What Makes A Great Auction (And What Doesn't)

About this episode

Jazmin and Erin Ward discuss the key elements that make benefit auctions successful and the pitfalls to avoid.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your auction the highlight of the fundraising calendar—or why everyone keeps talking about the power of a paddle raise—this is the episode for you. In this special Partner Edition of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, Givergy’s very own Jazmin is joined by benefit auction royalty: Erin Ward, third-generation auctioneer and founder of Star Benefit Auctions. With a career that’s spanned everything from dump trucks to glittering gala nights (seriously), Erin knows exactly how to turn any auction into a powerhouse fundraising moment. Over the course of the episode, Jazmin and Erin dive deep into what makes benefit auctions tick, and what can cause them to tank. Whether you’re planning a high-energy gala, school fundraiser, or community event, you’ll come away from this conversation with a notepad full of real-world advice and insider know-how.

People in this episode

Guest: Erin Ward

Topics covered

• auction
• fundraising
• paddle raise
• benefit auctions

Keywords

• fundraising calendar
• high-energy gala
• school fundraiser
• community event

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Star Benefit Auctions

Books & works: Partner Edition, The Secret Guide to Fundraising

More episodes of Givergy

• The Fundraising Power of a Seamless Experience · February 19, 2026 · 37 min
• Raising Paddles, Raising Millions: Inside Dan Campbell's Auction Playbook · November 27, 2025 · 35 min
• Turn Good Events into Great Fundraisers · October 24, 2025 · 40 min
• Inside Auctions: The Good News Auctioneer · September 12, 2025 · 46 min
• From High-End Auction Houses to High-Impact Fundraising · August 14, 2025 · 42 min
• Inside Award-Winning Events: A Masterclass with Cheryl Gentry · June 19, 2025 · 53 min