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Record-Breaking Success: The New York Junior League Winter Ball Auction

The New York Junior League Winter Ball just had its most successful charity auction in 73 years—thanks to a bold decision that transformed the event. After a decade with the same auctioneer, this New York-based nonprofit took an exciting leap and, for the first time ever, hired Erin as their professional benefit auctioneer. The results? Unmatched energy, record-breaking participation, and …

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Celebrating Pride: How Advocacy and Inclusivity Efforts Go Beyond the Parade

Wasn’t June wonderful? Summer has officially begun, the weather is beautiful, and fun outdoor activities are in full swing. Another thing that made June so great was the vast array of Pride Month celebrations, seeing rainbow flags throughout our communities, knowing members of the LGBTQI+ community are empowered to showcase who they are, and feeling like we can all contribute …

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Using Artificial Intelligence for Crafting Descriptions for Auction Items

Hosting an auction is a great opportunity for nonprofit organizations to raise funds to support their critical work and help fulfil their mission. With the need for their efforts seemingly constantly increasing, many nonprofits are looking to expand their fundraising goals and the number of events they host to help meet them – in fact, more than 70% of nonprofit …

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What is a Silent Auction

How Does a Silent Auction Work? Silent auction – my favorite oxymoron! They are great tools for selling items and raising money. But what is a silent auction? How does a silent auction work? Why should you host one? How do you run a silent auction? What items do you include? How do nonprofits use silent auctions? We’re breaking down …

A night of fundraising for a men’s chorale has changed my life forever.

Last night was a reminder. A whisper from my childhood. An anthem that created me. Surrounded by hundreds of voices and led by a broadway goddess I’ve seen many times before. They had no idea how important that night was to me. I will forever remember it saw and hold it in my heart with me. Friendship of amazing talents …

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Staten Island Academy Hosts 37th Annual Auction Fundraiser

Staten Island Academy had its 37th annual auction Saturday night at the Richmond County Country Club, Dongan Hills. The event, with a “Roaring Twenties” theme, featured more than 140 items in a silent auction and some two dozen in the live auction. Auctioneers were Erin Ward and Jill Doherty of the Long Island-based Star Benefit Auctions.

When time is money, how much can you afford to spend on a joke?

At a recent event, I was hired as the professional auctioneer.  I was advised they had several celebrities in the past acting as the auctioneer, but they believed using a professional would elevate their event.   Knowing their celebrities wanted to be involved and their guests expected to see them we worked out a plan to use the celebrity as …