I have in mind what I want to happen with a quilt or sewing project before I donate it.
If it's something that I don't mind if it's put on a table with a $30 price tag, or it's put into a silent auction with a low starting bid, I don't dictate the terms of the donation. That pretty much sums up 90% of what I donate. My (hopeful)feeling is that someone will get an opportunity to buy something that they absolutely loved and appreciated but could never afford to buy unless it was sold in that manner.
If it's something I don't want to see "given away", I dictate the terms and I'm there to be sure what I asked to be done is being done. I only donate one type of quilt that I feel is worthy of an live auction. It always brings a good price, and I make sure it hits the live auction and isn't waylaid by a well-meaning individual who has decided to make a decision contrary to my terms.
And don't be afraid to toot your own horn and show off your workmanship to whoever is accepting the donation. If that person sees the work you've put in, they will see $$ potential and not put it on a table for 30 bucks.