Services

Pricing for a fundraising auctioneer in Montana can vary depending on your event size, location, timeline, and the level of support you need before and during the auction. I’d love to provide a custom quote tailored to your specific goals and event setup. Whether you’re planning a gala, school fundraiser, or community benefit, I’ll work with you to create a package that fits your needs and maximizes your fundraising success. Reach out any time to start the conversation!

I am a graduate of Montana’s Western College of Auctioneering. In addition to my auction school training, I earned the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation from the National Auction Association, a certification in nonprofit fundraising strategy, donor psychology, and event planning.

I also completed training at the Professional Ringmen’s Institute (PRI), where I developed skills in crowd interaction and engaging donors in high-energy live auctions.

With years of experience working with nonprofits, schools, and community organizations across Montana and beyond, I bring both expertise and passion to every fundraising event, helping organizations reach their fundraising goals.

Absolutely! A paddle raise (or fund-a-need appeal) is one of the most effective ways to drive donations at a fundraising event, and I’m excited to help make that moment impactful for your organization.

I use strategic storytelling to connect donors emotionally with the cause before making the ask, ensuring higher engagement and participation. My approach creates momentum by starting with higher-level gifts and working downward, making every guest feel included in the giving process.

Your event should be a celebration of your mission, rallying guests to give generously a cause that is near and dear to their hearts. It is my goal to meaningfully engage your audience, connecting them with the mission and driving generosity. I use a combination of energy, strategy, and storytelling to create an exciting and profitable event. My approach includes:

• High-energy bid calling that keeps momentum strong and guests excited.
• Strategic pacing to ensure the event flows smoothly, keeping guests engaged without feeling rushed.
• Storytelling techniques to connect bidders emotionally to the cause and highlight the impact of their support.
• Friendly competition tactics that encourage higher bidding and participation without pressure.
• Seamless transitions between auction items, paddle raises, and event programming to maintain excitement and engagement.

A well-run fundraising event isn’t just about selling items, it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that inspires generosity.

A Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) is a professional auctioneer with specialized training in nonprofit fundraising strategies. Unlike those we may consider to be traditional auctioneers, focusing on livestock, automobiles or estate auctions, a BAS is skilled in maximizing revenue for charitable organizations through engaging live auctions, revenue generators, and paddle raises.

By understanding crowd engagement, donor psychology, and auction pacing, a BAS creates an environment where guests are excited to participate and give. Benefit Auction Specialists understand that for many this is one of only a handful of auctions guests will attend, as such we do not rely on the bid call but use it to entertain and engage, while not overwhelming the audience.

They also work closely with nonprofit teams to strategize auction timing, item selection, and donor participation, ensuring every part of the event is optimized for fundraising success.

The earlier, the better! Ideally, you should book your auctioneer 8-10 months in advance to secure your preferred date.

Fundraising auctions tend to peak in spring and fall, which means auctioneers’ calendars fill up quickly during these seasons. Booking early ensures your event gets the attention and strategic planning it deserves, with plenty of time for event coordination, auction structure consultation, and fundraising strategy sessions.

Even if your event is coming up soon, it’s always worth reaching out – last-minute availability may still be possible!

A successful fundraising auction starts with solid planning and strategy. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Set clear fundraising goals – Define exactly how much you need to raise and structure your event around that goal. Be realistic and share these expectations with your team.
• Choose the right auction items – Experiences, unique items, and mission-driven packages tend to drive the most bidding excitement.
• Structure your paddle raise strategically – Start with a carefully curated mission moment, select meaningful levels of giving, and provide opportunity for all attendees to participate in giving.
• Promote the event and auction in advance – Getting attendees excited before the event increases participation and day of excitement.

With the right planning and an experienced auctioneer, your event will create an enjoyable and meaningful experience for your donors.