Skool member @Beto Beas sharing some Auction magic!!! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTcAxE2jyNs/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Here's a recent video from an Anti-Gala. No stuffy black tie affair. No tables or chairs. No boring program. Just pure fundraising and fun!

As we enter spring fundraising season as well as cold and flu season I wanted to share an experience I had several years ago in the hopes that someone doesn't make the same mistake that I made. I also realize that you may already know this but here it is. In 2018 or so I did a summer event where the stage was an elevated (very high runway) and this is important because I am terrified of heights. I also had a not so pleasant summer cold. Can we all agree summer colds are the WORST! I wasn't sick enough to find a replacement but I was feeling quite congested. Leading up to the event I did all the things I could think of to either get rid of the cold or to minimize the symptoms. Morning of the event I felt pretty good but still had a cough and congestion, so mid day I decided to take a decongestant to clear everything up. I'm sure you know where this is going. Fast forward to the decongestant doing its job AND in doing the job of clearing up my congestion and cough it also dried up everything else including my mouth! As I walked onto the runway (remember I am afraid of heights) I was scared and it took me a moment to find my balance. As I opened my mouth to speak, my mouth refused to cooperate because it was so dry that it was glued shut! Nerves because of the height issue AND dry mouth because of the decongestant and I had one hell of a time trying to do my job. I had to stop and ask for water but because it was a runway there were no tables or a podium to put my water down, so I had the pleasure of learning how to juggle a mic, water, and my notes, ALL why having the worst cotton mouth I have ever experienced! I realize this could have been condensed to say, don't take a decongestant the day of your event, but I can't pass up on a good story, so here we are. Decongestants sound like a great idea AND they are, but not when you need to speak!

What is something that you see an emcee do or not do that has changed an event?

Traveling and wanted to catch everyone up on my adventures. How's your Auction season going? Share wins with us and use hash tag #auctioneerwin It’s been almost 10 days filled with auctions and adventures. Leaving last Friday for Phoenix for the next week and a half with 5 events on the west coast and some time with my two sons on their spring break. (We went to Sedona for a day and enjoyed the lake with some paddle boards another). All 5 events blew it out of the water! When I look back at the events and dollars raised, it’s amazing to think of the impact these dollars are going to make and the donors being able to be a part of that social change. Helped these 5 different organizations from a private school, a AIDS Support organization, an arts for youth organization, an educational supplies for students in developing countries and an organization that helps children be safe and supported. I look at these events as they bring community together. The biggest measure the I use is the amount of people that stay after the fundraising and program ends. It was a good event when people want to stay in the energy and celebration after accomplishing something amazing! I had to use a few techniques that we discuss here all the time to stay as healthy and in top performance form. Proper protein intake, hydration, exercise, lots of sleep and stress management tools (meditation, yoga, etc.) Making sure day of I put some time aside to review my notes in full and prepare my unique scripting/outlining. I don’t write a script word for word, but create bullets and talking points to remind me as the auction and paddle raise go on. I always try to take a quick nap 90 minutes before I have to arrive. Just a short 25 minute power nap with a confidence meditation playing on my phone, I wake up recharged and refreshed, ready to rock and roll! Arriving at the venue early for tech and mic check, confirm info with client and get all cameras, etc. set up. Then mingling once doors open, looking for name tags that represent board members. Always good to connect with the board members and get them on your side. Once program begins it’s game time, focused on scripting and statements, live auction items and paddle raise talking points. Proper vocal and body warm ups. Then it’s showtime!