Astounding Auctions & Fundraising Strategies

?? Auction or Appeal First? It Depends on Your Donors When structuring a fundraising event, deciding whether to start with the live auction or the paddle raise can feel like a puzzle. But the answer lies in understanding your donor dynamics. If your auction item buyers are also your appeal donors, either order can work. But if they’re different groups, leading with the auction might make sense — letting bidders win their item and then contribute during the appeal. Otherwise, whatever they?don’t?spend on an item might just leave the room with them. The best approach? Know your audience. Tailor your event flow to how your donors give, and you can’t go wrong.??? Grateful to have joined?Powered by Professionals,?OneCause, and all the incredible panelists for the?Winning Strategies for Fundraising Events?webinar — such a rich conversation on driving impact through thoughtful event design! #FundraisingEvents #NonprofitFundraising #AuctionStrategy #DonorEngagement

????NEW PODCAST ALERT!???? Want to?engage your audience, inspire action, and raise more money?at your next auction? Then you?need?to hear this! Our very own?TiWanna A. Kenney (TK), founder of Astounding Auctions, joined?Givergy’s?The Secret Guide to Fundraising?podcast to share?insider secrets?on how to maximize bids, create unforgettable donor experiences, and make giving effortless. With over?$45 million raised?for community causes, TK knows exactly how to?turn energy into impact—from pre-event strategy to storytelling that moves the room. Don’t miss this episode! Tune in now: ???? ???https://lnkd.in/eiHuhJYP??? #AstoundingAuctions #FundraisingSuccess #AuctionStrategy #RaiseMore

?? Celebrating the incredible?Suhailah Waheed?on her birthday! ?? Suhailah is more than just a fundraising expert—she’s a?fierce changemaker?dedicated to building sustainable funding solutions that uplift marginalized communities. From her early days fundraising for her school and Masjid to becoming a principal consultant with Giving Geeks and a clerk with Astounding Auctions, she’s made it her mission to create real, lasting impact. She’s a strategist, a storyteller, and an advocate who doesn’t just support movements—she’s in them. "Meet me at the protest" isn’t just a phrase; it’s a call to action she lives by. And when she’s not revolutionizing philanthropy, she’s indulging in her love of cats, great food (especially soup dumplings), and unforgettable experiences—like meeting the first Muslim Olympic fencer this year! Please join us in wishing Suhailah a happy birthday! ?? Drop a comment to celebrate this powerhouse of a human. #AstoundingAuctions #FundraisingPowerhouse #Changemaker #HappyBirthdaySuhailah

If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." – Shirley Chisholm Trailblazer. Barrier-breaker. Visionary. Shirley Chisholm wasn’t just the first Black woman elected to Congress—she was?unbought and unbossed, reshaping the political landscape with fearless advocacy and unwavering integrity. Her legacy is a reminder that waiting for permission isn’t an option. Whether in business, leadership, or life, creating your own opportunities is how real change happens. At?Astounding Auctions, we believe in that same bold approach—helping nonprofits and organizations think bigger, push past limits, and exceed their fundraising goals. Because impact isn’t about waiting for a seat. It’s about showing up, standing strong, and making space for others. Who’s a leader that’s inspired you to take up space? Let’s celebrate them in the comments. ?? #Leadership #ShirleyChisholm #FundraisingWithImpact #Unbossed #AstoundingAuctions

?? Happy Birthday, Melissa Falls! ?? Today, we celebrate an incredible auction professional and an even more remarkable person—our very own Lead Ringman, Melissa Falls! Melissa’s journey from the hospitality industry to becoming a powerhouse in the auction world is nothing short of inspiring. Her expertise in customer engagement and business management has propelled her to the top, earning prestigious accolades such as 2021 Texas State Reserve Champion Ringman and 2022 Kentucky Battle of the Bluegrass Ringman Champion. Her outstanding performance in the 2023 State of Texas Team Championship further showcases her teamwork and competitive spirit. Melissa’s ability to electrify a room, engage bidders, and create unforgettable auction experiences is what sets her apart. Her dedication, energy, and strategic prowess make every event she’s part of a success. Please join us in wishing Melissa a fantastic birthday and another year of badassery, excitement, and joy! ???? #AstoundingAuctions #AuctionExcellence #HappyBirthday #RingmanQueen

???Join Us for The Auctioneer's Playbook Webinar!???? Astounding Auctions' very own?TiWanna A. Kenney?will be sharing the (virtual) stage with an incredible panel of fundraising experts to discuss?winning strategies for fundraising events! ???When:?Thursday, January 30, 2025 ???Where:?Online Webinar ???What You'll Learn: - Proven strategies to drive higher bids and greater engagement. - Tips to enhance the attendee experience and boost participation. - Insights from top auctioneers on what makes fundraising events stand out. This webinar is sponsored by?OneCause?and hosted by?Powered by Professionals, offering actionable strategies you won't want to miss! ???Panelists: - Darren Port, Powered by Professionals - TiWanna A. Kenney, Astounding Auctions - Pat Tully, Pat Tully Inc. - Jamie McDonald, January Point Whether you're a nonprofit professional, event planner, or fundraising leader, this webinar is packed with actionable insights you don’t want to miss! ? ??Reserve Your Spot Today?and get ready to take your events to the next level! https://lnkd.in/eHrZrYqN Can’t attend live? No problem! Sign up now, and we’ll send you the recording after the webinar so you won’t miss a thing. Let’s create unforgettable experiences and impactful results for your next fundraiser. We can't wait to see you there! #FundraisingEvents #Webinar #AstoundingAuctions #AuctioneerStrategies #FundraisingSuccess