Podcast – Episode 3: Don’t DIY Your Gala Demise…Hire a Pro and Build Something Beautiful and Lucrative!
In this episode of Auction is Action with U in it!, Bobby D breaks down the dangers of “DIY-ing” your fundraising gala and why hiring professionals pays off in both revenue and donor experience. From a golf tournament that raised 10x more in its paddle raise to real-world examples of organizations losing money when they tried to cut corners, Bobby reveals what separates thriving events from those that stall out.
If you’re a nonprofit leader, development director, or board member, you’ll walk away knowing how to:
Recognize the hidden costs of DIY fundraising events.
Leverage professional auctioneers and consultants to maximize revenue.
Build events that are memorable, stress-free, and mission-driven.
Key Takeaways
DIY isn’t a money-saver. Cutting costs on professional support usually leads to lower ROI and donor fatigue.
Pro support unlocks growth. Hiring experienced fundraising professionals leads to record-breaking results.
Your time and stress have value. A small fee is worth the massive return in dollars raised and headaches avoided.
Events should inspire. Don’t settle for “good enough”—build something beautiful, lucrative, and unforgettable.
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.’
Today, I want to talk about do-it-yourself events.
I just had a conversation with a potential client—actually, a past client—who didn’t hire us because their national office said: ‘That’s not how we do things. We’ll do it ourselves.’
Guess what happened? They DIY’d their event and ended up raising 10% less than the year before—which was already 10% less than the year before that. That’s a downward spiral.
Here’s the kicker: our fee would have been a fraction of that loss. By trying to save money, they actually lost far more. DIY might look cheaper on paper, but the reality is, it costs you revenue, sponsors, and momentum.
Meanwhile, our clients who hire us are seeing growth, not decline. Just yesterday, we worked a golf tournament that raised 10x more in their paddle raise than the previous year. The only difference? They brought us in. That one change unlocked new energy, unexpected gifts, and record-breaking results.
So yes, you can DIY. You can patch something together and hope it holds. But if you want professional results—events that are beautiful, lucrative, and unforgettable—you need a pro.
Here’s my question: Do you want to build something inspiring, motivating, and engaging that your guests remember for years? Or do you want to risk DIY and gamble with your mission?
I’m not a maybe kind of guy. I want to know we’re building something strong, beautiful, and successful—together.
So please, let us help. Whether we’re working directly with your nonprofit, connecting through a referral, or pointing you to a trusted pro in your market, Call to Auction is here to elevate your event.
Stop DIY’ing your gala. Your time, your energy, and your mission are worth more. Together, we can raise more money, relieve stress, and create an impact that lasts.
Teamwork makes the dream work. You’ve got this—and we’re here to help.
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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