Services
Bob Hale's Core Services
Emcee and Auctioneer
Live Auction and Special Appeal
Some organizations use their own spokesperson, staff member, board member, or event planner to host the evening. In that case, Bob is hired specifically to run the live auction and special appeal (Fund-a-Need) programs: the two segments of the evening that generate the most revenue. Pre-event planning is included either way.
Expert Bid-Calling
Timing affects how much an item sells for. Selling too early leaves money on the table. Taking too long slows the room down. Bob reads the crowd to judge when to close each item and when to keep pushing, based on experience across more than 1,780 events — that back-and-forth with the audience is a big part of what separates a good bid-caller from an average one. He also opens each live auction with the same introduction he's used for years — audiences tend to remember it.
Specialized Consultations
As part of working with Benefit Auction Services, Bob will go over the following with you ahead of your event:
- Event timing
- Run of show (ROS)
- Sound system setup
- Live auction order
- Special appeal (Fund-a-Need) program structure
- Tracking special appeal donations
- Additional revenue streams
- Common planning issues to watch for
Bob refers to these planning issues as "red flags." Identifying them ahead of the event is part of the consultation. His approach to planning comes down to a line he repeats often: "The Only Thing Etched in Stone is Nothing's Etched in Stone." Plans change, and the consultation is built around adjusting with them, not locking everything in early.
Sound System Rentals
Larger organizations typically bring their own sound and lighting system. Smaller and mid-sized events more often use the venue's house system or a speaker provided by the DJ.
Benefit Auction Services offers sound system rentals for small to mid-sized galas and fundraising events.
Bob spent 26 years in the Audio Visual department of a local school district, managing PA systems for district schools, gyms, and football fields. He also runs sound for his other business, Ultimate Race Nights.
