That charitable cause is very near and dear to your heart. But asking friends to donate for the fourth time in a row, well, is making you feel awkward.

How do you rally your friends to raise funds with you one more time? It's simple: host a silent auction in your home! Hosting this type of party inclusive of entertainment, food and drinks will tempt everyone to have a good time -- including the hostess.

Silent auctions are a wonderful alternative to fundraising. Many large-scale charity events use them and as a result most people are familiar with them. On most occasions, guests will come to your home knowing how a silent auction works and what to expect.

Canadian Living's very own Editor-in-Chief, Susan Antonacci, has hosted many private silent auctions in her own home. "Silent auctions are feasible to do and they don't have to be extravagant," she says.

What is a silent auction?
Silent auctions are used at charity events to make money in a fun, marginally competitive way. Items, such as gift certificates, electronics or beauty packages are displayed on a table. Guests walk around and write their bids on a sheet of paper resting beside the item they want. The highest bidder will win the item and pay their bidding price, which in turn will be donated to the charity of the hostess's choice.

Though they may seem daunting to organize, silent auctions can be simple to put together and are one of Susan's fundraising favourites: "They can be a lot of fun and are a great way to make money," she says. Follow these three steps and you will be on your way to hosting a fun-filled silent auction.

1. Remember that it can still be a party
A lot of charity events can be stiff and heavy. When you invite guests to support your cause, it's important to make the event fun and worthwhile for their enjoyment. Susan strongly recommends having food and drink available, and, of course, some music.

Another way to have an original party is to pick a theme. "We once hosted a silent auction with a tikki party," she says.

If you are on a budget, she adds it never hurts to ask some of your friends to bring a dish or bottle of wine. Being low-key is perfectly fine: a simple backyard barbeque on a summer's evening would be simple, fun and easy to prepare.

Tip: You can also ask that each of your guests bring a friend that you do not know. By doing so you have broadened the pool of people you fundraise from, ensuring you're not repeatedly ask the same group of people to participate in charitable events.

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