Live from Benefit Auction Summit 2025, Bobby D crowdsources battle-tested gala tactics from leading fundraising auctioneers and partners: placing your paddle raise, optimizing guest experience, curating high-yield consignment packages, and using analytics and pre-commitments to unlock bigger gifts. If you’re planning a nonprofit gala or paddle raise, this playbook will help you raise more, with less stress.

Are you limiting your fundraising by projecting your own money mindset onto your donors? In Episode 9 of Auction is Action with U in it!, Bobby D explains why scarcity thinking blocks generosity—and how shifting to abundance unleashes bigger gifts, more paddles raised, and record-breaking fundraising results.

Looking to sell out your gala and raise more on event night? Put your board members to work on the five actions that matter: targeted invitations, pre-gala touchpoints, purposeful social media, generous table captaining, and sponsor lead-ins. These steps drive donor engagement, stronger paddle raise results, and a mission-first vibe your room can feel.

Debating paddle raise vs. phone-based giving at your gala? In this episode, fundraising auctioneer Bobby D explains why in-room paddle raises outperform transactional mobile giving, how to honor legacy donors who prefer anonymity, and how to leverage matching gifts and corporate sponsorship to maximize your gala fundraising and donor engagement—without sacrificing your mission or momentum.

Designing live auction travel packages that raise more doesn’t require airfare. In fact, adding airfare can lower bids and complicate fulfillment. This episode explains how to build high-ROI travel experiences using flexible travel credits, pooled miles, and donor psychology—so your nonprofit can maximize bidding and keep margins strong at your next fundraising auction or gala paddle raise.

Nonprofits face recurring fundraising event challenges—from donor fatigue and weak storytelling to crowded calendars and staff burnout. In this episode, fundraising auctioneers Bobby D and Dusty share practical, event-driven strategies to boost donor engagement, diversify revenue (individual, corporate philanthropy, sponsorship), and design memorable galas that inspire giving. If you need paddle raise strategies, gala planning tips, or donor stewardship tactics, this episode is your playbook.

When it comes to fundraising galas, Saturday nights are no longer your best option. In this episode, fundraising auctioneer Bobby D explains why weekday galas and Sunday brunch fundraisers outperform traditional Saturday events. Learn how shifting your event day can boost donor attendance, increase paddle raise participation, and create a better giving experience.

DIY galas may look cost-effective, but they often cost nonprofits thousands in lost donations and missed opportunities. In this episode, Bobby D explains why hiring a professional fundraising auctioneer is the smartest investment you can make. Learn how expert-led paddle raises, gala planning strategies, and donor engagement techniques can turn your event into a record-breaking success.

Nonprofits that want to unlock transformational giving at their fundraising events must understand the power of irrational generosity. This isn’t reckless—it’s donors giving far more than expected because they feel emotionally connected, inspired, and energized. By combining storytelling, program pacing, and professional auctioneering, organizations can design events that spark this generosity and raise more money than they thought possible.

Discover why live fundraising auctions and paddle raises inspire generosity and drive impact. Episode 1 of Auction is ‘Action with U in it!’ shows how nonprofits can raise more with less stress.