Carol is an enthusiastic supporter of nonprofits. The Community Foundation of Montgomery County named her the 2010 Philanthropist of the Year for her work with more than 90 nonprofits in the county through the foundation she and her late husband, Jim Trawick, started.
Carol likes to tell the story about the first auction this nonprofit hosted. “The auction was a DUD!” she says, not mincing any words, “We were all admiring the gala chair’s dress! And then we got Sherry. Boy did things change.”
Kevin is the CEO of Holy Cross Hospital. I caught him on camera after one of the hospital’s most successful events, where I served as the emcee and auctioneer.
He appreciated “the spirit and quality” of my work, and said the difference was “she cared about the hospital and what it does.”
“The auctioneer’s persuasiveness was merciless,” this fun-loving big bidder comments after the auction.
May I just say that you were terrific!
We just kept commenting on what a wonderful job you were doing, and Sandra – who goes to a million of these things – told me Saturday and again this morning how great you were. You truly were the success of the auction.
Already we have so many wonderful ideas for improving upon this when we do another auction. Thank you for being a part of our first luncheon and auction.
Penelope C. Fletcher, President & CEO
Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Washington Chapter (Washington, DC)
What a wonderful event you created for us.
If only you had been with us for last year’s hospice gala, you would realize what an amazing difference you made.
Thank you for your fabulous ideas, energy, and guidance.
For one evening — a very important evening — our economic woes were nowhere in sight.
You’re the best!
Suzanne F., Gala Co-Chair 2009
Montgomery Hospice (Rockville, MD)
I love it when guests are happy.
I love it when clients are happy.
And I love it when DONORS are happy, like Jan Gilbert. Jan is a New Orleans artist. She donated an $8000 piece of art to the Global Fairness Initiative art auction. “You can tell from these gray hairs,” she shares, “I’ve been around awhile.”
So what made this auction special?
“Your energy, your levity, your doggedness — and all of that balanced,” she explains.
The event was a blast and I loved how you interacted with the crowd.
Jonathan Keyserling
Attendee at Montgomery Hospice auction (Rockville, MD)
Thank you for coaching us through our first-year (2008) event.
I’ve heard nothing but positive comments from our 100 guests, and one guest who attends a lot of galas told me that our small auction rivaled some of the top events held here in Palm Beach!
Thanks for taking the time to educate and advise us on the entire process, and how best to maximize our opportunity. You were great, and we couldn’t have achieved such success without you!
Kali Dambeck, Director of Development
The Wild Dolphin Project (Jupiter, FL)
You are so easy to work with, you accomplished amazing things with very little – and you certainly energized the audience!
I very much appreciate having your summary and suggestions so quickly after the event. I have already shared it with colleagues.
Melissa Houghton, Executive Director
Women in Film & Video (Washington, DC)
Dan is the Executive Director of Holy Cross Hospital foundation. When the Gala team decided to uplevel their auction, he was referred to Red Apple Auctions.
“Sherry ignites the room,” he explains.
I have been meaning to call to thank you for all the tremendous work you and your team did at the Strathmore fundraiser.
My husband and friends all told me that they think that your skills added at least $500 to $1,000 per item, and I agree.
You were fun, informative, flexible, and just a pleasure to work with.
Arlene Hillerson, Auction Chair 2007 (Wine, Women, and Song)
Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc (North Bethesda, MD)
At the Greater Reston Arts Center gala, this friendly couple didn’t get the artwork they so desperately wanted, but still had fun!
She had seen Red Apple Auctions work another event and encouraged us to hire the company for our gala.
Because it was the first time for us to work with a benefit auctioneer, we had a number of logistical questions about how the live auction would work and how to incorporate some new ideas into our evening.
We found Sherry was easy to work with and patiently explained what would happen. She even went beyond the terms of our agreement and made an extra trip to our site to meet our CEO and the production crew. That really made a difference to our team.
Carol Kennedy, Director of Special Events
Capital Hospice (Falls Church, VA)
Sherry Truhlar/Red Apple Auctions was a great addition to The Musical Theater Center’s annual fundraising event this year (2007).
We have been doing auctions (silent & live) for a number of years but this was the first year we used Sherry — her help, ideas, support and attention to detail was very impressive and her service was far superior to auctioneers we have used in the past.
We had very positive comments about the auctioneer from a number of this year’s attendees and the “post-event report” she provided was extremely helpful.
In my opinion – Sherry’s “the best!!”
Rex Bickmore, Executive Director
The Musical Theater Center (Rockville, MD)
Some fellow Mid-westerners talked about the “engagement” they witnessed at this art auction. “It wasn’t just an auction. It was a show.”
During the auction, the other guests seated at my table started whispering to me, asking me how they could book you for their own galas.
Barbara Cullen, 2007 Auction Co-Chair
Les Dames d’Escoffier, DC Chapter (Washington, DC)
I asked Demetress, a gala guest, if she’d mind saying a few words on video about the gala. She enjoyed the excitement of the auction.
Click to read the next page of testimonials.