Why We’re Different

Twelve reasons we’re a different type of fundraising auction company.

1. We’re experts in the fundraising auction.

Red Apple Auctions knows charity auctions because it’s all we do. We don’t conduct personal property, real estate, automotive, or any other type of auction. Fundraising auctions aren’t something we “dabble” in on weekends. We live and breathe benefit auctions seven days a week. If you’re paying for a fundraising auctioneer, doesn’t it make sense to hire someone who is focused, full-time, and committed?

Benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar

Benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar

2. We project the right image.

Any person allowed to speak at your benefit gala serves as an official representative of your organization. What sort of image do you want the benefit auctioneer to project about your cause? Most groups would opt for a polished, friendly and compassionate persona, but some organizations find themselves with a crass and inappropriate spokesperson. Save yourself from embarrassment and call us!

3. We are scalable.

We conduct charity auctions with as few as 50 people to over 1200 guests. Regardless of your fundraiser auction’s size, we’ve got you covered.

4. We offer a range of benefit auction ideas and auction consultant services.

You can select from our breadth of services: auction consultants, fundraising auctioneers, floor crews, teleclasses, and more. Chances are, if you have a need related to a benefit auction or just need fundraising auctioneers, Red Apple Auctions can accommodate.

5. Our floor crews are exceptional.

It’s no surprise that our fundraising auction floor teams are one of the most requested benefit auction services we offer — they are the best in the business! These individuals act as professional sales representatives at your charity auction, selling tickets, promoting silent auction items, and encouraging bidders.

What makes them the best?

Extensive classroom training, innumerable charity auction experience, a polished appearance, outgoing personalities, and a natural ability to approach guests. They are people people … true auction professionals!

6. We are customer-focused.

When you have a question, you want a prompt answer. Clients have repeatedly complimented us on our response time. Whether your question is via email or phone, we make a point of responding quickly. What’s more, harried and stressed Benefit Auction Chairs have even told us that we are easy to work with… what a compliment!

7. We act like the benefit auction professionals we are.

We refrain from drinking alcohol. We arrive early. We treat everyone – eager volunteers, busy organizational employees, opinionated committee members – with courtesy and respect.

8. We have a commitment to our own auctioneer industry.

We believe that a strong auction industry improves the quality of auctioneers (fundraising auctioneers and others) worldwide. Consequently, we are committed to our profession. Founder Sherry Truhlar is a life member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) and the member Virginia Auctioneers Association (VAA).  She even teaches other fundraising auctioneers how to improve their own skill set.

9. We’re filled to the brim with ideas.

To get the latest fundraising auction ideas for your event, we regularly prowl event industry trade shows to discover new concepts. In addition, we annually trek across the United States to attend NAA’s Convention and Show to network with other companies and discover new auction products to share with you.  (To prove it, look at our auction blog.)

10. We’re sympathetic to your situation… we know that your fundraising auction may have multiple goals.

Some charity auctioneers only understand the auction-portion of your gala. We can provide insight on the whole shebang. Founder Sherry Truhlar worked as an event planner for General Electric before opening Red Apple Auctions. She understands that your responsibilities aren’t just auction-related. She is thought to be the only auctioneer in the United States to achieve the highly sought-after Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential from the Convention Industry Council which is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extensive experience in overseeing many types of events. In addition, she undertook a 2-year program from George Washington University in Washington, DC to earn her Professional Certificate in Event Management. If you want a second opinion on negotiating a hotel contract, getting a better food and beverage rate, or finding gift vendors, we will share what we know.

11. We have award-winning fundraising auctioneers.

Several of our benefit auctioneers have won auction competitions. Just imagine… if our charity auctioneers are some of the finest when compared to their peers, think about how our talented team will entertain guests while standing on your stage.

12. We educate ourselves to better serve you.

Sherry was awarded a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation within months of it being established by the NAA. Less than one percent of North American auction professionals hold this designation, which recognizes those who have demonstrated specific benefit auction expertise.