Fair –n- Square

If you’ve ever put your money down on a football pool, then you’ve played a version

of Fair-n-Square. In Fair-n-Square, buyers purchase any number of squares out of

100, but instead of buyers guessing the score of a featured football game, they buy

and select one or more squares at a set price. The game board is created exactly like

a football pool - 100 empty squares for players to write their name and bid number

on. After the board is filled a number between 1 and 10 is drawn for both the

horizontal and vertical borders. The winning square is discovered when a line is

drawn from the corresponding numbered border squares intersecting over the

winning square.

How To

1. Begin with a standard piece of foam core measuring about 2’X3’ and creative

supplies.

2. Decide how much will be charged for a single square. $5, $10, $25. If the

audience is under 200 consider giving away 2 squares for one price.

3. Draw a boxed chart with 11 evenly spaced squares across the top and 10

evenly spaced squares vertically.

4. Begin with the vertical border and shade the border in color and number the

squares from 1 through 10.

5. Next number squares across the top.

6. Select a mystery prize to give to the winner.

7. As people buy squares, write their bid number and last name on the square.

8. After the board is filled, bring the board to the stage.

9. Draw 2 numbers between 1 and 10 for both border squares. As an example

the vertical square could be the 2 and the horizontal square could be a 7.

10. Draw an imaginary line down and across until both lines intersect.

11. Award the winner the prize.

Linda designed this game of Fair-n-Square and then had it printed to fit on a 3X5 piece of foam core board.

The Fair and Square board may be the only reference for recording, collecting and reconciliation. It is important to write legibly in felt tip pen so the bid number and name is easy to decipher and announce to the crowd. Once the winner has been announced return the game board to the recording clerks for safe keeping. Every bid number on the board will be entered into the software. After recording the players, write the words “Fair-n-Square Entered” on a sticky note and place the board near the reconciliation tray. Do not throw away the game board.

Auction Powerhouse Tip: The game board can be small enough that a volunteer can

carry it around the venue selling squares or large enough to attract attention. If the

game is sponsored, create a large attractive board and place the grand prize and

free gifts on a display table.

Auction Powerhouse Tip: The board can be created out of foam core, a 4 foot ruler

and a felt tip pen.

Auction Powerhouse Tip: The price of the square is relative to the prize. $5 for a

prize valued at $100-$200, $10 for a prize valued at $300-$500.

April Brown is an 18 year veteran auctioneer and specializes in fundraising auctions. She is also the founder and Director of Whisker City, a feline rescue organization located in Shoreline, Washington. Brown also hosts April Brown’s Charity Auction World, the only internet television show designed to showcase the world of charity auctions. She is the author of Money is Marvelous and The Foundation - Secrets to A Successful Charity Auction. April has a long history of dramatically increasing revenue for charities with a goal of $30,000 to $500,000 and higher. The Auction Powerhouse Training Method has helped thousands of volunteer and professional fundraisers attract new donors, develop profitable demographic and put together memorable auctions. Brown’s innovative strategies and concepts are used by auctioneers, development officers and volunteers throughout North America. She is a skilled auctioneer and combines her passion for business and love for charity by training others to do great things. April’s clients include private and public schools, hospital foundations and guilds, business and community service