A special thing happens sometimes at auctions. Two bidders are actively biding against one another for a unique item, perhaps a backstage pass or a meal with someone influential or famous. But in the end, only the highest bidder wins.
On rare occasions the donor offers another event, meal or meeting, so that both bidders can achieve their win.
The second bidder has been given a second chance. Both bidders win and the charity benefits doubly.
It is said you never get a second chance to make a first impression. While this may be so, and sells a lot of antiperspirant, it opens a bigger question: How do we give and receive second chances in our lives?
We have all made mistakes, some of them grave, some of them we can’t fix. But we have also been given a second, or even third chance; maybe by a friend, or family member or boss. Sometimes the second chance comes from our learning the lesson of that first, unfixable mistake. We change our behavior, we make accommodations, we offer compassion because we now know we must use this second chance to make things right, even if it is with a different person. When we give others a second chance, we are actually saying that we too, are less than perfect and deserving of another chance. Confucius put it this way, “He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.”
This spring, I encourage you to forgive yourself of the mistakes you’ve made by giving someone else that special thing, a second chance.
As a leading benefit auctioneer, I am dedicated to helping deserving organizations across the country meet and exceed their fundraising goals. Take your non-profit auction to the next level. Contact benefit auctioneer Karen Sorbo to learn more.
