Recent Events
If your event is not achieving your financial goals, it's NOT the economy. It's advance planning and your professional personnel. The 2010 Benefit Auction season has been a resounding success. The
guest size is returning to pre-2008 levels, Funding Pleas continue to
generate additional revenue and the "right" Live auction items are selling
at premium levels.
Of course this doesn't happen magically, which is why its important for
you and your committee to use my services in advance. Its all included in
my base fee and my years of experience and hundreds of past events have
taught me the who, what, why, where and how which will insure your
success.
Despite Economy, Galas Over the Last 2 Years
Continue to Impress!
The guest size has returned to pre-2008 levels!
Wednesday November 2, 2011, Pet Afflaire for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton 600 guests, 300+ dogs & maybe 1 cat! The Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering is the site for this annual fun event. 2011 Honoree was Ms. Teresa Huber, a very successful local business woman and philanthropist. By the time we adjorned at 9PM the Live auction and Funding Plea had raised $25,000.00 exceeding the committee goal. This amazing local organization was founded in 1902.
Thursday, October 27, 2011 Sibcy Cline Realtors/United Way, Blue Ash, Ohio A Sold Out guest total of nearly 600 attended the 1st ever Sibcy Cline combined company Fund Raiser at the Firehouse Grill to benefit United Way of Cincinnati. A pre-sale estimate of $25,000 for the 15 Live auction items achieved $36,250. Items included signed guitars from Kenny Chesney & Steven Tyler, stays at the Trump Tower in NYC w/ airfares from Ultimate Air Jets, private shooting lesson from a former Navy Seal, vacation weeks to Hilton Head & Tucson, Gayle Hummel art, catered dinner parties and puppies. The Goshorn Brothers (Pure Prairie League) supplied the entertainment. A fabulous 1st time event created in under 3 months from scratch with assistance from Sorrell Solutions. Click to see event photos
Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Agape For Youth, Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio The Wintergarten was filled as I shared the stage with Radio Hall of Famer Nancy Wilson to raise funds for this 20+ year old award winning social service agency. Inspiring messages of success preceded the auction of trips to Tucson, jewelry and a Wrigley Field experience like no other. Founders Steve and Sandie Geib always put together a memorable evening.
Monday, October 3 thru Friday, October 7, 2011 Fasig-Tipton Sale Pavilion, Lexington, Kentucky For nearly 15 years I have been part of this auction crew. The 2011 Lexington Select Yearling Sale featured the 1st foal crop of Deweycheatumnhow and Somebeachsomewhere. Sale topper brought $450,000. Nearly 800 head went over the auction block.
Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24, 2011 Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis It isn't always a charity event that finds me working an auction sale. The Inaugural Indiana Premier Yearling Sale for Standardbreds covered 2 sessions and over 300 head. Sale Topper sold for $95,000 with a final sale average about $13,000.
Monday, August 29, 2011 Eagle Seekers @ Walnut Grove Country Club for the Cassano Health Center, Dayton, Ohio The East Coast of America was cleaning up from Hurricane Irene; but Dayton Ohio enjoyed a glorious day of sun and lite breezes for this annual event. A sold out crowd enjoyed filets and then embraced a lively auction of about 18 items including a twosome at the December Lexus Champions for Charity tournament at Pebble Beach, Spy Glass & Spanish Bay, stays at Nemacolin in Pa, condo use in Beavercreek, Colorado, week in Cayman Brac on private beach, DC w/ airfares, Keeneland racing in chartered limo bus & Mike Elassas art.
Saturday, August 27, 2011 5th Annual Therapeutic Riding Institute Friendraiser @ Beechwood Farm, Centerville, Ohio A sold out tent of 185 guests spent an evening in support of this wonderful program founded in 1973. The Live Auction, Feed A Steed Funding Plea and a 1st time TRI Vacation offering of unique packages raised a record gross of $53,450. Raffles, a silent auction, sponsorships and ticket sales will push this even higher to a new record total. Sorrell Solutions helped in securing many of the new offerings. Click to see event photos
Friday, August 26, 2011 Yankee Trace Golf Course, Centerville, Ohio 7th Annual Golf outing hosted by Congressman Mike Turner (R), Ohio 3rd District. 132 avid golfers teed it up for this day of fun, food and fellowship capped by a short Live auction. This year the Highlight pkg was a personal tour of DC by Congressman Mike in his vintage 60's era Caddy convertible.
