Hiring a professional auctioneer for a charity or benefit event increases the chances of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals, says Kristi Maryman, Senior Manager at the Sacramento SPCA.For many nonprofits, revenue from annual galas and auctions is essential to achieving their quarterly or yearly fundraising targets. The auctioneer plays a crucial role in this success. “A professional auctioneer is a key revenue generator for the event,” says Maryman. “We don’t want to leave it up to chance. We want someone that we know has extensive experience.”Beyond being engaging on stage, a skilled auctioneer can elevate the event’s overall effectiveness. A fundraising event needs “somebody who really understands how to command an audience, how to engage with an audience, how to read the room, when to push and when to back off,” Maryman explains.She also stresses the importance of hiring someone with the expertise to not only perform well during the event but also assist nonprofit executives in the planning process.The Sacramento SPCA has used professional auctioneers for years, even before Maryman joined as Senior Manager. She has personally relied on them for her last eight galas. The results have been clear. “The SPCA’s event revenue has increased year over year,” she says. “I definitely think a professional auctioneer makes such a difference. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.”- - - - -“Friends With Benefit Auctions” is a new video-podcast talking all things auctions, benefit fundraising and live charity events. This clip is from Episode 1 of KLM Auctions’ new video podcast 'Friends with Benefit Auctions', featuring an expert conversation with Taylor Beveridge, Kristi Maryman, and Rachel Schmidt.Watch the full discussion on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KLMAuctions/shortsKLM Auctions is the nation’s premier provider of event-based fundraising advisory services and professional charity/benefit auctioneers. Get in touch with us here:https://www.klmauctions.com/contact-us#benefitauction #auction #fundraising #nonprofit #KLMauctions #gala #liveauction #professionalauctioneer