Podcast – Episode 1: Why Live Fundraising Works
Welcome to the very first episode of Auction is Action with U in it!, where we pull back the curtain on what really makes live fundraising work.
In this kickoff episode, Bobby D sits down with co-auctioneer Aaron Kinsel to talk about how professional fundraising auctioneers do far more than “talk fast.” Together, they share how paddle raises, live auctions, and mission-driven storytelling create unforgettable donor moments and unlock transformational giving.
If you’re a nonprofit leader, development director, or board member planning a gala, this episode is packed with insight into how to:
Engage your entire audience—not just the winning bidders
Create powerful moments that inspire generosity in the room
Raise more money than you thought possible
Key Takeaways
A fundraising auctioneer is a strategist and storyteller—not just a fast talker.
Paddle raises give every guest a chance to participate in your mission.
The “Golden Goosebump Moment” matters. Pair storytelling with the ask to inspire donors.
Energy equals dollars. When the room is engaged and inspired, fundraising results soar.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Bobby D: Welcome, everyone—you’re listening to Auction is Action with U in it!, presented by Call to Auction, where our favorite four-letter word is SOLD. I’m Bobby D, and today I’m joined by one of my favorite auctioneers and content strategists—Aaron Kinsel.
Aaron: Favorite? Or second favorite?
Bobby D: (laughs) Second favorite today. But you’ll move back up the list after this episode.
We’re here at the Benefit Auction Summit surrounded by 50 of the best fundraising auctioneers in the country, and I asked Aaron: what’s one tip you’d give nonprofits to raise more?
Aaron: The biggest thing is to remember—it’s not about the stuff, it’s about the story. You might only have ten auction items, but your room has 500 people. The auction alone can’t engage everyone, but a paddle raise can. That’s where you capture the other 490 donors and connect them directly to your mission.
Bobby D: Exactly. Auctions are fun, fast, and competitive—but if you stop there, you leave money on the table. A paddle raise is pure philanthropy. Every guest can raise their paddle, feel part of the mission, and make an immediate difference.
Aaron: And the key to a great paddle raise is emotion. Donors won’t remember what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
Bobby D: That’s why we prep clients to create what I call the “Golden Goosebump Moment.” It could be a video, a testimonial, or a student story—something that brings the mission to life. Then, when the room is inspired, we make the ask.
Aaron: And let’s be honest—fundraising is 2% auctioneering and 98% preparation. We spend months with clients fine-tuning the program, building board engagement, and designing moments of generosity. The auction is just the tip of the iceberg.
Bobby D: Right. Nonprofits often think they’re hiring us just to run the auction, but what we really do is strategize the entire fundraising experience—from run-of-show to donor engagement. That’s what drives results.
Aaron: Because when you have the right energy in the room—when donors are clapping, laughing, and connecting—it translates directly to dollars raised.
Bobby D: And that’s the action we’re talking about. Auction is action—with YOU in it.
Ready to Raise More?
At Call to Auction, we specialize in turning galas and fundraising events into mission-driven, revenue-generating experiences. From paddle raises to live auctions, our team knows how to excite donors, engage audiences, and inspire generosity in the moment.
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