to sweeten your fundraising results. After all, who can resist giving generously when there’s dessert on the line!
