Auction is Action with U in it!

Call To Auction
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Non-Profit

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. 1d ago

    The Fundraising Event Playbook Nobody Hands You

    Most nonprofit professionals inherit a fundraising event, receive a folder of documents from the previous committee, and are told, "This is how we've always done it." But what if that's exactly what's holding your event back? In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. sits down with fundraising event strategist Beth Sandefur to discuss the fundraising event playbook nobody hands you. Together, they explore why so many galas become stagnant, how successful organizations continuously evolve their events, and the difference between simply planning an event and intentionally designing an experience. You'll discover: Why "the way we've always done it" can be dangerousHow to identify revenue leaks that cost nonprofits thousandsThe importance of designing a donor experience, not just managing logisticsWhy smaller, more intentional events often outperform larger galasHow to maximize sponsorships, auctions, and paddle raisesThe systems, templates, and tools that separate great events from average onesWhy the paddle raise may be the most overlooked fundraising opportunity in your eventWhether you're planning a gala, auction, luncheon, golf tournament, or special event, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you save time, reduce stress, engage donors, and raise more money. Because great fundraising events don't happen by accident. They happen by design. galatoolbox.com   Recieve a 25% coupon code, use: Action Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    56 min

  2. May 29

    Free Isn't Free: The Hidden Cost of Bargain Auctioneers

    In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. tackles one of the most common—and costly—mistakes nonprofits make when planning a fundraising gala: hiring the "free" auctioneer. At first glance, saving a few thousand dollars on an auctioneer fee sounds like a smart financial decision. But what if that decision costs your organization tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—in missed fundraising revenue? Bobby breaks down the true role of a professional fundraising auctioneer, why fundraising events are unlike any other speaking engagement, and how the right auctioneer can dramatically increase donor participation, paddle raise revenue, live auction performance, and overall event energy. You'll learn why an auctioneer isn't an expense on your budget—it's one of the most important investments in your event's success. Whether you're a development director, executive director, board member, or gala committee volunteer, this episode will help you understand the hidden cost of bargain auctioneers and why free isn't always the best value. Because when it comes to fundraising, the cheapest option can end up being the most expensive. This episode is perfect for nonprofit leaders looking to maximize revenue, elevate the guest experience, and unlock the full fundraising potential of their gala. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    9 min

  3. May 22

    Dessert Dash Done Right: Energy, Competition, and Revenue

    What if one of the most profitable moments at your gala wasn’t your live auction… but dessert? In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. breaks down the Dessert Dash — the fast-paced, high-energy fundraising game that creates excitement, table competition, and unexpected revenue in just minutes. You’ll learn: • How a Dessert Dash works step-by-step • Why it activates group psychology and donor momentum • How to structure the game for maximum participation • Common mistakes nonprofits make • Tips to increase energy, bidding, and guest engagement • How to turn desserts into a memorable fundraising experience Whether you’re planning a school gala, nonprofit fundraiser, golf event, or community celebration, the Dessert Dash is a simple addition that can create a massive impact. Auction Is Action with Bobby D. — helping nonprofits raise more money, create unforgettable events, and inspire radical generosity. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    6 min

  4. May 15

    The Smartest Gala Sponsorship Most Nonprofits Aren’t Using

    What if your auctioneer fee wasn’t viewed as an expense… but as a sponsorship opportunity with massive ROI potential? In this episode of Auction is Action, billion-dollar fundraiser, event strategist, professional fundraising auctioneer, auctioneer coach, and industry thought leader Bobby D. breaks down one of the smartest strategies nonprofits can use to protect their event budget while creating meaningful sponsor visibility. Learn how to secure an “Auctioneer Sponsorship” — a high-impact partnership where a business or donor covers the cost of your professional auctioneer in exchange for premium recognition throughout the event. Bobby shares why this strategy works, how to position the ask, what sponsors actually value, and the exact steps nonprofits can take to fund their auctioneer before the first paddle is ever raised. If you want stronger sponsorship conversations, healthier event budgets, and a smarter way to think about fundraising investments, this episode is for you. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    6 min

  5. May 8

    AFP ICON Conference 2026

    Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    6 min

  6. Apr 24

    How to Ask: Making Fundraising Magic Happen

    Great fundraising doesn’t happen by accident—it happens in the ask. In this episode of Auction is Action, we break down how to turn a simple request into a powerful, emotional moment that inspires generosity and drives real results. Whether you’re on stage leading a paddle raise, sitting one-on-one with a major donor, or guiding your board to make meaningful connections, the way you ask changes everything. You’ll learn how to: Frame your ask so it feels like an invitation, not a transactionTap into emotion using proven Neurogiving principlesBuild urgency and clarity without pressure or discomfortAvoid the common mistakes that cause donors to hesitate—or disengageThis episode is for nonprofit leaders, development professionals, and fundraising auctioneers who want to create deeper connections and unlock more giving—without feeling salesy. Because when the ask is done right… it’s not just fundraising. It’s transformation. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    1h 17m

  7. Apr 17

    From Arrival to Impact: Creating a Frictionless Giving Experience

    What if your biggest fundraising gains don’t come from what happens on stage—but from what happens the moment your guests walk in? In this episode of Auction is Action, we break down how to design a frictionless giving experience that starts at arrival and carries all the way through the final paddle raise. Because when giving is easy, intuitive, and seamless… generosity goes up. We’re talking about the simple—but often overlooked—systems that remove hesitation and unlock momentum: preswiping credit cards, clean check-in flows, clear bidder onboarding, and creating an environment where donors can act instantly on emotion. You’ll learn: Why friction is the silent killer of participationHow preswiping sets the tone for the entire nightThe connection between speed, emotion, and donor decision-makingPractical ways to streamline your event without losing the human touchThis isn’t about logistics—it’s about psychology, energy, and making it effortless for people to say yes. Because when you remove barriers… you don’t just improve the experience. You increase impact. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    6 min

  8. Apr 10

    Paddle Raise Only Events: Simpler Format, Bigger Impact

    What if the most powerful fundraising moment at your event… was the only one you needed? In this episode, we break down the rise of Paddle Raise Only events—a simpler, more focused format that’s helping nonprofits cut through the noise and drive bigger impact. No live auction packages. No distractions. Just a clear, compelling call to action that puts your mission front and center. You’ll learn why this model is working, when it makes sense to use it, and how to design an experience that still feels elevated, engaging, and deeply emotional—without relying on auction items to carry the night. We’ll dive into: The psychology behind why donors give more when the message is clearHow to structure your program for maximum participation and momentumWhat you must have in place before the event to make this workCommon mistakes that can stall energy in a Paddle Raise Only formatReal insights from events that are shifting away from traditional auctions If you’ve ever felt like your auction is adding complexity without increasing revenue, this episode will challenge how you think about event fundraising—and show you what’s possible when you simplify with purpose. Because sometimes… less really does raise more. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

    8 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
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Auction is Action with U in it!
  • Show Website
    Auction is Action with U in it!