Stop Entertaining. Start Fundraising.

Too many speeches. Guests checking out. An auctioneer making everyone uncomfortable. Sound familiar?Your mission deserves an event people are excited to attend—and a giving experience they feel good about.In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. introduces the Anti-Gala: a fresh approach to fundraising events built around mission, connection and generosity.You’ll hear:• The five-step blueprint for rethinking your gala.• How a focused 20–30-minute program can anchor the evening.• What makes a “golden goosebump moment”—and when to make the ask.• Why a professional event fundraiser brings value long before picking up the microphone.• How personal follow-up keeps generosity growing after event night.Ready to rethink your next event?Join Bobby D. for the webinar:The Anti-Gala: Rethink the Event Guests ExpectNovember 10, 2026 | 12 p.m.Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_br5lUSsKRMm9_h0O_U2uNA#/registrationIf you missed the webinar, please reach out and I'll send you the recording and slides. Subscribe to Auction is Action for practical ideas on fundraising auctions, paddle raises and creating experiences that inspire giving.#AuctionIsAction #Fundraising #AntiGala #NonprofitEvents #BenefitAuctioneerRecommended ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, hospital, and foundation galas

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.comRecommended ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, hospital, and foundation galas

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 #CallToAuctionRecommended ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, hospital, and foundation galas

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 ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, 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 #PaddleRaiseRecommended ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, 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 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.comRecommended ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, 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 givingYour 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.comLearn more: https://calltoauction.com#Fundraising #NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment #FundraisingGala #BenefitAuction #PaddleRaise #AuctionIsActionRecommended ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, 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 ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, 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 ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, 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.comRecommended ForNonprofit leadersDevelopment directorsBoard membersEvent plannersFundraising committeesSchool, hospital, and foundation galas