CK Swett

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.

Jamie Mcdonald

After Oxford University, Jamie McDonald spent 10 years on Wall Street, much of it working for Steve Cohen in New York as Partner and Portfolio Manager of then SAC Capital, now Point 72.

In 2014, he swapped trading screens for the small screen and began hosting travel shows for the likes of Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast, and also finance series for the Wall Street Journal, LSEG and Real Vision, amongst others. But it was in 2016 when chance made him auctioneer for the night, and he’s never looked back.

Jamie has spent the last 9 years raising millions for charities on stage all over America. Jamie currently lives in Manhattan with his wife and 2 daughters.

Towers and Co. By Jacqueline Towers-Perkins

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.

AMS Chicago

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

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 Productions

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?

Harry Santa-Olalla

Harry is a professional auctioneer and experienced fundraising consultant with a passion and proven ability to help not-for-profits raise more through their auctions and pledge drives. Born and raised in the UK, Harry began his fundraising career in London. He worked closely with many of Europe’s largest not-for-profits, utilizing technology and an engaging methodology to help them raise more at gala benefits. Identifying New York as the fundraising capital of the world, he ‘hopped the pond’ full time in 2014 and has not looked back since.

Harry fast became a market leader in the US, supporting many of the largest not-for-profits campaigns stateside as a pre-campaign consultant and on stage during the events themselves. Harry has a methodical approach to fundraising, utilizing data from previous years and analysis of event formats and guest demographics to help clients set and challenge their audience to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.

Harry prides himself on maximizing audience participation through in the auction or pledges drive call to action.

Darfler Benefit Auctions & Consulting

For over 25 years Bart Darfler and Darfler Benefit Auctions & Consulting (DBAC) has been dedicated to delivering results-oriented consulting and auction services exclusively to non-profit entities. DBAC specializes in assisting their valued clients plan, prepare and produce sustainable, record-setting fundraising events year after year. They achieve these successful results by focusing on three primary goals:

  • With a collaborative effort plan to maximize net profits raised
  • Ensure donors, guests, sponsors and supporters are properly recognized
  • The event is produced and staged to enhance the engagement and enjoyment value for everyone. That means all those involved; from staff and volunteers to attendees and participants.

Drawing on his experience Bart may offer a myriad of proven suggestions intended to enhance your event’s overall success, he recognizes and respects that no one understands better the client’s objectives than the client. The client’s unique understanding of their ‘audience’ (supporters and advocates) is vitally important to accomplishing the event’s goals.

Astounding Auctions

Don’t settle for boring uninspired auctions. We’ve raised over $45 million for causes in our country, and we’re ready to bring our energy and expertise to you! When we talk to your audience, we bring your why to life with passion, wit, and love. It’s not about making them feel obligated to give; it’s about making them feel deeply invested through our storytelling. We want them to feel connected and inspired, so their generosity comes from the heart.

Join us in creating a ripple effect of change and hope in the world – we’re all in, and we’re ready to make a difference with you.

Tom Stebbins

Master of Ceremonies / Charity Auctions / Fund A Need / Benefit Auctioneer Specialist / Emcee

For your next fundraising event, raise more money than ever before! Give your guests a a night to remember with Tom Stebbins working your event!