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 N...

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...

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, generosit...

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...

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, an...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 transfor...

Most fundraising events rely on the same three revenue streams: the silent auction, the live auction, and the paddle raise. But what if you could add thousands of dollars to your event without adding another live auction item or extending your program? In this episode of Auction is Action , Bobby D. Ehlert shares eight proven revenue-generating games that increase guest participation, build excite...

Many nonprofit events struggle not because of the mission, the donors, or the economy—but because of the mindset behind the event itself. In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. Ehlert explores how traditional nonprofit thinking can unintentionally limit fundraising results. From scarcity and budget-first decisions to undervaluing donor experience and settling for "good enough," t...

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 no...

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 mis...

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 dono...

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...

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

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 e...

 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 a...

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 wh...

Most nonprofits think their gala ends when the last paddle drops—but the truth is, that’s where the real opportunity begins. In this episode of Auction Is Action (with U in it) , Bobby D. breaks down why data collection is one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—tools in fundraising. From participation rates and bidder behavior to identifying hidden donors like “surprise bidders” and “auction...

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 tal...

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 lear...

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 mome...

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 e...