Auction is Action with U in it!

Call To Auction
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Join us as we delve into the exciting world of fundraising auctions, where every bid is a step towards making a difference. We believe that Auctions is action with a "U" in it! Whether you're a seasoned organizer or a newcomer, our  insights will equip you with the knowledge to elevate your fundraising initiatives and create memorable experiences for everyone!

  1. MAR 13

    Elevate Conference Recap

    What happens when people gather with purpose? In this episode of Auction Is Action, I’m sharing reflections straight from the Elevate Conference—an event centered around one powerful idea: fundraising is ultimately about people coming together. When we gather, something special happens. Trust grows, ideas expand, and generosity becomes possible in ways that simply can’t happen in isolation. We talk about why gatherings matter more than ever in the nonprofit world, the role events play in building social capital, and how great fundraising events create outcomes that go far beyond the dollars raised. I’ll also walk through a powerful exercise used at the conference that challenges organizations to think deeper about why they host events, what they want people to carry home with them, and what becomes possible when the right people are in the room together. Plus, I’ll introduce our newest resource designed to help nonprofit leaders and event professionals raise more and stress less: GalaToolbox.com. If you believe fundraising events can be more than just programs and paddles—if they can build community, trust, and lasting impact—this conversation is for you. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    13 min

  2. FEB 27

    What World-Class Auctioneers Do Before They Ever Touch the Mic

    Great auctioneers aren’t made in the spotlight—they’re made in the preparation. In this episode of Auction Is Action, we pull back the curtain on what world-class auctioneers do long before they step on stage. This isn’t about chant speed or flashy performance. It’s about preparation, breath, pacing, and mindset—and why true confidence is built through process, not felt in the moment. You’ll learn: Why preparation creates calm, and calm creates confidenceHow breath and body awareness shape the energy of the roomThe pacing decisions professionals make before the first word is spokenWhy the best auctioneers serve the mission, not their egoHow intentional leadership on the mic unlocks generosityWhether you’re an auctioneer, nonprofit leader, or anyone who steps on a mic to ask for generosity, this episode will change how you think about performance, presence, and purpose. Because when the auction becomes action, real impact follows. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    7 min

  3. FEB 20

    From Invitation to Impact: Designing a Fundraising Experience That Converts

    Great fundraising events don’t just happen at the podium—they’re designed from the very first invitation. In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D breaks down why attendee experience is the most powerful fundraising strategy you have. From invitations and registration to cocktail hour, the program, live auction, paddle raise, and the final surprise that sends guests home inspired—every moment either builds generosity or leaks it. You’ll learn how to: Design a donor journey instead of just running an eventEliminate friction that quietly costs you moneyBuild momentum that leads to a powerful paddle raiseCreate moments that turn guests into long-term supportersIf you want your next fundraising event to raise more money, engage more donors, and be remembered for all the right reasons—this episode shows you how. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    7 min

  4. FEB 13

    The Donors of Tomorrow Are in the Room Today

    The future of fundraising isn’t transactional—it’s relational. In this episode of Auction Is Action, we explore how nonprofit events can become powerful tools for engaging the next generation of donors. Today’s donors want more than an ask—they want community, connection, and a clear line to impact. We unpack why younger donors trust systems less but relationships more, how events create shared experiences that build loyalty over time, and why acquisition without cultivation stalls long-term growth. From removing friction and avoiding “cringe” moments to creating unforgettable experiences that inspire partnership, this episode reframes events as the front door to donor legacy. If you’re thinking beyond tonight’s total and focused on building donors who will shape your mission for the next 20 years, this conversation is for you. Auction isn’t the moment. Auction is action. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    5 min

  5. FEB 6

    Why the Best Fundraising Happens Before the Auction Starts

    In this episode of Auction Is Action, fundraising auctioneer and strategist Bobby D. breaks down why the highest-performing galas combine smart consultation, intentional strategy, and confident auctioneer leadership—not just great performance on stage. A must-listen for nonprofit leaders planning their next fundraising event. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    6 min

  6. JAN 30

    The Perfect Gala Guest

    The Perfect Gala Guest is the episode every nonprofit professional wishes their audience would listen to before walking into the ballroom. In this podcast, we break down what actually makes a gala guest exceptional—not louder, richer, or flashier, but more engaged, more present, and more impact-driven. From how guests show up mentally and emotionally, to how they participate in the auction, paddle raise, and mission moment, this episode pulls back the curtain on the behaviors that elevate an event from “nice night out” to transformational fundraiser. You’ll hear: What the best gala guests do before the event even startsHow attention, timing, and energy in the room affect total dollars raisedThe difference between attending and participatingWhy generosity is contagious—and how guests set the toneHow nonprofits can gently coach their audience toward better giving experiencesWhether you’re a donor, board member, event chair, or nonprofit leader, this episode will change how you experience galas forever—and help every event raise more money with more joy. Because the perfect gala guest doesn’t just take a seat. They help move the mission forward. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    8 min

  7. JAN 23

    What Last Year’s Numbers Are Telling You

    Before you plan this year’s gala, auction, or fundraising event, there’s one step most organizations skip—and it costs them real money. In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. breaks down how to review last year’s revenue the right way so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence. This isn’t about spreadsheets or shame. It’s about clarity, patterns, and making smarter decisions before you set goals for the year ahead. You’ll learn: Which revenue numbers actually matterHow to identify what truly drove giving at your last eventWhy missing a goal is data, not failureHow to use last year’s results to shape this year’s strategyWhat to repeat, refine, or remove from your eventsHow to align your board and team using real numbersIf you’re planning fundraising events without reviewing revenue first, you’re leaving growth to chance. This episode will help you turn last year’s results into a clear, actionable roadmap for the year ahead. Subscribe to Auction Is Action for practical fundraising insights, event strategy, and real-world lessons from the stage. If you want to review your revenue or looking for ways to strategize your fundraising event, please reach out at calltoauction.com Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    6 min

  8. JAN 16

    Why Great Auctioneers Don’t Talk Fast

    Why do the best fundraising auctioneers often sound calmer, slower, and more intentional than everyone else in the room? In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the microphone—and why speed and volume don’t raise money. You’ll learn what a professional auctioneer is actually doing on stage, how pacing, tone, and timing influence donor behavior, and why commanding a room has nothing to do with shouting. Bobby breaks down why clear counting beats clever jokes, where many MCs and auctioneers blur roles, and how that confusion can quietly cost a gala thousands. Whether you’re an auctioneer, MC, nonprofit leader, or event planner, this episode will change how you think about live fundraising moments—and why slowing down is often the fastest way to raise more money. Auction isn’t noise. Auction is action. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    6 min
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About

Join us as we delve into the exciting world of fundraising auctions, where every bid is a step towards making a difference. We believe that Auctions is action with a "U" in it! Whether you're a seasoned organizer or a newcomer, our  insights will equip you with the knowledge to elevate your fundraising initiatives and create memorable experiences for everyone!

Information

  • Creator
    Call To Auction
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Auction is Action with U in it!
  • Show Website
    Auction is Action with U in it!