Podcast – Episode 8: Board Members — 5 Ways to Help Fill the Room and Fund the Mission
In this episode of Auction is Action with U in it!, Bobby D speaks directly to your secret weapon: the board. If you want a packed room with the right people—and a paddle raise that pops—hand this episode to your board members. Bobby lays out five clear, doable actions for board leaders to help fill the room, set the tone, and fund the mission without turning them into fundraisers.
If you’re a nonprofit leader, development director, or board member, you’ll walk away knowing how to:
Build and work a targeted guest list (connection + capacity)
Host a low-pressure pre-gala touchpoint to prime guests
Use social media with purpose to humanize the mission
Captain tables that lead with generosity (not seat-fillers)
Open doors to sponsors and new table hosts—no hard ask required
Key Takeaways
Board members are the room-fillers. Every seat should hold connection + capacity.
Prime before you pitch. A short pre-gala coffee/Zoom builds comfort and intent.
Be the messenger. People follow people—your board’s voice outperforms brand posts.
Lead the giving. Table captains set the tone: energetic, generous, mission-first.
You open doors; staff makes the ask. Boards connect; pros close.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Bobby D:
Hello there everyone, and welcome back to the Auction is Action with U in it! podcast, where we talk all things fundraising events, fundraising auctions, and unlocking irrational generosity at your event. I’m Bobby D, founder and CEO of Call to Auction and your host today.
We’re talking directly to your secret weapon: your board. That’s right—if you want to sell out your gala, pack the room with the right people, and raise more in the room, this episode’s for you. And yes—feel free to forward this to your board members.
Hi board members! We love you. You’re doing wonderful things—and you can do it even better.
It’s not just about showing up. Board members often ask, “What can I do to help?” Here’s your answer: Help fill the room at your gala. Every seat needs to be filled with generous hearts and full wallets—that gets us one step closer to mission success.
Here are five actionable ways board members can help your event be as successful as possible:
1) Build and work a guest list—and actually call people.
Create a targeted list, then reach out via phone, email, group text, and a simple personal invite. We’re looking for:
Connection to the cause (or a natural affinity), and
Capacity to give.
2) Host a pre-gala touchpoint.
A small, low-pressure gathering—dinner, coffee, Zoom, cocktails—where you share why the mission matters and what the gala will feel like. Set expectations gently: “We’d love you to join us—and yes, we’ll invite everyone to raise a paddle to create impact.”
3) Use social media with purpose.
Post why you love this organization. Share behind-the-scenes: the venue, the nonprofit’s space, great auction items, impact stories. Nonprofit teams: send board members ready-to-share clips/reels. Remember: people follow people, not logos. Be the messenger.
4) Be a table captain who leads with generosity.
Buy a table or host a table. Set the tone: this table is energetic, mission-first, and giving—not just seat-filling. Bid in the live auction. Model paddle-raise participation. Lead.
5) Open doors for sponsors and new table hosts.
Who do you know that could underwrite a sponsorship level or host a table? You don’t have to make the ask—just open the door. Nonprofit pros: tell your board, “Bring the conversation; we’ll take the ask.”
In closing: when board members engage like this, it’s not just about dollars—it’s about momentum. Auction is action. With your board’s help, the room is changed before a single paddle goes up. You’re setting expectations and setting up the win.
Nonprofit pros—share this episode with your board. Play it at your next meeting. Let’s turn every seat into a spark of impact.
If you’ve got questions, DM me @BobbyDAuctioneer on Instagram or email bobby@calltoauction.com. If you’re on YouTube, drop questions in the comments—like, subscribe, and review on your podcast app.
Board members—thank you for your time, talent, team, and treasure. We’re making impact together. Don’t drop pebbles—drop boulders and make waves across the world.
I’m Bobby D, CEO, founder, and your host of the Auction is Action with U in it! podcast—where our favorite four-letter word is S-O-L-D. Because when we say SOLD, impact happens. On three: S-O-L-D! Sold, sold, sold!
Thanks for watching. We’ll see you on the next episode.
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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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