Benefit auctioneering + nonprofit gala strategy
Your Nonprofit Gala Gets One Night. Make It Count.
Strategic benefit auctioneering, paddle raises, and gala planning that turn donor energy into more funding for your mission.
Fundraising expertise since 2017. Helping great causes turn important events into greater impact.
Who this is for
For teams with an important mission and a big fundraising goal.
Bid Raise Bid partners with organizations that want their guests to feel connected, their committees to feel prepared, and their event to raise more.
Nonprofits & Foundations
Mission-centered galas that turn attention into meaningful generosity.
Schools & Universities
Fundraising experiences that connect families, alumni, and supporters.
Arts & Culture
Polished events for museums, orchestras, theaters, and cultural institutions.
Why Bid Raise Bid
You get a fundraising strategist, not just an auctioneer with a microphone.
A successful gala is not created by energy alone. It takes the right packages, the right pacing, a clear ask, and a donor experience that keeps your mission at the center.
Important decisions are made early, with practical guidance your whole team can use.
The room feels energized and celebrated without making donors feel pressured or disconnected from the cause.
We go into every event determined to raise more than the year before. That includes events where we helped set the previous record.
Founded in 2017, serving nearly 100 clients annually and helping raise tens of millions for life-changing causes.
What clients experience
Prepared teams. Engaged donors. More meaningful results.
“Innately understands how to tell stories in a way that opens hearts and inspires action. Not only great at closing gifts, but also at helping people feel good about their generosity.”
Lucy Kim Chief Development Officer Endeavor Health
“Our team is still glowing from the success of hiring Dani as our auctioneer! Last minute, in honor of our 50th Anniversary event, we decided to host a paddle raise for the first time in our event's history. Not only did we reach our goal, we also surpassed it by nearly 30%!”
Illinois Environmental Council
“A true partner who helps with pre-event strategies, adapts to last minute changes on site, and shares insights in post-event analysis. The best auctioneer I have ever worked with!”
Suzanne Skala Executive Director CASA DuPage
Everything your team needs to prepare and deliver when it matters.
Live auctioneering and paddle-raise leadership are supported by a clear planning process, so event night is never left to improvisation.
Talk About Your Event
Three pre-event strategy sessions
Work through your auction packages, audience strategy, paddle raise/fund-a-need, other revenue enhancers, scripts, and run of show.
Your event dashboard
Keep strategy, logistics, resources, decisions, and event results organized in one convenient place.
Additional event-preparation resources
Your team gains access to practical tools and guidance to stay aligned, make decisions, and arrive ready.
Post-event debrief
Review what worked, identify opportunities for improvement, and set a clear benchmark for raising even more next year.
Frequently asked questions
Know what to expect before we begin.
How early should we reach out?
Popular spring and fall dates can book well in advance. The earlier you connect, the more time your team has to use the full planning and strategy process.
Do you help with more than the live auction?
Yes. The work can cover auction packages, audience strategy, paddle raise structure, giving levels, scripts, logistics, event flow, and the post-event debrief.
Is this a fit for a first-time gala?
Absolutely. Bid Raise Bid meets your team where it is and provides practical guidance from the first strategy conversation through the final appeal.
Where do you operate?
Bid Raise Bid works primarily in Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and throughout the Midwest, and travels nationwide for nonprofit fundraising events.
Your mission. Your moment.
Give your fundraising goal a stronger plan.
Let's talk about your event, your audience, and what success looks like for your organization.