Auction is Action with U in it!

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

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

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 ask
• Create an emotional connection without manipulating your audience
• Recognize when the room is ready to give
• Avoid breaking the momentum before the paddle raise
• Turn inspiration into immediate action

Your 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

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

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

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

What if one travel package could produce multiple winners, multiply your auction revenue, and help identify your organization’s next major donors?

In this episode, Bobby D. explains how to create an “Oprah Moment” at your fundraising auction by selling the same exciting travel experience multiple times. This strategy engages midlevel donors, reveals willingness and financial capacity, and creates opportunities for deeper relationships after the event.

You’ll also learn about an exclusive five-day, four-night, all-inclusive Puerto Vallarta experience for two at Costa Sur Resort, featuring oceanfront accommodations, dining and beverages, airport transfers, a couples massage, and more.

Plus, every new Call To Auction client who signs before the end of 2026 will receive a free live-auction item for their event.

Ready to create your own “Oprah Moment”? Connect with Call To Auction to learn more.

Auction is action—with “U” in it.  

calltoauction.com

Recommended For

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

A successful paddle raise isn’t spontaneous—it’s strategically designed.

In this episode, Bobby D. shares the essential practices that help nonprofits inspire more donors, generate more revenue, and create a powerful mission-centered moment.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build emotional momentum before the ask
• Choose and coach the right mission speaker
• Create strategic giving levels
• Secure leadership gifts in advance
• Use silence and donor recognition effectively
• Select fundraising software that simplifies gift redemption
• Turn first-time gifts into lasting donor relationships

Raising the paddle is only the beginning. From storytelling and professional asking to payment processing and donor follow-up, every detail matters.

Learn how to raise it right—and turn generosity into lasting impact.

For a free event analysis: calltoauction.com

Recommended For

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

What if the biggest factor in your gala's fundraising success isn't your auction items, décor, or entertainment? In this episode, Bobby D. reveals why every decision—from your venue and storytelling to your emcee, auctioneer, and paddle raise—is a leadership decision that shapes donor behavior. Learn how intentional leadership creates generosity while entertainment alone creates applause. If you want to raise more money and create greater impact, this episode is for you.

Schedule your free Event Evaluation at calltoauction.com

Recommended For

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

Most nonprofits end their paddle raise too early.

In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. Ehlert shares one of the simplest—and most overlooked—fundraising strategies you can implement at your next event: the Paddle Drop.

The Paddle Drop happens immediately after your paddle raise and gives every remaining guest one final opportunity to participate. It's an effortless way to transform attendees into first-time donors, tap into their philanthropic budget, deepen donor relationships, and raise thousands of additional dollars without adding another auction item or extending your program.

You'll learn:

• What the Paddle Drop is and why it works.
• How to convert guests into lifelong supporters.
• Why participation matters just as much as gift size.
• The simple script that can generate more revenue in just a few minutes.
• How professional fundraising strategy turns good events into extraordinary ones.

Free Resource: Download "Stop Hiring the FREE Auctioneer" and discover how investing in the right fundraising auction team can actually pay for itself while helping your event raise significantly more money. Stop leaving money on the table and start building events that maximize both revenue and donor relationships.

Recommended For

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