About Debbie Scheer
Denver Benefit Auctioneer, Nonprofit Emcee & Fundraising Consultant
I'm Debbie Scheer — a licensed benefit auctioneer, professional emcee, and nonprofit fundraising consultant based in Denver, Colorado. I work with nonprofits across the country — from California to New York, Alaska to Arizona and everywhere in between — to help them raise more money at their galas, charity auctions, and fundraising events. Not a little more money. Significantly more.
With hundreds of nonprofit galas and fundraising events under my belt, I specialize in gala fundraising, nonprofit impact storytelling and mission moment development, fund-a-need campaigns, live auction strategy, run of show development, and speaker coaching. I also work with nonprofit boards to build donor confidence, helping board members develop authentic talking points around giving so they can encourage guests to donate comfortably and naturally.
I'm also a passionate advocate for inclusive event design. I help nonprofits create fundraising experiences that are accessible and welcoming for every attendee because guests who feel included are more likely to connect with your mission, and donors who connect feel good about giving and become your most devoted long-term champions.
Since 2016, I've helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars — not by showing up and calling bids, but by treating every event as the strategic fundraising opportunity it actually is.
What I Do for Denver Nonprofits (and Nonprofits Everywhere)
I work with nonprofits in two distinct ways — and sometimes both.
As your Benefit Auctioneer & Emcee: The work starts long before event night. Together we dig into your data, build your fundraising strategy, develop your run of show, design your paddle raise, and make sure your speakers and board members are ready to represent your mission with confidence. On event night I'm there with you, whether that means taking the stage for the full program as your emcee and auctioneer, or stepping in specifically for the live fundraising portion. Either way you get the same strategic depth, the same stage presence, and the same commitment to making sure your event raises as much as it possibly can.
As your Fundraising Event Consultant: You run the event. I am in your corner and together we build the strategy behind it — the run of show, the script, the live auction (if you choose to have one),the mission moment development, the paddle raise strategy, and the coaching that gets your board members and speakers ready for the stage. I serve nonprofits nationally through this model, so geography is never a barrier.
Not sure which one you need? That's what the free discovery call is for. By the end of it, you'll know exactly what you need — and whether I'm the right person to deliver it.
Book a Free Discovery Call and Let's Talk
The Path That Led Me Here
I didn't start my career behind a microphone. I started in the nonprofit sector which means I know the pressure, the board dynamics, the donor relationships you can't afford to mess up, and the very specific panic of watching your fundraising effort fall flat as 300 people check their phones.
From there I spent years as a stand-up comedian and comedy show producer which taught me something no fundraising textbook ever could: how to read a room, hold an audience's attention, and use appropriate humor to make people feel something in the span of about 45 seconds.
In 2016 I graduated from the World Wide College of Auctioneering and became a licensed benefit auctioneer. And suddenly everything clicked. The nonprofit experience. The stage presence. The strategy. The humor. The understanding that I could combine those skills and make a powerful impact for organizations. It wasn't a career change — it was an arrival.
Today I help nonprofits raise millions of dollars, not by just showing up and calling bids, but by treating every event as the strategic fundraising opportunity it actually is.
I've had organizations change the date of their fundraising event just to make sure we could work together. That's not something I take lightly and it's the kind of partnership I bring to every single client.
What I Specialize In
- Live charity auctions, fundraising events of any size, and benefit auctioneering — Denver, Colorado, and nationwide
- Paddle raises and fund-a-need campaigns that consistently outperform expectations
- Nonprofit gala emcee services — keeping your event moving, your audience engaged, and your mission front and center
- Mission moment development — turning your story into a fundraising tool
- Run of show development and speaker coaching
- Board member coaching — helping your team develop authentic talking points around giving
- Inclusive event design — creating fundraising experiences that are accessible and welcoming for every guest
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- I build real partnerships with my clients and therefore I am not a transactional auctioneer. If you are looking for a bid caller who shows up night of, works the event, receives their paycheck, and then goes home- I'm not the right auctioneer for your event, but I'm happy to help you find that style of auctioneer.
- I prefer to partner with clients early in the planning process, because the earlier we start, the more strategic we can be. That said, I've pulled off a successful event with four days notice. So wherever you are in your planning, let's talk.
- I believe inclusive events create space for every guest to feel welcomed, valued, connect with your mission, and become some of your most passionate advocates.
- I believe the most powerful fundraising tool you have isn't a moment, it's a through-line. It's your mission woven intentionally through every part of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Benefit Auctioneer
What is a benefit auctioneer and how is it different from a regular auctioneer? A benefit auctioneer specializes in nonprofit fundraising events, charity galas, school auctions, hospital foundation events, and fund-a-need campaigns. Unlike a traditional auctioneer, a benefit auctioneer is trained to maximize donor engagement and charitable giving. I'm also a licensed professional who completed formal training at the World Wide College of Auctioneering in 2016.
How much does a professional benefit auctioneer cost in Denver? Fees vary based on the scope of services, event size, and whether you're hiring for auctioneering/emceeing only or a full fundraising strategy and consulting package. I work with nonprofits of varying budget sizes and am happy to have a transparent conversation about what's involved. The best first step is a free 30-minute discovery call
Do you travel outside of Denver and Colorado? Yes — I serve nonprofits nationwide. I'm based in Denver, Colorado, and regularly work with organizations from California to New York, Alaska to Arizona. Travel fees apply for events outside the Denver metro area.
What kinds of nonprofit events do you work with? I work with mission-driven and school fundraising events of all kinds, ranging from 100 to 1,000+ guests.
How early should we book a benefit auctioneer for our gala? I recommend reaching out 6 to 12 months before your event, especially for peak gala season dates (spring and fall). That said, I've successfully supported events with as little as four days' notice. If you're planning a fundraiser, reach out now regardless of your timeline.
What is a paddle raise and why does it matter? A paddle raise — also called a fund-a-need or fund-a-mission — is a direct appeal segment during your gala where guests are invited to donate at various giving levels. When executed strategically, it is typically the highest-earning segment of a nonprofit fundraising event. I specialize in designing and leading paddle raises that are mission focused, warm and inviting, and feel energizing rather than pressured.
What is the difference between a benefit auctioneer and a fundraising event consultant? Great question and one I get a lot. As your benefit auctioneer and emcee I help you create the foundation of the fundraising portion of the event, so think scripting, run of show, speaker training, live auction item decisions, mission moment, and paddle raise. And here's the thing — when you hire me as your benefit auctioneer and emcee, the consulting and strategy work is included. It's my most comprehensive offering. As your fundraising consultant I'm behind the scenes and in your corner helping you build the strategy, script, and plan for an event you're running yourselves with your people on stage doing the fundraising. Some clients hire me for both. Some hire me for one. The best way to figure out which fits is a free discovery call
Ready to Make Your Next Gala Your Best One Yet?
Whether you're planning your first charity auction or your fiftieth, I'd love to hear about your event. Let's spend time on a discovery call and figure out exactly what you need.