Helping charities raise more through live auctions, pledge drives and exceptional event hosting.
What does a charity auctioneer do?
My job as a professional charity auctioneer is to turn an auction into a genuine fundraising opportunity.
Rather than simply working through a list of auction lots, I focus on the room: understanding the audience, creating momentum, energy, encouraging competition and knowing when to push a bid further. The aim is to make the auction entertaining and engaging whilst keeping the focus firmly on raising as much money as possible for the charity.
Benefitting from over 15 years fundraising experience, I can deliver the live auction and pledge drive, plus host the event when needed, helping create a smooth and energetic fundraising experience from the stage.
Why use a professional charity auctioneer?
Charity auctions can generate significant income, but the result can depend heavily on how the auction is presented and managed on the night.
A professional charity auctioneer knows how to build anticipation around an item, encourage guests to compete and maintain momentum throughout the auction. Just as importantly, I understand that the auction is part of the wider fundraising journey.
The objective isn’t simply to achieve the highest possible price for an individual auction lot. It is to create an atmosphere where guests feel inspired and comfortable giving generously to your cause.
My experience in fundraising means I can look at your event as a whole and advise on how the auction fits into the wider evening.
My approach to live charity auctions
Every audience and every event is different, so I don’t believe in simply turning up and reading a script.
I want to understand your charity, your supporters and the atmosphere you’re trying to create. On the night, I bring energy, humour and professionalism to the stage whilst remaining focused on the ultimate objective, raising more money for you.
I read the room and adapt accordingly. If there is strong competition for a lot, I’ll build on it. If the energy drops, I’ll work to bring it back. The auction should feel exciting and spontaneous whilst being underpinned by careful preparation.
Pledge drives and the fund-a-need moment
The live auction is only one part of a successful fundraising evening.
The pledge drive, or fund-a-need moment, can be one of the most powerful opportunities to engage the whole room. Unlike an auction, everyone has the opportunity to contribute, regardless of whether they have been bidding in the auctions.
I help charities structure and deliver this moment so that guests understand exactly what their donation will achieve and feel motivated to take part.
Through my experience as a director at Givergy, I am also able to combine live fundraising with technology to help maximise engagement and capture donations efficiently.
Fundraising consultancy and preparation
My involvement begins well before the event itself. I often say 90% of the work is done before the day, the final 10% is then about brilliant delivery.
I offer pre-event fundraising consultancy to help charities make the most of their fundraising opportunity.
This can include:
- Analysing previous fundraising results and successes
- Setting realistic fundraising targets
- Reviewing and selecting auction lots
- Advising on auction structure and strategy
- Planning the pledge or fund-a-need moment
- Advising on the overall run-of-show
- Identifying opportunities to increase guest engagement
- Working with the charity and event team to make sure everyone understands the plan
Good preparation makes all the difference. I want to arrive at your event knowing the audience, understanding the charity’s objectives and having a clear plan for how we can maximise the fundraising opportunity.
What happens on the night?
On the night, my role is to take that preparation and turn it into an engaging fundraising experience.
I can host the event, introduce the fundraising moments, deliver the live auction and lead the pledge drive. I work closely with your event team so that transitions are smooth and the fundraising feels like a natural and exciting part of the evening.
My priority throughout is to keep the audience engaged and create momentum. The result should be an evening that is enjoyable for guests whilst delivering the strongest possible fundraising outcome.
After the event, I also provide a post-event debrief and analysis, looking at what worked well and identifying opportunities for future fundraising events.
Experience you can rely on
Over 15 years in the fundraising industry has given me a broad understanding of what makes fundraising events successful.
I combine that industry experience with the practical skills of a live auctioneer and event host. This means I can advise on your fundraising strategy before the event, deliver confidently on stage and help your team understand what worked afterwards.
I work with organisations including Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH), Eaton Square Prep School and the Maple Leaf Trust, helping deliver engaging fundraising events and live auctions.
What my clients say
Eaton Square Prep School
“Tim was phenomenal! He knew how to engage the crowd and made the live auction not only successful but also a lot of fun! Helpful and kind throughout the preparation of the gala, Tim accommodated all our requests and did it with a smile and encouragement. He was simply SUPERB.”
Maple Leaf Trust
“Tim was brilliant on stage! He brought the energy but also the focus on what we needed the audience to do.”
The Citizens Foundation (UK)
“Tim, as the auctioneer, was extremely engaging and played a pivotal role in making our gala an incredible fundraising success.”
Ready to get going?
Whether you’re planning a charity gala, school fundraising dinner, corporate event, auction or fundraising ball, I’d love to help you make it as successful as possible.
From the initial fundraising strategy and preparation through to the live auction, pledge drive and event hosting, I can work alongside your team to create an engaging evening that raises more money for your cause.
Get in touch to discuss your event and how I can help.
Tim Stansbury 