At the 2024 Claire Lillienthal School Auction, Ryder took to the stage and sold his first auction lot from beginning to end. It was “Principal for a Day” and he sold it for $4,600- TWICE! The video cuts off before he doubles is, but he raised $9,200 his first time taking the mic. We are all insanely proud.
Celebrating Ten Stellar Years
Join us in celebrating ten years of Stellar Fundraising Auctions with this look back over just a few of the highlights from our first decade!
Auction Lot Idea: First in Line at Valet
We love to open an auction with a “warm-up” lot that has a low opening bid, but hopefully is extremely popular and sets the tone for the rest of the auction. These lots are fun, readily accessible, easy to describe, and usually offer some sort of instant gratification.
There are many variations on this theme, usually involving food or drink. We often sell opening lots of a round of “special” drinks served immediately to the winning bidder’s table, a “better dessert” for the winning bidder’s table, or special attention from the waitstaff and bartenders.
If your event has valet parking, you have an easy warm-up lot just waiting for you. At most events with valet parking, there is a line of people waiting for their cars at the end of night – especially larger events of 500 people or more. On more than one occasion we have offered the opportunity to have the winning bidder’s car moved to the front of the valet line as an auction lot.
The logistics are simple: as soon as a winner is determined, a staff person gets the winner’s valet ticket and has the winner’s car pulled around so it is waiting for them when they are ready to leave. All it requires is an agreement with the valet service provider to maintain a lone parking spot at the front for when the time comes to get the winning bidder’s car.
Market it in the auction catalog and slideshow, give it a description that sells the story. I’ve even seen some extra details added on, like a goodie bag to take home waiting on the front seat for you. The point is to keep it simple and make it fun. The results always align with what we’d hope for an introductory lot like this. Worst case scenario, we raise about $500 and do a great job of warming up the crowd. Best case scenario, two bidders go at it and we’re off to the four- or five-digit races on our first lot.
If you have other ideas for great warm-up lots, post them in the comments below, or drop us a line.
Stellar Announces Jonathan Moscone
Stellar Fundraising Auctions is honored to announce Jonathan Moscone as the newest performer to join our fundraising auction team. Jonathan has spent the last 35 years crafting a career as a leader in the arts. We are excited to bring his experience backstage and in the boardroom to help non-profit organizations achieve their philanthropic goals.
Jonathan has planned and attended his fair share of fundraising auctions over the years. He first worked with Stellar on the client side as the artistic director for California Shakespeare Theater. It was during Cal Shakes’ annual gala that Jonathan gained an appreciation for Stellar’s pre-event consulting and onstage performances.
“I have worked with many charity auctioneers over the years,” says Jonathan, “and Stellar’s approach to helping set the stage for success is unique. I have witnessed Stellar bring wisdom and joy to every event they conduct, and I am excited to be part of their extraordinary team.”
Jonathan’s experience as the artistic director of one of the nation’s leading classical theater companies gives him powerful insight into stagecraft. “Jonathan’s instincts for what works and what doesn’t onstage have always been incredibly impressive,” says Stellar’ founder, Greg Quiroga. “His notes have always resonated, and he is going to make an incredible fundraiser.”
Jonathan’s skill, energy, and commitment – combined with his onstage experience over the years – position Jonathan uniquely in the fundraising auction world. No other fundraising auctioneer in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area has the depth of knowledge and wealth of experience that Jonathan brings.
“This is going to be really fun and meaningful,” says Jonathan. “I am looking forward to helping non-profits succeed in fulfilling their missions and increasing impact in their communities.”
Jonathan is currently available to help your non-profit organization achieve its fundraising goals. Contact Stellar Fundraising auctions: 415-682-4224, Info@stellarsf.com
Andy Sarouhan Joins Stellar Fundraising Auctions
Stellar Fundraising Auctions is pleased to announce the latest performer to join our team, Andy Sarouhan. Andy is an experienced professional improviser and facilitator, who has been performing onstage since 1992.
Andy’s improvisation career began on his high school improvisation team and led him to obtaining a BA in Theatre from UC San Diego and an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Riverside. He has improvised professionally and led theater and performance courses through ImprovWorks, UC Riverside, American Conservatory Theater, California Shakespeare Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and BATS Improv.
“I have unending gratitude for arts-based nonprofits,” said Andy, “I have taught numerous classes and seen the impact these organizations can have on their communities. I am excited to be take the stage to help them raise much needed funds.”
“Improvisation skills translate incredibly well to performing fundraising auctions,” says Greg Quiroga, founder of Stellar Fundraising Auctions. “Andy’s onstage performances, coupled with his commitment to the arts, are going to make him a valuable partner for any organization looking to spice up their fundraising auction.”
When he is not performing or teaching, Andy and his partner are helping their young daughter develop new life skills. Andy is immediately available to help liven up your auction.
