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

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

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

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 everything.

You’ll learn how to:

• Frame your ask so it feels like an invitation, not a transaction
• Tap into emotion using proven Neurogiving principles
• Build urgency and clarity without pressure or discomfort
• Avoid the common mistakes that cause donors to hesitate—or disengage

This 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

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 participation
• How preswiping sets the tone for the entire night
• The connection between speed, emotion, and donor decision-making
• Practical ways to streamline your event without losing the human touch

This 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

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 clear
• How to structure your program for maximum participation and momentum
• What you must have in place before the event to make this work
• Common mistakes that can stall energy in a Paddle Raise Only format
• Real 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

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 champions,” you’ll learn how to turn your event into a strategic engine for future revenue.

You’ll also uncover the truth behind the paddle raise myth, why relying on a few big bidders is risky, and how tracking table-level engagement can transform your board, sponsors, and donor pipeline.

If you want to stop guessing and start growing, this episode will show you how to use your gala data to build deeper relationships, unlock major gifts, and maximize impact long after the event ends.

Because the best events don’t just raise money… they reveal what’s possible next.

Recommended For

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