STRATEGIC RAISE-THE-PADDLE AUCTIONEER

The fundraising moment begins long before the first paddle is raised.

Most organizations focus on the five minutes of the appeal. I help build everything that makes those five minutes successful: strategy, story, speaker alignment, program flow, and the emotional conditions that inspire generosity.

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Great fundraising is built before the ask.

I connect strategy, story, and speakers.

So your audience understands what’s at stake—and why their generosity matters now.

I understand your organization before I ever step on stage.

I ask the right questions, see what others miss, and prepare your team for a stronger fundraising moment.

When the moment arrives, the room is ready.

I bring executive perspective, real-time adaptability, and conviction to the stage.

WHY APPEALS UNDERPERFORM

When the room is not prepared, generosity hesitates.

An appeal rarely underperforms because people do not care. More often, the event has not built enough clarity, connection, confidence, and momentum before the ask begins.

  • The appeal feels separate from the rest of the program.

  • Speakers are moving individually, but not aligned to the ask.

  • The audience understands the mission, but not the urgency.

  • Giving levels are unclear or disconnected from impact.

  • The room has energy, but not momentum

THE MYLA DIFFERENCE

I am not simply an auctioneer.

I bring the perspective of a nonprofit executive, strategist, coach, facilitator, board partner, fundraiser. and auctioneer. The combination changes how I prepare your team, shape the room, support your speakers, and lead the appeal.

EXECUTIVE LEADER

COACH

BOARD PARTNER

STRATEGIST

FACILITATOR

AUCTIONEER

WORK TOGETHER

Three ways to strengthen the fundraising moment.

Raise-the-Paddle Leadership

For organizations with a strong event plan that need an experienced auctioneer to lead the appeal.

Appeal Strategy + Leadership

For teams that want to strengthen speaker flow, giving levels, transitions, and messaging before the event.

Strategic Event Partnership

For organizations that need a deeper thought partner around the fundraising experience.

“Myla partnered with the CIS of Chicago team in 2025 to bring energy and spirit to our paddle raise. In 2024, we hired a career auctioneer who led both a paddle raise and an auction. I am pleased to share Myla’s authenticity, humor, and energy landed better with our audience, and we raised more with fewer guests in attendance and with only a paddle raise—no auction. Myla was all smiles. When hiring Myla, you’re choosing an emcee who brings charisma and enthusiasm, and ultimately, results.””
— Communities in Schools Chicago

Your mission deserves more than five minutes of energy on stage.

Let’s talk about the room you are trying to move, the story you need to tell, and the generosity you want to create.

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