About Bob
About Bob Hale – Ohio Benefit Auctioneer & Nonprofit Fundraising Expert
Reading the room is a large part of that. Bob adjusts pace, energy, and approach in real time based on how a crowd is responding—encouraging when there's more to give, easing off when there isn't—and that ability to stay tuned in to an audience, event after event, is something he's built up over all his nights on stage.
Working with Bob starts with a planning conversation, not a script. He sets goals with you ahead of time and stays flexible as plans change, which he says they almost always do. His own way of putting it: "The Only Thing Etched in Stone is Nothing's Etched in Stone."
A Few Words from Bob
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with nonprofit organizations both large and small and building lasting relationships with the directors, staff, volunteers, and supporters who make their work possible. After more than 30 years of charitable fundraising events, I’m still inspired by the generosity of people when they come together for a cause they truly believe in.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed so passionate about being a benefit auctioneer. The success of a fundraising event goes far beyond the dollars raised that evening. I’ve seen firsthand the ripple effect those dollars can have—on individuals and families, on communities, and ultimately on the mission of the organization itself. Being able to play even a small part in that is something I never take for granted.
I also want smaller nonprofit organizations to know this: your event matters to me.
Years ago, while attending a national educational program for benefit auctioneers, I heard an instructor say that they didn’t have time for “little people” and only wanted to work with “big people.” I have never forgotten those words because they represent the exact opposite of what I believe.
There are no “little” organizations when the work you do matters to the people you serve.
Whether you’re planning an intimate fundraising event for a small local nonprofit or a large charitable gala, I believe your organization deserves the same preparation, enthusiasm, experience, and commitment. I will never turn away an organization simply because its event is considered too small.
If you’re considering a benefit auctioneer for your live auction or Fund-a-Need, I encourage you to get in touch early. My calendar can fill quickly, and I would much rather have a conversation about your event well in advance than discover later that your date is no longer available.
Finally, to every director, staff member, volunteer, donor, sponsor, and supporter I’ve had the privilege of meeting along the way: thank you. Your dedication to helping others is what has allowed me to do work I truly love for more than 30 years.
— Bob Hale
Local Events in Ohio
Bob is based in Cleveland and works with organizations across Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Kathryn Riddle, a former Cleveland journalist who covered special events, said: "Every time I see you at a benefit auction, I let them know they've hired the best auctioneer in town. It's true!"
Local organizations Bob has worked with include:
National organizations Bob has worked with include:
- American Liver Foundation
- Arthritis Foundation
- Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
- Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
- Goodwill Industries
- Make-A-Wish
- March of Dimes
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Bob has also worked events honoring former First Lady of Ohio Hope Taft, Cleveland Cavaliers player LeBron James, racing driver Bobby Rahal, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and actor Henry Winkler.
National Events
While you can find auctioneers in most major cities, they may not be the right fit for your organization's event. Instead of settling, exploring outside your local area is a great option! Contact Bob to check his availability.