Jump into the lively world of auctions and fundraising with Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net. Hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren explore innovative fundraising ideas, practical strategies for organizing successful events, and industry insights that help both seasoned and first-time organizers "win the game of events." From chicken bingo to dessert dashes, Roger serves up a playbook packed with actionable tips (and hilarious stories) that will level up any community fundraiser.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Chicken Bingo & animal antics at events

[02:00] - Roger Devine’s origin story and how he helped build SchoolAuction.net

[09:40] - Top first steps for planning a fundraising event

[13:25] - Paddle raises, auction strategy and engaging big donors

[19:15] - Matching donations, recurring giving and the Last Ask game

[22:38] - Dessert Dash, gamifying silent auctions and maximizing revenue

[25:49] - The wildest auction items (vasectomies, goats & more)

[29:28] - Crowd games to keep guests engaged

[31:16] - Balancing fundraising with entertainment

[33:54] - Emerging trends: Online silent auctions & optimizing item count

[36:07] - Bundling items, fixed-price strategies & post-event sales

[40:20] - Building long-term donor relationships from one-night events

[43:20] - Signup parties, creating tradition-building events

[44:36] - Biggest lessons learned from running events

[47:42] - The power of a “sharing is caring” mindset and how to “do enough”

Resources & Links:

-Roger Devine: LinkedIn

-SchoolAuction.net: Website, Instagram, Facebook, X

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn

Connect with Us:

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST

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If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email producer Tamar Routly at tamar@workp2p.com.

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.