Podcast – Episode 2: Irrational Generosity: The Secret Sauce of Fundraising Events
What makes someone bid $85,000 on a Christmas tree—or give $100,000 just because another donor did?
In this episode of Auction is Action with U in it!, Bobby D. explores the concept of irrational generosity—the powerful, emotional giving that defies logic but fuels incredible fundraising results.
Through real-life stories, neuroscience insights, and proven strategies, Bobby shares how nonprofits can design events that inspire this level of generosity. From emotional storytelling to program pacing, he outlines the conditions that create a room buzzing with energy, excitement, and transformational giving.
Whether you’re planning your first gala or looking to elevate your fundraising strategy, this episode gives you practical tools to spark generosity that goes beyond the budget.
Key Takeaways
Irrational generosity is real. Donors often give far beyond the “value” of an item when inspired by emotion and mission.
Emotion drives action. Storytelling, impact videos, and mission moments unlock generosity more effectively than statistics alone.
Energy creates generosity. Pacing, music, audience hype, and auctioneer performance all build momentum that fuels giving.
Preparation matters. Lead gifts, donor prep, and ambassador support help set the stage for big moments.
The right auctioneer is essential. Skilled benefit auctioneers combine psychology, strategy, and performance to inspire generosity in the moment.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Bobby D: All right—here we go. What are you going to give on 25, 50, 75, $100,000? You are listening to the Auction is Action with U in it! podcast, presented by Call to Auction, where our favorite four-letter word is SOLD.
Hello there, everyone—Bobby D here with another episode. Today we’re talking about irrational generosity: the secret sauce of fundraising events.
I’ve been using this term over the last year in many conversations on podcasts and videos, and the reason I keep coming back to it is because I’ve seen it happen in real time. It’s true—you can create that vibe of irrational generosity at your fundraising events.
So what is irrational generosity? Why would somebody spend $10,000 on a glass of water? Why would somebody pay $85,000 for a Christmas tree? Why would someone give way more than something is “worth” at a gala? That’s what we’re talking about—it’s irrational generosity. And when it happens, it’s absolute magic.
It’s generosity that defies logic. It defies budget. It’s driven by emotion, not calculation. And it’s powerful.
Now, most people—the 99%—aren’t going to raise their paddle that way. But the 1%? They will. These are the people who want to make an impact with their philanthropy, and irrational generosity gives them that opportunity.
Let me tell you one of my favorite stories. I was working with an organization that had a Festival of Trees. Designers created incredible, one-of-a-kind trees. We’d auction them off and then have the fire department deliver them the next day. It was a whole production.
One year, we had the premier tree—a massive 20-footer, decorated with designer ornaments, plus extras like a trip to Hawaii, gift certificates, iPads, AirPods—you name it. When the bidding started, it climbed: $5,000, $6,000, $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $85,000, $95,000. Finally, it hit $100,000.
At that moment, one CEO stood up and said: “You know what? I don’t even want the tree. But if that guy over there buys it for $100,000, I’ll match his gift.” Guess what? He did. He bought the tree. And the other donor matched it. In seconds, $200,000 was raised.
And the room went wild—champagne bottles popping, confetti cannons going off. It was electric. That’s irrational generosity in action.
So how do you create that vibe at your event? It doesn’t just happen—it’s designed. Here’s how:
Emotional storytelling. Show videos, tell mission moments, share real people and real impact. Tug on the heartstrings so donors feel it.
Program pacing. Build energy throughout the night toward what I call the Golden Goosebump Moment. Use music, timing, and smooth transitions to keep the vibe alive.
Auctioneer performance. You need someone on stage who knows how to challenge bidders, build momentum, and inspire generosity.
Audience energy. Fundraising ambassadors—your hype team—help create motion in the room. And motion creates emotion.
Donor preparation. Development teams should connect with key donors ahead of time. Identify who’s ready to raise their paddle at $10k, $25k, even $100k. That prep work pays off in the moment.
And here’s what kills irrational generosity: boring speeches. Don’t let your program drag. Statistics are useful, but data alone won’t move donors. You need storytelling with data behind it. Lead with heart, then reinforce with facts.
When you design the right vibe—through strategy, energy, and expertise—you create a space where irrational generosity thrives. That’s what transforms an event from “nice” to unforgettable.
Remember: Auction is Action—with YOU in it.
Ready to Spark Irrational Generosity at Your Event?
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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