Can a short video captivate the guests at your fundraising auction? It has been well known that videos draw us in. Some may even say that video can be addicting. We have come a long way since 1895 when the first motion picture era came about. This fact was emphasized by what Chad Hurley, CEO and Co-founder of YouTube, had to say on the YouTube blog, "I'm proud to say that we have been serving well over a billion views a day on YouTube." The number is beyond comprehension. How amazing for a company that did even exist before February 15th 2005. In less than five years, this company has become a household name and by most economic standards is worth over a billion dollars, yet their product has little in common with goods from an old-fashioned brick and mortar store.

We all know that visual images are very important in trying to convey abstract ideas, but have you considered using them at your next charity auction? As the saying goes, it helps us to put a face with a name. Unless we have been given an image, when our mind thinks of a certain charity organization, we automatically form our own picture in our mind.

Let us think about a Bassett Hound rescue, for example. What image immediately pops into your head -- long ears, sad eyes, and stumpy legs? But what if I showed you a short video detailing the dog's story including his name, his sad history, his physical conditions, and what his specific needs are? Can you picture him? Now I have acquainted you with the beneficiary of the charity organization who needs your help. You are now more emotionally and personally involved with the cause of the charity.

For another example, let us look at a less defined charity organization that supports urban gardening. Before this nonprofit can ask for donations, they must show clearly what the funds are used for. There is no better way than a video to show the youth that are involved in the projects, the families benefiting from the crops, and the change in the attitudes in the neighborhoods. The donors will see the specific needs and the results that they can contribute toward.

The guests at your charity auction need to be informed and emotionally tied to your organization to become your donors. Videos are an easy and effective way to create "buy in" for your nonprofit. Short and sweet, they can boost your emotional appeal over the top.