The fundraising experts at BetterUnite explain Chinese auctions, also known as tricky trays, basket raffles, or penny socials, as one of the more engaging fundraising styles still around in 2025. Combining the simplicity of a raffle and the excitement of an auction, donors can purchase tickets and enter them into the auction items they choose. The more tickets they buy and place into a specific auction item prize, the more likely they are to win that item. If you're organizing a PTA night, church social affair, or even a sizeable once-a-year gala, this fundraising activity brings in donations through joyful participation rather than peer pressure. It's simple, fun and lucrative.
What is a Chinese Auction, and Why is it Still One of the Most Beloved Fundraisers?
There are so many names for one fundraising event! "Tricky Tray," "Penny Social," "Basket Raffle," "Chinese Auction," and all the other local colloquialisms. Regardless of what you call it, it has remained a staple for many organizations. At BetterUnite, we have seen an increase in this type of fundraising event across schools, PTAs, churches, and all other organization types over the past several years, including using a digital setup.
Let's unpack this unique fundraising format and answer the questions about how it works today, what makes it so effective, and how you can quickly run one of your own.
So, What Exactly Is a Chinese Auction?
To briefly describe a Chinese Auction: it's part raffle, part silent auction.
Here's how it works:
- Supporters buy bundles of tickets.
- Each auction item or prize has its own "ticket basket" or container.
- Attendees drop tickets into the containers for the prizes they want.
- One ticket is randomly drawn per prize, and the winner takes it home.
The best part about the event is the mix of strategy (deciding where to put your tickets) and luck (a random draw). The result is a low-pressure, high-participation game where anyone can win regardless of how much they spend.
Who's Using It?
Chinese auctions are most popular with:
Schools and PTAs: A popular and fun way to set this up is to have each class contribute a themed basket (e.g., movie night, spay day). Families get to participate for a few dollars and feel like they are part of the community.
Churches: Common at parish dinners and community nights, donated prizes become the centerpiece of an exciting evening.
Nonprofits and Youth Groups: Think scout troops, animal rescues, and rec centers combining Chinese Auctions with football tournaments, trivia nights, or bingo bashes.
Large Events: Even formal galas often combine their live and silent auction with digital tricky trays to engage guests who enjoy the slight gambling games.
Why They Work So Well
We've seen these events succeed again and again. Here's why:
- Inclusive fundraising: Everyone gets to play, no matter their budget.
- Engaging & social: People love strolling, chatting, and deciding where to "invest" their tickets.
- Efficient revenue model: Each ticket is a tiny donation, and the volume grows quickly.
- Low effort for organizers: No need for auctioneers, high-value items, or fancy venues.
- Flexible format: Works in a cafeteria, sanctuary, or ballroom, and increasingly, online.
At BetterUnite, we've watched schools raise thousands of dollars in a single evening using nothing but creative gift basket ideas, donated prizes, and a thoughtful Chinese Auction: low pressure, significant impact.
Chinese Auction vs. Other Auction Types
| Format |
Method |
Best For |
Revenue Potential |
Tech Friendly? |
| Chinese Auction |
Buy tickets, enter for specific prizes |
Broad Participation |
Medium |
Yes |
| Silent Auction |
Bid on items anonymously |
Competitive Bidders |
High per item |
Yes |
| Live Auction |
Bid aloud via auctioneer |
Big Spenders |
Very High |
Hybrid available |
| Online Raffle |
Chance, based with minimal interaction |
Remote or Hybrid Events |
Variable |
Yes |
Make Your Event Memorable
Some creative ideas we've seen in events BetterUnite has facilitated:
- Ticket tiers: Use colored tickets or digital categories for high-value prizes (Gold tickets = big prizes).
- Theme the baskets: BBQ Basket, Self-Care Saturday, Movie Marathon, etc.
- "Mystery Basket" drawing: One prize with no description, intrigue sells!
- Include experiences: Donated lessons, "Principal for a Day," dinner with a coach or local celeb.
- Add a live-streamed drawing: For online or hybrid events, go live when announcing winners to keep the excitement going.
Final Thoughts: Calm, Customizable, and Community-Driven
Chinese auctions are more than just fundraisers; they're community builders. They have a low barrier to entry, so everyone in your audience can enjoy them. They generate a lot of buzz, excitement, and energy without the requirement of a host, and they can be adapted to fit any event theme.
BetterUnite makes hosting one easier than ever, whether at your local rec center or online.
Ready to try one yourself? Start a Chinese Auction with BetterUnite!
