Call for lots for 2008 TopLots auctions on eBay

The opportunity for UK arts and heritage attractions to raise funds and profile worldwide is here again, as Development Partners invite heritage organisations across the UK to submit lots for the 2008 programme of auctions on eBay.

This is your chance to be part of this growing fundraising initiative.  Come up with something irresistible and unique to you which you can offer a successful bidder (to be taken up within the following 12 months).  For more ideas and information on all TopLots auctions, and to register your interest go to www.toplots.co.uk.
Closing date for registration - 31 March.

The pilot TopLots heritage auction on eBay in October 2007 raised just under £30,000 of ‘new money’ for museums and heritage organisations large and small, across the country. This was an excellent outcome for this new venture run by Development Partners in partnership with the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) and eBay for Charity, working closely with VisitBritain.

Sixty one organisations from across the UK took part. They included AIM members, national museums, historic houses, English Heritage and National Trust properties. The auction offered 127 exceptional heritage experiences including ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours; opportunities to meet curators, celebrities and famous families; participation in re-enactments; party and entertaining venues; unusual skills workshops; and many more activities reflecting the diversity of UK heritage attractions. Successful bidders came from around the world including from Alaska, California, the Netherlands and France. Through working with VisitBritain’s head office and international press teams, media coverage was generated in the USA, Europe and the Far East.

AIM received the following email from a TopLots bidder:

Dear Sirs,

I was the top bidder in the TopLots auction for the tour of Ripley Castle by Sir Thomas Ingilby. In November I flew from Anchorage, Alaska to England to see a real castle. It was one of the best experiences of my life! Sir Thomas was a warm and welcoming host with a wealth of knowledge about his family's beautiful castle. I learnt so much! I just wanted to let you know that TopLots UK was an incredible experience for me and my traveling companion. One we will never forget. And I will be bidding again next year!

Sincerely, Tammy Windsor, Anchorage, Alaska

Other useful links are:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/community/charity/index.html
http://www.development-partners.co.uk/http:
www.visitbritain.com/VB3-en-gb/default.aspxhttp:
www.enjoyengland.com/