When I started Good Works Indy in 2021, I had a mission to use my experience and expertise for the purpose of adding value to Central Indiana’s hard-working nonprofit community. One of the ways I do that – my primary line of business – is through social-impact consulting. I work with businesses to help them create and implement community-engagement strategies that align with their brands and values, while supporting the organizations that serve our neighbors in need.

I love this work. With every new client, program or project, I feel like I’m making an impact for others. I’ve never worked harder, yet I’ve never enjoyed my work more than I do right now. Despite that, I was recently drawn down another path….

From ballroom to Bozeman

In the fall of 2023, my husband and I attended a fundraising event – a gala with all the expected features: dinner, drinks, music, silent auction, a mission moment. Then a professional auctioneer came on-stage to lead the audience through the live auction items and the fundraising appeal. I watched as he expertly encouraged higher bidding, raising a considerable amount of money to directly support the cause.

From that experience, the idea was firmly planted: I wanted to become a benefit auctioneer; also called a charity auctioneer. I had no idea what it would take, but I went home that night and started researching my auctioneer journey. Here’s what I learned:

• In the state of Indiana (like many others,) the requirements to become a benefit auctioneer are no different from the requirements for auctioneers who sell cows, cars and coin collections.
• Becoming a licensed auctioneer requires 85 hours of course study and graduation from a state-approved auctioneer school.
• The state licensing exam is the final hurdle for auctioneers. It’s a comprehensive test covering required knowledge for all kinds of auctioneering.

From the list of state-approved auctioneer schools, I selected and enrolled in the Western College of Auctioneering (WCA). In June 2024, I traveled to Bozeman, Montana, where I joined a class of dynamic aspiring auctioneers for a week of in-person study and training. We learned about ethics and legalities of auctioneering, the critical clerking and bid-spotting roles, and we spent hours practicing tongue-twisters on the way to developing the trademark auctioneer’s chant.

When I returned home, I completed an additional 45 hours of online coursework and passed WCA’s final examination. A few weeks later, I passed the Indiana state exam for auctioneers and became a licensed auctioneer. Whew!

Fundraising > Fast-talking

I’ve learned a lot along this journey, and I expect that I’ll continue to learn as I gain experience as a licensed benefit auctioneer. But here’s what I’ve known throughout and still remains true: It’s not about performing a routine. It’s about driving results and making an impact for a cause that matters.

And that’s good for me, because – while I’m gaining skills on the mic – I’ve already got years of experience with successful fundraising programs. Through my involvement as a volunteer, board member, consultant and corporate supporter, I’ve helped Central Indiana nonprofits raise significant money to fund their important work in our community. And I’m excited to add benefit auctioneering as another service I can provide in support of these organizations.

Everybody’s asking…

When the topic of being a licensed benefit auctioneer comes up, people always ask me about my auctioneer chant. They want to hear the fast “would-a bid now”  talk that they associate with live auctions. (Who wouldn’t?)

During my time in auctioneering school, I learned the mechanics of an auctioneer chant, including the importance of steady rhythm and the strategic use of filler words. I’ve practiced enough to develop a chant that reflects my personality, but I don’t aspire to match the speed of auctioneers in the livestock or auto auction industries. That’s a special skill, and I admire those who have perfected their craft.

Thankfully, audiences at charity events typically appreciate a more conversational rhythm, so they can follow along and participate with confidence. And when people feel comfortable about participating, that’s when more donations are made and we achieve the greatest fundraising results.

No tricks. No mumbo jumbo. Just another avenue for adding value where it matters most.