The Hidden Revenue at Every Gala: 8 Games That Raise Thousands

The Secret to Turning Every Guest Into a Donor

Most nonprofits end their paddle raise too early. In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. Ehlert shares one of the simplest—and most overlooked—fundraising strategies you can implement at your next event: the Paddle Drop. The Paddle Drop happens immediately after your paddle raise and gives every remaining guest one final opportunity to participate. It's an effortless way to transform attendees into first-time donors, tap into their philanthropic budget, deepen donor relationships, and raise thousands of additional dollars without adding another auction item or extending your program. You'll learn: * What the Paddle Drop is and why it works. * How to convert guests into lifelong supporters. * Why participation matters just as much as gift size. * The simple script that can generate more revenue in just a few minutes. * How professional fundraising strategy turns good events into extraordinary ones. Free Resource: Download "Stop Hiring the FREE Auctioneer" and discover how investing in the right fundraising auction team can actually pay for itself while helping your event raise significantly more money. Stop leaving money on the table and start building events that maximize both revenue and donor relationships. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

The Hidden Revenue at Every Gala: 8 Games That Raise Thousands

Most fundraising events rely on the same three revenue streams: the silent auction, the live auction, and the paddle raise. But what if you could add thousands of dollars to your event without adding another live auction item or extending your program? In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. Ehlert shares eight proven revenue-generating games that increase guest participation, build excitement, and create additional fundraising opportunities throughout the evening. You'll discover how to strategically use Golden Tickets, Heads or Tails, Gift Card Frenzy, 100s Boards, Bag of Money, Spirits Pulls, Balloon Pops, and Mystery Boxes to engage more guests and generate meaningful revenue. Bobby also explains why these games work, how to execute them successfully, and the common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're planning your first gala or looking to take your fundraising event to the next level, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement right away. In this episode you'll learn: * How revenue games lower the barrier to giving. * Which games generate the highest return. * How to create energy before your paddle raise. * Tips for promoting and running each game successfully. * How a single revenue game can generate an additional $1,500 to $8,000—or much more. Free Resource While you're there, grab our free guide, "Stop Hiring the FREE Auctioneer," and discover ways to raise more money to you can how invest in a professional fundraising auction team  that can actually pay for itself while helping your event raise significantly more money.   Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

Is Your Nonprofit Mindset Holding Your Event Back?

Many nonprofit events struggle not because of the mission, the donors, or the economy—but because of the mindset behind the event itself. In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. Ehlert explores how traditional nonprofit thinking can unintentionally limit fundraising results. From scarcity and budget-first decisions to undervaluing donor experience and settling for "good enough," these beliefs can hold organizations back from reaching their true potential. You'll learn how successful organizations shift from an event-planning mindset to an investment mindset, create transformational donor experiences, and build events that inspire generosity rather than simply raise money. If you've ever heard phrases like "we've always done it this way" or "our donors won't spend that much," this episode is for you.   Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

The Fundraising Event Playbook Nobody Hands You

Most nonprofit professionals inherit a fundraising event, receive a folder of documents from the previous committee, and are told, "This is how we've always done it." But what if that's exactly what's holding your event back? In this episode of Auction is Action, Bobby D. sits down with fundraising event strategist Beth Sandefur to discuss the fundraising event playbook nobody hands you. Together, they explore why so many galas become stagnant, how successful organizations continuously evolve their events, and the difference between simply planning an event and intentionally designing an experience. You'll discover: * Why "the way we've always done it" can be dangerous * How to identify revenue leaks that cost nonprofits thousands * The importance of designing a donor experience, not just managing logistics * Why smaller, more intentional events often outperform larger galas * How to maximize sponsorships, auctions, and paddle raises * The systems, templates, and tools that separate great events from average ones * Why the paddle raise may be the most overlooked fundraising opportunity in your event Whether you're planning a gala, auction, luncheon, golf tournament, or special event, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you save time, reduce stress, engage donors, and raise more money. Because great fundraising events don't happen by accident. They happen by design. galatoolbox.com [http://galatoolbox.com/]   Recieve a 25% coupon code, use: Action Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

Free Isn't Free: The Hidden Cost of Bargain Auctioneers

In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. tackles one of the most common—and costly—mistakes nonprofits make when planning a fundraising gala: hiring the "free" auctioneer. At first glance, saving a few thousand dollars on an auctioneer fee sounds like a smart financial decision. But what if that decision costs your organization tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—in missed fundraising revenue? Bobby breaks down the true role of a professional fundraising auctioneer, why fundraising events are unlike any other speaking engagement, and how the right auctioneer can dramatically increase donor participation, paddle raise revenue, live auction performance, and overall event energy. You'll learn why an auctioneer isn't an expense on your budget—it's one of the most important investments in your event's success. Whether you're a development director, executive director, board member, or gala committee volunteer, this episode will help you understand the hidden cost of bargain auctioneers and why free isn't always the best value. Because when it comes to fundraising, the cheapest option can end up being the most expensive. This episode is perfect for nonprofit leaders looking to maximize revenue, elevate the guest experience, and unlock the full fundraising potential of their gala. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas