Power of the Purse

[starmaster7]

Hello everyone. I am a very seasoned collector, but I am a little blind in the area of celebrities donating items other than photos for a very worthwhile charity. It is for the family resources chapter in our county, and they deal with abused women and children. The auction is aimed at celebrity memorabilia- be it a purse, accessory, etc.

I am assisting the lady who is conducting the charity auction.

I have a good list of good-signing women to send letters to. My question is, have you ever heard of celebs sending such items (purse, clothing, accessory) for a cause like mine? Are most celebrities good about sending these things or would it have to be really important to them?

Thanks

[TheCollector]

Hi starmaster7

Welcome to the forum

Most celebrities are very generous when signing for charity. I have been really lucky and received lots of signed merchandise for my own charity auction.

Am I right in thinking you are only approaching female celebs for donations?

The main difference between what you and I are doing, is that you are going to have to ask the celeb to donate a signed personal item whereas most of my merchandise donations have been promotional things like books, dvds cds, clothing etc.

I think if you explain it clearly, you should do quite well. The best bit of advice I can give you is to not be afraid to ask for what you want!!!

If you want a signed article of clothing, or a purse, or bag, then say so politely. You will do better if you are up-front with your requirements

The only other thing I would say is that your rate of success will be much, much higher if you make some attempt to contribute towards the return postage. Just include basic return postage, and it should be added to by the celeb when / if they return an item

I hope this has been a bit of help to you, but please get back to me if you want any more advice I am a bit of a veteran on charity collecting as I now have around 800 donated signed photos and other items!!

Ian

[starmaster7]

Yes you are right! Only from female celebrities. It is for domestic violence against, particularly, women. I think that will appeal to most of the stars I plan on writing to.

It will be sent on official letterhead with a tax deduction code and all. We are specifing that we will pay all of the postage costs and fees.

I hope that we are lucky. I have a good feeling about this; I have a great collection of names and guaranteed addresses. Some of the stars we are asking are Sally Field, Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Ruth Buzzi, Shirley MacLaine, Danica Patrick, Valerie Harper, Betty White, Priscilla Presley , Cloris Leachman, etc.... Most of these women, I have found, to be extremely generous.

We arent afraid to specify what we are asking for, but made it clear that we will gladly accept anything. I really hope we do well for this worthwhile cause. Most women are kindly sympathetic toward domestic abuse, which will certainly help our cause.

Thank you for adding your insight! I know that you have done many, many things for charities over the years.

I would be tickled to death to get a purse or accessory from any of these women! If you can give me any further advice or anything, I would appreciate it! For example, do you have any ideas for any more female celebs I could write to that might be good to send an item>?? Any insight of this nature would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks !!

[TheCollector]

Hi starmaster7

Thanks for clarifying

Have you tried any UK actresses/celebs? I has some great luck from the the following:

Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Dame Judi Dench ("M" on the Bond movies), Julie Walters, HRH Sarah, the Duchess of York (Sarah Fergusson), Sharon Osbourne (X-Factor/American/Pop Idol), Elton John (always good with handbags and tiaras!!!!), Anne Robinson (The Weakest Link), Jennifer Saunders & Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Billie Piper (Dr. Who's assistant 2005/6), Honor Blackman (Bond Girl & the Avengers), Helen Fielding (Author, Bridget Jones' Diary), Julia Winter (Veruca Salt in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Movie), Elizabeth Hurley, Tilda Swinton (Ice Queen in Narnia: the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe), Joan Collins, Madonna and Kylie Minogue.

These can be found in the database as I have had successes from them all.

There are plenty more to choose from, but these are the ones I can remember at the moment!!!!!

Hope this helps!

Ian

PS Although I am not a woman If you want one of my DVD's for your cause, then please PM me your details and I would be happy to send you one

[youpla]

admin if its not too rude to ask you this , what did you got from who ? thanks
and you got a succes from madonna ! what did she give out ?

[TheCollector]

Hi youpla

You can see details on some of my successes here: http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic.php?t=7018

Unfortunately this list is quite out of date though, but it wil give you some ideas at least!

Ian

[youpla]

yes but it dosent say what you got !

[youpla]

yes but it dosent say what you got !