October 15, 2026
Welcome to the latest edition of The Impact Brief, a monthly publication from C2Auctions with practical ideas, useful insights, and real-world inspiration to help you build stronger fundraising events.
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Tip of the Month
The Second “P”: Publicize
We recently introduced the C2Auctions’ Fund-a-Need (paddle raise) growth strategy we call the “Three P’s.” Last month, we discussed the first “P”: Pre-Solicit. This month, we’re moving onto the second: Publicize.
Your Fund-a-Need should be a highly visible part of all pre-event communications. Guests should understand what it supports, why it matters, and how and when they’ll have an opportunity to participate. That doesn’t mean turning every communication into a fundraising ask. But it does mean building familiarity and expectation through frequent and consistent messaging.
When building your event communication plan, consider the framing of your Fund-a-Need, and invite guests to consider an intentional gift to your paddle raise (not a leftover gift). Leverage the technological resources at your disposal (like texting from your auction management software) as well as your human resources (sponsors and table captains can be excellent paddle raise ambassadors).
By the time the paddles go up, your Fund-a-Need should feel like a moment guests have been anticipating—and are ready to support generously.
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Event Spotlight: AfterDark@THEARC
On September 19, Building Bridges Across the River brought together 500 guests for AfterDark@THEARC: The Chef’s Table Gala, Honoring Flavors of Hope. This spectacular event celebrated the organization’s expanding network of urban farms and its work to advance food access, health, and opportunity east of the Anacostia River. Proceeds from the Gala supported the organization’s broader mission to expand access to arts and culture, economic opportunity, and health and well-being.
Held at the impressive THEARC in Ward 8, and supported by the generosity of a cadre of well-known chefs from across the DMV, the event showcased what can happen when great food, a powerful mission, and a deeply invested community come together around a shared purpose.
Congratulations to the entire Building Bridges Across the River team on an incredible evening, and to the sponsors, donors, chefs, and guests whose generosity made it possible. C2Auctions is grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful celebration!
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Check Us Out
Impact Lab Focus – NEW!
Practical Strategy for Stronger Fundraising Events
We are excited to introduce Impact Lab Focus – a 90-minute single-topic deep dive, exclusively designed for nonprofit fundraising event professionals.
Impact Lab Focus is a structured session led by C2Auctions staff that includes practical instruction, real-world case studies, and useful tools and resources. Each session includes time for questions and conversation, and is designed to leave you with something you can apply to your event planning right away.
Join us for our first session, Right-Sizing Your Silent Auction, on October 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm. ET. We’ll explore how to make more intentional decisions about the size, structure, and role of your silent auction, with practical recommendations you can use right away.
Reserve your spot here!
Questions? Email Livia@c2auctions.net.
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Impact Exchange – Free Virtual Conversation
September’s Impact Exchange was another strong reminder of the value of bringing fundraising event professionals together to compare notes, ask questions, and share what’s working.
Join us for our next session on October 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Bring your questions, bring your challenges, and join a candid conversation with peers navigating many of the same decisions you are.
RSVP here.
Questions or topic suggestions? Email Livia@c2auctions.net.
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Interested in a C2Auctions Workshop?
Our small-group workshops give nonprofit and independent school fundraising professionals a practical, hands-on opportunity to strengthen their event strategy, maximize revenue, and better align their time and effort with impact – reducing stress and overwhelm along the way.
We’ll be scheduling our fall workshops soon. Complete our brief inquiry form to join the list and be among the first to know when new dates are announced.
Complete the Workshop Inquiry Form!
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C2 News
Explore the C2Auctions Impact Lab
The Impact Lab brings together practical strategy, fresh ideas, and candid conversation for fundraising event professionals.
From the Impact Brief and Impact Exchange to our new Impact Lab Focus sessions, workshops, and more, it offers multiple ways to step back, gain perspective, and strengthen your event strategy.
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COMING SOON! Impact Lab Community
Connection. Conversation. Peer Exchange.
We’re creating an ongoing space for nonprofit fundraising event professionals to ask questions, share ideas and experiences, and learn from one another throughout the year.
The Impact Lab Community will launch as a small pilot group later this fall. Interested in being among the first to join?
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Thank you for reading The Impact Brief. We hope you’ll join us next month for practical ideas, inspiring stories, and useful strategies to help create stronger fundraising events and greater mission impact.
Until next time,
The C2Auctions Team
Helping you raise more, stress less, and align effort with impact.
c2auctions.net
