Quick Thinking, On the Spot

Auctioneering at a professional benefit event, sometimes with over 300 people in the room, is all about flexibility and creativity. One of my most illustrative examples of quick thinking in the heat of the moment was at a private school’s annual auction some time ago, when a seemingly ordinary but highly coveted parking space became the highlight of the evening. I was told it fetched between $5,000 and $10,000 for the organization each year. As the auctioneer, I witnessed fierce competition among three affluent bidders, each determined to win the spot, quickly surpassing $5,000 and $10,000, driving the price up to $20,000.

Instead of letting the bidding continue for a single winner, I saw an opportunity to maximize the school's fundraising. I discreetly ran aside and consulted the Director of Development about offering three parking spaces, and was pleased to find that two adjacent parking spaces, previously reserved for the Principal and Chaplain, could be put up for auction as well. After getting the green light from her, I came back to the audience and announced that all three bidders were winners at $20,000 each, ultimately raising an impressive $60,000 for the school.

This experience reinforced my belief in seeking items that can be sold to multiple bidders, transforming individual wins into collective victories for the organization. Before each auction, I always explore the potential for multiple sales, ensuring that everyone benefits and the organization maximizes its fundraising efforts. Often, it pays off in big ways.