DANI HOLLIS

award-winning

benefit auctioneer

“[Dani] cemented their status as one of the best auctioneers in the fundraising business by securing a top 5 overall finish. Dani was singled out by the professional judges as having great floor presence and perhaps being the most well-rounded auctioneer in the competition, showing no weak points and receiving high marks in every aspect of the voting.”
The 2025 Bid Masters Competition



Fundraising consultant by day and benefit auctioneer by night, Dani (they/them) bridges the gap between donor psychology and high-energy crowd work to create inclusive, energizing, and impactful experiences for all.

With more than a decade of experience leading nonprofits, they understand the importance of offering cost-effective solutions to drive impactful fundraising results. Dani offers unlimited consulting sessions with data-driven insights to drive revenue, elevate donor experiences and exceed client expectations.

For Dani, philanthropy is personal. As the only openly queer benefit auctioneer in the U.S., they bring an authentic, refreshing presence that inspires record-breaking generosity.



“The incredible energy, passion, and professionalism that Dani brought to our event made the evening truly unforgettable! Thanks in large part to their enthusiasm and skill, it was our most successful galas yet. Even more inspiring—we tripled last year’s paddle raise! Dani's ability to engage the crowd and inspire generosity was nothing short of amazing. They helped turn an evening of celebration into one of impact.”
— Home of the Sparrow

"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

“With charisma, energy, and special care of our mission and goals, Dani kept the crowd engaged, inspired generous bidding, and created an atmosphere of excitement and inclusivity. Their ability to connect with the audience and drive support for the community was truly remarkable. Thanks to their expertise, the event generated gifts at every level and left everyone feeling empowered and united. A true master.”
— Center on Halsted

“From pre-event calls to the night of, Dani was wonderful and easy to work with, gave their insight and professional advice, but most of all, listened to our wants and needs. I love that Dani has nonprofit experience; it shines through—they care about the mission and understand how to raise dollars without being pushy.
— Rising Lights