Fundraising
Live Auction or Paddle Raise First? - Structuring Your Event
Why the order of your fundraising program matters more than you think
On a recent episode of Hey Nonprofits! we asked professional auctioneer Dan Lyles a question that’s sparked debate in the event fundraising world:
Should the live auction come before or after the paddle raise?
His answer was definitive: Live auction first. Every time.
Here’s why this sequence consistently raises more money:
They Appeal to Different Donors (And the Same Donors Will Give Twice)
The biggest misconception? That one will “cannibalize” the other.
Live auctions attract:
- Competitive bidders
- People who want to win something tangible
- Extroverts energized by the room
Paddle raises attract:
- Impact-driven donors
- Mission-focused givers
- People who prefer direct contribution over “stuff”
These aren’t mutually exclusive revenue streams – they’re complementary. Your most engaged donors will buy a trip in the live auction AND raise their paddle for your mission. They’re giving in different ways, for different reasons.
The Live Auction Warms Up the Room
Dan shared a crucial insight: “If a donor raises their paddle once, they’re more likely to do it again.”
The live auction builds that muscle by:
- Introducing your auctioneer’s rhythm and energy
- Creating laughter and connection
- Normalizing the act of raising your paddle
By the time you pivot to the paddle raise, your guests are already comfortable participating.
The Emotional Architecture Matters
The most profitable fundraising run-of-show follows this arc:
- High-energy live auction
- Impact video or story to refocus the room
- Clear, structured paddle raise
That emotional pivot from excitement to heartfelt mission is what opens wallets.
A Real Example: One Donor, Two Giving Modes
Dan told me about a longtime supporter who said he couldn’t give his usual $25,000 that year.
But because of the event’s structure:
- He bought a $10,000 trip during the live auction
- He raised his paddle at $10,000 during the paddle raise
Total: $20,000 raised — without any pressure or awkwardness.
This only happens when your program order respects donor psychology.
Your Board Needs Coaching, Not Control
Dan was direct: “Board members don’t always know fundraising best practices. You can’t let poor advice hurt your revenue.”
Many well-meaning committee members push for unconventional sequencing based on opinion, not donor behavior.
Your job? Coach them thoughtfully. Follow the data, not the opinions.
What About Silent Auctions?
Some organizations eliminate silent auctions thinking the money will shift upward.
Dan has seen the opposite. Silent auction bidders behave differently — they’re often discovering your organization for the first time. They rarely become major bidders overnight. But the silent auction is a great way to identify NEW supporters, especially if you have items that will excite bidders. To maximize momentum, you need items donors actually want. Trips and experiences consistently outperform every other category.
Want to see what’s working right now? 🌍 Browse our most popular live auction items: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/
And if you want the full conversation with Dan (including how to sell multiple live auction items at your event) 🎥 Watch the full episode below!