Podcast – Episode 11: Why Paddles Are Powerful at Your Fundraising Gala
In this quick-hit episode, Bobby D breaks down why physical paddles still dominate in live fundraising—even with great event tech. From clean donor identification and A+ stewardship data to the neurochemistry that fuels giving, you’ll learn how paddles keep attention in the room, amplify momentum, and boost results.
You’ll walk away knowing how to:
Keep donors focused on mission (not phone notifications) during your paddle raise
Capture accurate donor data (and avoid post-event “who was that?” headaches)
Leverage the neurochemical surge of raising a paddle to increase participation
Implement paddle best practices (design, numbering, attachment to guest records)
Prevent revenue leakage with credit card pre-auth + paddle linking
Key Takeaways
Phones fracture focus. Sending donors to their screens derails the Golden Goosebump moment you worked to create.
Paddles = participation. Hands up trigger positive neurochemicals (dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, adrenaline) and contagious giving.
Data matters. Paddle numbers tied to guest records ensure clean attribution, fast follow-up, and better stewardship.
Design counts. Use bold, 3.5"×8.5" card stock, large 3-digit numbers, high-contrast type—visible across the ballroom.
One per person. Give each attendee a paddle (even couples). More paddles up → more paddles up.
Pre-auth or pay later pain. Always pre-wipe cards; skipping it can cost you five figures in uncollected gifts.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Bobby D:
Hello there everyone—Bobby D here with the Auction is Action with U in it! podcast. Today we’re talking about one of my favorite things in the world: auction paddles—why every guest needs one in hand and why paddles still win in a tech-first world.
Reason #1: Identification & Data
When guests are registered and issued a paddle, you capture name, email, address, phone, and can attribute each gift. No more “was it the person in the red jacket?” It’s “Paddle 301—thank you!” Clear data = stronger stewardship.
Reason #2: Keep Focus in the Room
Tech is vital for registration and silent auctions, but for your paddle raise, sending donors to phones breaks the moment. Open a phone and boom—notifications, scores, babysitter texts. You spent all night building that Golden Goosebump moment; don’t send donors out of the room mentally.
Reason #3: Neurochemistry Fuels Giving
When someone raises a paddle, the simple act of lifting hands triggers a neurochemical surge—dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, adrenaline. It feels good, and generosity becomes contagious. More paddles up = more paddles up.
Best Practices: Paddles that Perform
Format: I love a 3.5"×8.5" card-stock paddle with huge, high-contrast numbers—readable from across the ballroom.
Numbering: Use three digits (clean for sightlines and tally teams).
Distribution: One paddle per person—even couples. If someone takes a bio break with the paddle, their partner still has one.
System Link: Tie paddle # → guest record → credit card on file in your platform. Faster reconciliation, cleaner reporting.
Revenue Protection: Pre-Auth Every Time
Please pre-authorize cards. We recently saw a group skip pre-auth: they lost $20,000 in uncollected gifts on a ~$70k night. That’s almost a third of revenue—gone. Pre-auth protects your mission.
Wrap-Up
Paddles with a purpose: clear data, focused energy, neurochemistry, and momentum. Thanks for joining me for this short dive. Paddles up—let’s raise some money. Like, subscribe, leave a review, and help us get this to more nonprofits. I’m Bobby D, CEO and Lead Auctioneer at Call to Auction. See you next time!
Ready to Raise More?
At Call to Auction, Ready to Raise More? 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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