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. Oct 24

    Beyond the Mic — 50 Lessons in Generosity, Fundraising & Life

    Fifty episodes. Countless raised paddles. And lessons that reach far beyond the microphone. In this special 50th episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. shares 50 lessons in generosity, fundraising, and life—drawn from years of helping nonprofits turn meaningful moments into mission impact. From choosing live auction items and understanding consignment costs to designing paddles, marketing experiences, and making a confident ask, this episode brings together practical strategies and personal reflections on what inspires people to give. You’ll hear why: • Your mission belongs at the center of every fundraising moment. • Auction item selection, pricing, and promotion matter. • A paddle raise starts long before anyone lifts a paddle. • Sound, pacing, and preparation shape the guest experience. • Gratitude and follow-through help turn event guests into lasting supporters. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, auctioneer, board member, or event planner, there’s a lesson here to bring to your next event—and your everyday life. What’s the biggest lesson fundraising has taught you? Share it in the comments. Subscribe to Auction Is Action for more conversations about generosity, connection, and raising it right. Auction is Action with “U” in it. Find out more at calltoauction.com Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

  2. Oct 13

    When the Room Works Against You: How to Overcome Challenging Gala Venues and Keep Donors Engaged

    Not every gala venue is designed for fundraising success. Low ceilings, awkward room layouts, poor acoustics, obstructed sightlines, oversized ballrooms, and guests spread across multiple spaces can create serious challenges for even the best fundraising events. In this episode of Auction is Action, World Champion Auctioneer Bobby D. Ehlert explores how the physical environment of your gala can impact guest engagement, energy, and ultimately, fundraising results. We'll discuss: Why room layout matters more than you thinkHow challenging venues can kill momentum during a live auction or paddle raiseThe importance of sound, lighting, and sightlinesHow to create energy and connection in difficult spacesPractical strategies for overcoming venue limitationsWhy fundraising strategy should influence your venue selectionThe bottom line? A beautiful venue doesn't always make a great fundraising venue. Whether you're planning your first gala or your fiftieth, understanding how to work with—or around—your event space can make a significant difference in your fundraising success. Because when the room works against you, your strategy has to work even harder. Auction is Action—with YOU in it! Subscribe for more fundraising strategies, gala planning insights, and auctioneer tips from Call To Auction. #AuctionIsAction #FundraisingGala #NonprofitFundraising #LiveAuction #PaddleRaise #GalaPlanning #FundraisingAuctioneer #EventPlanning #CallToAuction Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

  3. Oct 2

    Your Space, Your Story: Why Hosting Your Fundraiser at Home Can Raise More

    What if your organization’s best event venue is the space you already have? In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. explores how hosting a fundraiser in your own space can bring guests closer to your mission. From seeing the work firsthand to meeting the people behind it, the setting can create a stronger connection—and give donors a clearer reason to raise their paddles. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

  4. Sep 25

    Bad Sound Can Ruin Your Gala (And Cost You Money)

    Your guests can’t connect with a story they can’t hear. In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. explains how poor sound affects the entire gala experience—from conversations drowned out by music to mission speakers no one can understand and auction bids guests are afraid to make. You’ll hear why a professional production team matters, what they should know before the event, and one simple sound check every event planner should do from the back of the room. Great sound helps guests stay engaged, follow the fundraising, and feel part of the mission. What’s the worst sound problem you’ve experienced at an event? Share it in the comments. #AuctionIsAction #FundraisingGala #NonprofitEvents #EventProduction #PaddleRaise Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

  5. Sep 18

    The Golden Goosebump Moment: When Your Gala Is Ready to Give

    Every successful fundraising gala has a defining moment—the moment the room goes quiet, your guests lean forward, and everyone feels ready to raise their paddle. I call it the Golden Goosebump Moment. It doesn’t happen by accident. It’s created through powerful storytelling, intentional program design, emotional connection, and a clear invitation to give. When everything comes together, generosity feels like the natural next step. In this episode of the Auction Is Action podcast, we explore how to: Build your program toward the fundraising askCreate an emotional connection without manipulating your audienceRecognize when the room is ready to giveAvoid breaking the momentum before the paddle raiseTurn inspiration into immediate actionYour gala isn’t just entertainment. Every element should lead your guests toward one unforgettable moment when they understand the mission, feel their role in it, and can’t wait to raise their paddles. That is the Golden Goosebump Moment. Learn more about Call To Auction: https://calltoauction.com Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

  6. Sep 11

    Your Board Is Costing Your Gala Money—Here’s How to Activate Them

    Your board members shouldn’t arrive at your fundraising event asking, “Where’s my table?” They should be asking, “Who can I welcome, inspire, connect, and thank?” In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. shares a practical plan for activating your board before, during, and after your fundraising event. You’ll learn how board members can: • Create connections during the cocktail hour • Build energy during the live auction • Model generosity during the paddle raise • Thank and celebrate donors • Follow up the next day to strengthen relationships • Use a strategic board match to increase giving Your board members aren’t simply guests. They’re hosts, ambassadors, donors, connectors, cheerleaders, and stewards of your mission. Want a free copy of the Board Event Activation Plan? Contact Bobby@Call To Auction.com Learn more: https://calltoauction.com #Fundraising #NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment #FundraisingGala #BenefitAuction #PaddleRaise #AuctionIsAction Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

  7. Sep 4

    The Best Fundraising Auction Advice in America Live from Napa

    Recorded live at the Benefit Auction Summit in Napa, this special episode brings together some of the nation’s top fundraising auctioneers and event experts to share their best advice, proven strategies, and biggest lessons from the stage. Whether you’re an auctioneer, nonprofit leader, or event professional, you’ll hear practical insights to help you engage donors, strengthen your performance, and raise more money for the mission. Because Auction is Action—with “U” in it. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

  8. Aug 24

    Stop Entertaining. Start Fundraising.

    A successful fundraising event should do more than entertain—it should inspire action. In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. breaks down how nonprofits can create a giving experience that is clear, credible, and easy. From live auctions and paddle raises to mobile bidding and checkout, every detail should help guests understand what they’re supporting, what their gift can accomplish, and exactly how to participate. Bobby also explains why hiring an experienced professional fundraising auctioneer is essential for building trust, reading the room, maintaining momentum, and turning generosity into measurable impact. Because a great gala shouldn’t simply create applause—it should create action. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

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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
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Auction is Action with U in it!
  • Show Website
    Auction is Action with U in it!