Partner Category: Auctioneers

After decades of chasing breaking news stories, award-winning TV journalist George Franco flipped the script in 2020—swapping the anchor desk for the auction stage to deliver a different kind of headline: Millions Raised for Good. Now known far and wide as The “Good News” Auctioneer, George leads a high-energy fundraising mission that has helped schools, nonprofits, and foundations across the country break fundraising records and build brighter futures.

With his signature charm, powerful stage presence, and heart for service, George turns galas into game-changers—rallying crowds to give boldly and joyfully.

George is among the elite group of Benefit Auctioneer Specialists. The BAS designation is the ultimate level of expertise based on best practices and continuing education from the NAA, National Auction Association. Fewer than 3% of auctioneers nationwide hold the BAS designation.

From SEALKIDS to St. Jude the Apostle, Boys & Girls Clubs to Must Ministries, Ronald McDonald House to Waymark, GiGi’s Playhouse to Brother Rice Catholic High School—George and the Good News Auctioneers team have helped raise millions for causes that matter.

Before his life under the auction lights, George was a familiar face on FOX 5 Atlanta, where he brought viewers the latest headlines with integrity, warmth, and the occasional mic-drop moment. But even back then, his real passion was connecting people and sparking positive change.

His secret? It’s not just the fast-talking or the big bids—it’s how he makes every room feel like a family reunion with a purpose. George has oner particular mantra which sums up his approach; Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said…but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”

Marissa Walters is a powerhouse benefit auctioneer and founder of Wild Hair Auctions, known for turning fundraising into an unforgettable experience. With an electric stage presence and a deep understanding of donor psychology, Marissa has helped schools and nonprofits across Colorado raise millions to support their missions.

Drawing on her background in event planning and restaurant management, she brings heart, strategy, and seamless execution to every event. A spirited mom of two and passionate community builder, Marissa is as comfortable rallying a crowd as she is inspiring them to give.

Whether she’s raising funds for childhood education, fighting food insecurity, or lighting up a packed gymnasium, Marissa shows up ready to make generosity contagious.

CK Swett, a California native and Duke University graduate, began his career in the auction world in 2006, and has worked at Christie’s, Phillips and Heritage during the intervening 19 years. CK’s charity auctioneering efforts since 2010 have yielded more than $100 million across nearly 1,000 events that support everything from school children in Malawi and veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to public schools in Manhattan and the American Cancer Society.

Hailed by the New York Times as having “managed to shake up the staid world of auctioneering,” CK set the world auction record for boxing memorabilia in February 2012, selling the gloves Muhammad Ali wore during his 1965 fight against Floyd Patterson for $1.1 million on behalf of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Jacqueline Towers-Perkins is an acclaimed international auctioneer and fundraiser based in New York City. Originally from London, Jacqueline has spent nearly 15 years working with organizations worldwide, raising millions for charitable causes. She has served as auctioneer for some of the world’s most prestigious galas and benefit events, sharing the stage with leaders across finance, entertainment, technology, and politics.

A seasoned auction house professional, Jacqueline held leadership roles at Sotheby’s New York and Bonhams Auctioneers, serving as Vice President and a lead auctioneer. Over her distinguished career, she coordinated hundreds of auctions and sold fine art and luxury objects worth millions of dollars. Her expertise in bidding psychology and fundraising strategy ensures she consistently drives participation and maximizes results.

This led her to establish Towers & Co., an auctioneer agency and fundraising consultancy delivering white glove service for galas and benefit events globally. The company offers more than just professional auctioneers—it partners with clients to design and execute tailored fundraising strategies that exceed goals.

Towers & Co. brings together Jacqueline’s experience as a principal auctioneer and her passion for philanthropy to empower organizations. The agency’s approach combines deep industry expertise with a focus on creating memorable, high-impact events that inspire giving and leave lasting impressions. At its core, Towers & Co. is driven by a commitment to helping clients achieve extraordinary results and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Since 2007, AMS fundraising consultants have been instrumental in helping hundreds of organizations annually raise millions of dollars at charity events. Our approach is simple — we listen to you and then develop a customized list of items, experiences and ideas to help you reach, and exceed, your fundraising goals! We collaborate with you to ensure that any consignment items complement and enhance the donations you already have.We specialize in offering unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise and experiences, paired with unparalleled fundraising advice and ideas to enhance your event’s potential.

Clients never pay for our fundraising advice. They only pay for any consignment item that sells at their charity event, and only after their event is over. Any unsold items are returned at no cost!

Our focus is on charities in the greater Chicago and southern Wisconsin areas — but can help, selectively, in other geographies (we have partners in St. Louis, Kansas City and satelite offices in Detroit and Scottsdale).

Raising Paddles is a full service consulting and auctioneer firm that supports over 300 non-profits each year in the Midwest for their fundraising events. In 2024, we helped raised over $120 million at fundraising events.

Our approach is to work alongside our clients from day one of planning, and assist with various parts of the fundraising elements, from auction item procurement, sequencing of auction items, design of run of show, structuring the paddle raise, and more. We also provide educational workshops all over the midwest, as well as board activation training that will unlock the fundraising potential for your event.

We are proud partners of Givergy, and together we can bring incremental revenue to your event!

Lynne Zink, International Auctioneer Champion, helps non-profits and private schools raise MILLIONS OF DOLLARS every year. Her background in theater has been the perfect fit for benefit auctions with her gracious and high energy engagement with audiences of all sizes. Imagine transforming your next fundraiser into an unforgettable event that not only excites your donors but also maximizes your revenue.

Nonprofits like yours depend on every dollar to make a difference, and the right auctioneer can be the key to unlocking unprecedented success.

A professional benefit auctioneer doesn’t just call bids—they bring expertise, proven strategies, and cutting-edge ideas that can dramatically boost your fundraising efforts.

Discover how partnering with an experienced auctioneer can elevate your event, engage your supporters, and help you raise the critical funds your cause deserves.

Ready to see your revenue soar?