Auction is Action with U in it!

Dessert Dash Done Right: Energy, Competition, and Revenue

What if one of the most profitable moments at your gala wasn’t your live auction… but dessert? In this episode of Auction Is Action, Bobby D. breaks down the Dessert Dash — the fast-paced, high-energy fundraising game that creates excitement, table competition, and unexpected revenue in just minutes. You’ll learn: • How a Dessert Dash works step-by-step • Why it activates group psychology and donor momentum • How to structure the game for maximum participation • Common mistakes nonprofits make • Tips to increase energy, bidding, and guest engagement • How to turn desserts into a memorable fundraising experience Whether you’re planning a school gala, nonprofit fundraiser, golf event, or community celebration, the Dessert Dash is a simple addition that can create a massive impact. Auction Is Action with Bobby D. — helping nonprofits raise more money, create unforgettable events, and inspire radical generosity. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

The Smartest Gala Sponsorship Most Nonprofits Aren’t Using

What if your auctioneer fee wasn’t viewed as an expense… but as a sponsorship opportunity with massive ROI potential? In this episode of Auction is Action, billion-dollar fundraiser, event strategist, professional fundraising auctioneer, auctioneer coach, and industry thought leader Bobby D. breaks down one of the smartest strategies nonprofits can use to protect their event budget while creating meaningful sponsor visibility. Learn how to secure an “Auctioneer Sponsorship” — a high-impact partnership where a business or donor covers the cost of your professional auctioneer in exchange for premium recognition throughout the event. Bobby shares why this strategy works, how to position the ask, what sponsors actually value, and the exact steps nonprofits can take to fund their auctioneer before the first paddle is ever raised. If you want stronger sponsorship conversations, healthier event budgets, and a smarter way to think about fundraising investments, this episode is for you. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

AFP ICON Conference 2026

Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

How to Ask: Making Fundraising Magic Happen

Great fundraising doesn’t happen by accident—it happens in the ask. In this episode of Auction is Action, we break down how to turn a simple request into a powerful, emotional moment that inspires generosity and drives real results. Whether you’re on stage leading a paddle raise, sitting one-on-one with a major donor, or guiding your board to make meaningful connections, the way you ask changes everything. You’ll learn how to: * Frame your ask so it feels like an invitation, not a transaction * Tap into emotion using proven Neurogiving principles * Build urgency and clarity without pressure or discomfort * Avoid the common mistakes that cause donors to hesitate—or disengage This episode is for nonprofit leaders, development professionals, and fundraising auctioneers who want to create deeper connections and unlock more giving—without feeling salesy. Because when the ask is done right… it’s not just fundraising. It’s transformation. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas

From Arrival to Impact: Creating a Frictionless Giving Experience

What if your biggest fundraising gains don’t come from what happens on stage—but from what happens the moment your guests walk in? In this episode of Auction is Action, we break down how to design a frictionless giving experience that starts at arrival and carries all the way through the final paddle raise. Because when giving is easy, intuitive, and seamless… generosity goes up. We’re talking about the simple—but often overlooked—systems that remove hesitation and unlock momentum: preswiping credit cards, clean check-in flows, clear bidder onboarding, and creating an environment where donors can act instantly on emotion. You’ll learn: * Why friction is the silent killer of participation * How preswiping sets the tone for the entire night * The connection between speed, emotion, and donor decision-making * Practical ways to streamline your event without losing the human touch This isn’t about logistics—it’s about psychology, energy, and making it effortless for people to say yes. Because when you remove barriers… you don’t just improve the experience. You increase impact. Recommended For Nonprofit leaders Development directors Board members Event planners Fundraising committees School, hospital, and foundation galas