The Best of 2025

Time Keeps on Slipping...

The most valuable commodity at any fundraising gala is also the easiest to take for granted: time. Use your attendees' time wisely, and they will reward you with their participation. But waste their time, and well... In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, Stellar Fundraising auctioneers Devon Bell and Greg Quiroga explore what happens when "Time Keeps on Slipping..." From a 90-minute murder mystery dinner theater performance during a gala, to a fund-a-need that starts after 11pm, this episode of Black Tie and Tales won't have you checking your watch and looking for the nearest exit. Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: boutique travel experiences designed to elevate fundraising: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/ And by Gala Toolbox: https://www.galatoolbox.com - a practical resource hub for nonprofit staff and board members who plan fundraising events: use code "STELLAR" for 25% off! Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

Ramping up

Get your board committed to ensuring your fundraiser's success and make the most of your fundraising event. In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, Stellar Fundraising auctioneers Devon Bell and Greg Quiroga explore the best ways to prep your supporters for success. Learn the three things every board member should do to help you generate more income. Avoid the biggest pitfall surrounding high-value auction lots. And listen to Greg tell his Lady Antebellum story *again.* Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: boutique travel experiences designed to elevate fundraising: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/ Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

The Best of 2025

We kick off a new season of Black Tie and Tales with a look back at the best of 2025. Stellar fundraising auctioneers Devon Bell and Greg Quiroga discuss the hottest trend in fundraising, which lots were the most popular, and how you can ride that momentum into a successful 2026. Accompanying "The Most Exciting Auction Lots of 2025" blog post can be found here: https://www.stellarsf.com/blog/2026/1/10/most-exciting-auction-lots-of-2025 Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: boutique travel experiences designed to elevate fundraising: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/ Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

Inside the Industry: Event Production with The Lux Production's Jared Villareal

Good A/V does more than just broadcast sound and images, good A/V sets an emotional tone and inspires your crowd to support your cause more deeply. If you are accustomed to thinking of your A/V as simply speakers and screens, it's time to discover how a production partner can help you create the moments that move people to give. Find out what questions you should be asking every A/V company before you hire them for your fundraising auction. Learn how the latest advancements in lighting and production technology can help you engage your crowd to help raise more money - without breaking your budget. Come along with us as event production expert Jared Villareal of The Lux Productions joins host Greg Quiroga for "Inside the Industry," an in-depth look at the world of fundraising auctions from the perspective of an event professional. Jared shares his insights on how he and his team help produce successful fundraising events, from location analysis and equipment recommendations to content creation and editing. You can read more about The Lux Productions at: https://www.thelux.com/ Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/ Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions: https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/

My Way or the Highway

Where do you draw the line? When planning a fundraising auction, what is your absolute, deal-breaker, "has to be done this way or I'm out" element? In this episode of Black Tie and Tales, fundraising auctioneers Devon Bell and Greg Quiroga discuss those moments when they've had to lay down the law (or had the law laid down on them). Join them for a journey into My Way, or the Highway. Presented by Stellar Fundraising Auctions (http://www.stellarsf.com) and brought to you by Sojourn Ventures: Consignment travel for charity auctions, done right: https://www.sojournventurestravel.com/ Take a peek behind the curtain of the wonderful world of fundraising auctions with two auctioneers who have seen it all. https://feeds.captivate.fm/black-tie-and-tales/