An Auctioneer Roundtable to Raise More at Your Fundraising Event

Apr 1, 2026

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Episode #113: Raise More Money at Your Next Event — An Auctioneer Roundtable on Fundraising Strategy That Actually Works

This episode gathers a roundtable of benefit auctioneers to discuss what's working in nonprofit fundraising events. The conversation centers on the paddle raise as an underutilized superpower, pushing back on the fear of asking and making the case that a strategic, well-planned ask is not only expected by donors, it's something their brains are wired to want. The panel also champions a broader shift in events: less stuff, more mission, tighter programs, and a move from transactional giving to genuine community connection.

The second half makes the case for hiring a professional benefit auctioneer, explaining how expertise in fundraising strategy, neuroscience, and audience management can make a huge difference in your fundraising. The panel also highlights the urgent need for more auctioneers of color and multilingual auctioneers to better represent the communities nonprofits serve. The closing wisdom is simple: your mission is the star and everything else is in service of that.

Featuring:

Sasha Summer Cousineau, Revel Rouser Events
Bobby D. Ehlert, Call to Auction
Stephen Kilbreath, Kilbreath Events
Adrienne Livingston, Artisan Auctions
Matt Roben, The Kilted Auctioneer
Kelly Russell, Artisan Auctions

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This Episode Brought to You by:

Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.

Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw

Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.

Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/

Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.

Speakers

Samantha Swaim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/

Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies

Kristin Steele

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/

Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies

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