Explore every episode of the podcast Auction is Action with U in it!

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

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 talk about why gatherings matter more than ever in the nonprofit world, the role events play in building social capital, and how great fundraising events create outcomes that go far beyond the dollars raised. I’ll also walk through a powerful exercise used at the conference that challenges organizations to think deeper about why they host events, what they want people to carry home with them, and what becomes possible when the right people are in the room together.

Plus, I’ll introduce our newest resource designed to help nonprofit leaders and event professionals raise more and stress less: GalaToolbox.com.

If you believe fundraising events can be more than just programs and paddles—if they can build community, trust, and lasting impact—this conversation is for you.

Recommended For

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

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 learn:

• Why preparation creates calm, and calm creates confidence
• How breath and body awareness shape the energy of the room
• The pacing decisions professionals make before the first word is spoken
• Why the best auctioneers serve the mission, not their ego
• How intentional leadership on the mic unlocks generosity

Whether you’re an auctioneer, nonprofit leader, or anyone who steps on a mic to ask for generosity, this episode will change how you think about performance, presence, and purpose.

Because when the auction becomes action, real impact follows.

Recommended For

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

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 moment either builds generosity or leaks it.

You’ll learn how to:

• Design a donor journey instead of just running an event
• Eliminate friction that quietly costs you money
• Build momentum that leads to a powerful paddle raise
• Create moments that turn guests into long-term supporters

If you want your next fundraising event to raise more money, engage more donors, and be remembered for all the right reasons—this episode shows you how.

Recommended For

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

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 experiences that build loyalty over time, and why acquisition without cultivation stalls long-term growth. From removing friction and avoiding “cringe” moments to creating unforgettable experiences that inspire partnership, this episode reframes events as the front door to donor legacy.

If you’re thinking beyond tonight’s total and focused on building donors who will shape your mission for the next 20 years, this conversation is for you.

Auction isn’t the moment. Auction is action.

Recommended For

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

In this episode of Auction Is Action, fundraising auctioneer and strategist Bobby D. breaks down why the highest-performing galas combine smart consultation, intentional strategy, and confident auctioneer leadership—not just great performance on stage. A must-listen for nonprofit leaders planning their next fundraising event.

Recommended For

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

The Perfect Gala Guest is the episode every nonprofit professional wishes their audience would listen to before walking into the ballroom.

In this podcast, we break down what actually makes a gala guest exceptional—not louder, richer, or flashier, but more engaged, more present, and more impact-driven. From how guests show up mentally and emotionally, to how they participate in the auction, paddle raise, and mission moment, this episode pulls back the curtain on the behaviors that elevate an event from “nice night out” to transformational fundraiser.

You’ll hear:

• What the best gala guests do before the event even starts
• How attention, timing, and energy in the room affect total dollars raised
• The difference between attending and participating
• Why generosity is contagious—and how guests set the tone
• How nonprofits can gently coach their audience toward better giving experiences

Whether you’re a donor, board member, event chair, or nonprofit leader, this episode will change how you experience galas forever—and help every event raise more money with more joy.

Because the perfect gala guest doesn’t just take a seat.
They help move the mission forward.

Recommended For

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

Before you plan this year’s gala, auction, or fundraising event, there’s one step most organizations skip—and it costs them real money.

In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. breaks down how to review last year’s revenue the right way so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence. This isn’t about spreadsheets or shame. It’s about clarity, patterns, and making smarter decisions before you set goals for the year ahead.

You’ll learn:

• Which revenue numbers actually matter
• How to identify what truly drove giving at your last event
• Why missing a goal is data, not failure
• How to use last year’s results to shape this year’s strategy
• What to repeat, refine, or remove from your events
• How to align your board and team using real numbers

If you’re planning fundraising events without reviewing revenue first, you’re leaving growth to chance. This episode will help you turn last year’s results into a clear, actionable roadmap for the year ahead.

Subscribe to Auction Is Action for practical fundraising insights, event strategy, and real-world lessons from the stage.

If you want to review your revenue or looking for ways to strategize your fundraising event, please reach out at calltoauction.com

Recommended For

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

Why do the best fundraising auctioneers often sound calmer, slower, and more intentional than everyone else in the room?

In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the microphone—and why speed and volume don’t raise money.

You’ll learn what a professional auctioneer is actually doing on stage, how pacing, tone, and timing influence donor behavior, and why commanding a room has nothing to do with shouting. Bobby breaks down why clear counting beats clever jokes, where many MCs and auctioneers blur roles, and how that confusion can quietly cost a gala thousands.

Whether you’re an auctioneer, MC, nonprofit leader, or event planner, this episode will change how you think about live fundraising moments—and why slowing down is often the fastest way to raise more money.

Auction isn’t noise.
Auction is action.

Recommended For

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

What you do at the beginning of the year will determine how successful your fundraising gala is — not what happens on event night.

In this episode, professional fundraising auctioneer Bobby D. shares how nonprofits can set themselves up for a stronger, less stressful, and more profitable gala by planning with intention months before the room fills up.

If you have ever found yourself scrambling weeks before your event, hoping you will hit your goal, this episode is for you.

In this video, you will learn:

• Why gala success is decided long before event night
• How to set a clear, mission-driven fundraising goal
• How to define the true role of your gala in your annual fundraising strategy
• Why early board and leadership alignment matters
• How to design a donor experience, not just a run of show
• When to bring in expert partners to maximize results

This episode is built from real-world experience at hundreds of fundraising events and is designed for nonprofit executives, development directors, board members, and event planners.

Need help designing a high-performing fundraising gala?

Learn more about working with Call To Auction at
CallToAuction.com

Subscribe for more nonprofit fundraising strategy, paddle raise insights, and event planning best practices.
Share this episode with your board chair, development team, or event committee to get aligned early.

About Bobby D. and Call To Auction

Bobby D. is a professional fundraising auctioneer and founder of Call To Auction, helping nonprofits raise more money through intentional event design, powerful paddle raises, and mission-driven fundraising experiences.

Recommended For

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

Your gala isn’t just an event — it’s the night that can fund your mission for the entire year.

In this episode of Auction Is Action, professional fundraising auctioneer Bobby D. breaks down the 10 most important things every nonprofit should be thinking about on gala night. These are the moments, decisions, and details that separate average events from transformational fundraising experiences.

Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, development director, board member, or event planner, this checklist will help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize generosity in the room.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What really drives donor generosity in the room
• How the flow of your program impacts giving
• Why your paddle raise matters more than your live auction
• The role storytelling plays in unlocking larger gifts
• How to create momentum that carries through the entire night
• Common gala mistakes that quietly cost nonprofits thousands
• What the best fundraising events consistently get right

If you’re planning a gala, hosting a fundraiser, or looking to increase the impact of your next event, this episode will help you think differently about how to design a night that inspires action.

Subscribe to Auction Is Action for real-world fundraising strategies, event insights, and lessons learned from hundreds of successful nonprofit events.

Learn more about Bobby D. and Call To Auction at calltoauction.com
New episodes weekly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended For

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