A Day in the Life of a Benefit Auctioneer

Step into My World as a Benefit Auctioneer

Ever wondered what it's really like to be a benefit auctioneer? Well, it's not all glitz and glamour, and it's certainly more work than most people realize. Let me take you through a typical day in my shoes, where every emotion from excitement to anxiety finds its place.

The Early Jitters

The day starts with a mixture of excitement and a bit of fear. It's the day of the event, in this case, Saturday, October 7th, and all the preparation is about to come to life. This evening's proceedings are dedicated to raising funds for the Bill Sweeney Perinatal Charity. It's an organization I wasn't familiar with six months ago, but now, I'm all in. They are doing great things and I’m thrilled and proud to be a part of tonight.

Morning Prep

As I’m waking up, the butterflies in my stomach begin to intensify. It’s both excitement and fear. Excitement for what’s to come and fear that things will not go as planned. As the morning unfolds, I'm glued to my notes. For the 10th time, I go over what I'm going to say and my descriptions for the live auction. For the 50th time, I scrutinize every detail. After feeling somewhat confident in my game plan, I head off to the venue.

Venue Visit

The day takes me to the venue, where the silent auction setup is already underway. The organizers inform me that they had access to the silent auction room at noon. I decide to head over that way to help in anyway I can.

A team of dedicated volunteers is ensuring that everything is in place. Setting up the check-in table, making sure the computers are functioning and ready to go. In the silent auction room, everything is being arranged on tables and the silent auction sheets are put in place. My goal is to just be here and help with questions. And there were plenty. The responsibility weighs heavily on my shoulders, as I realize how crucial this night is for the charity.

Team Effort

As this point, I make an announcement for everyone to head home and get ready for the gala. I myself had to do my hair and makeup :) So, I had enough time to get changed, have a bite to eat, go over my live auction descriptions one last time, and head back to the venue about an hour or so before guests arrive.

Upon arriving, I instantly put myself into troubleshooting mode. Is everything set up perfectly? Lighting, sound, technology, and volunteer responsibilities are meticulously reviewed. There’s so much planning that we do beforehand but no matter how prepared you are, inevitably something happens.

In this case, we had a gentleman coming to play his guitar and sing a song he wrote for his daughter that passed away. This would be an emotional time during our event and nobody had a mic stand for this gentleman. This was a detail that was overlooked but as a team, we came together and tracked down a mic stand.

Every event is a fluid situation. It’s how I handle those bumps in the road that sets me apart from your typical bid caller.

Showtime

So, here we go! As the night begins, guests settle in, and the program is about to start. This is when the anxiety kicks in. However, I'm confident in my preparation and ready to create an unforgettable experience.

A Hugely Successful Night

The evening unfolds beautifully, with an engaged and generous crowd. Fundraising goals are met, but my work doesn't stop there. I ensure that bid sheets and tracking sheets make it to the checkout team promptly for a smooth checkout process. Simultaneously, silent auction items are distributed, and behind the scenes, volunteers and I are working diligently.

Wrapping Up the Night

I don't leave the event until I'm confident that everything is running smoothly. When the organizers are happy with the night's success and give me the green light, I head out.

A Sense of Accomplishment

As I drive head down the road, I carry a sense of accomplishment and pride. I understand that many people will benefit from the evening's efforts, and that's what makes it all worthwhile. This isn't just something I do; it's who I am. I love that I can make a difference in the world, and I'm always proud to say, "I'm a Benefit Auctioneer."

A Day in the Life of a Benefit Auctioneer is more than a job; it's a calling, and it's filled with the satisfaction of knowing you're helping others.

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