Saturday, August 20, 2011 4th Annual Dayton, Ohio Cattle Barons Ball for American Cancer Society Cowpokes and Cowgirls arrived in their best western attire at the 25 acres estate in Springboro, hosted by Dr William Hagerty and Colleen Maples. Hot Air Balloon Rides, a Mechanical Bull and the Buddy Rogers Band kept the evening entertaining and fun filled. The Live auction was Highlighted by the sale of a vacation getaway to Sea Island, Ga and the traditional auction of a Winchester rifle. This year it was the John Wayne short barrel, 32-40 "Duke" model. Sorrell Solutions has helped secure the Highest 6 selling items over the course of these 4 events.
Saturday, Aug 6, 2011 Ainad Shrine Center 14th Annual Gala, Columbia, Illinois Margaritaville attired guests enjoyed fabulous food and spectacular venue while bidding on items signed by WW11 Enola Gay Crew, Masters flag signed by Arnold Palmer, guitars signed by Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry and American Idol judge and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.
Sunday, July 24th Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati 4th Annual Furniture Fair Golf outing for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society featured former Bengal players from the Super Bowl team including the only Bengal in the HOF, Anthony Munoz. Following dinner a "Lively" brief auction of items added $10,900 to the bottom line.
Friday, July 22nd, Color of Energy Art Gallery, Dayton's Oregon District Renowned national artist Mike Elsass and acclaimed DDN award winning sports columnist Tom Archdeacon hosted former Heavyweight Boxing Champion James "Buster" Douglas as part of their Punchers & Painters summer series. For the uninformed, "Buster" busted Mike Tyson in February, 1990 in Tokyo, Japan in what ESPN has proclaimed the #2 Biggest Upset in Sports History to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World. I conducted a short Live auction of signed Buster items with the proceeds split between two foundations. In my career I have now done auctions with former Heavyweight Champions Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali and James "Buster" Douglas. In the ring, these men are dangerous individuals...in person, I've found them all to be quiet, accomodating to the public & gracious.
Monday, July 18th, 1st Ever Dayton Golf Classic @ Moraine Country Club in support of American Cancer Society exceeds goal of $100,000. Live auction pushes total "over the top" raising 124% of pre-sale values on 10 items in under 20 humorous, fun filled minutes.
Friday, July 8th, Archie Griffin Ballroom @ The Ohio State University, Solly & Sammy's Foundation for Peace This Inaugural Event drew 300+ guests in support of this newly created organization who gathered in the fabulous new Ohio Union. The Live auction raised 123% of pre-sale estimates. Packages included a Sonoma, California getaway w/ airfare for 2, original artwork, and signed musical & sports memorabilia. Sara Adkins, the founder of this group is one of the strongest, most inspiring humans I have encountered in years. Her support committee is outstanding as well. I am eager to work with them again and wish them well going forward in this endeavor. Here's a link to their website.
Saturday, June 25th Warren County Humane Association, Manor House, Mason, Ohio 1st time Live Auction and Funding Plea event for this privately funded non profit founded in 1973. 108 guests enjoyed a fabulous banquet meal, bid on 24 silent auction items and bought exciting items in a Live auction of 10 packages. The pre-sale committee goal of $20K was surpassed from a result of $3,200 in the silent auction, $10,000 in the Live auction and $10,750 in the finale Funding Plea. We began meeting 5 months in advance of the event and the committee was under 10 individuals.
This event mirrors my 1st event for the Therapeudic Riding Institute from 2007. They are also privately funded and founded in 1973. I will be conducting the 5th Friendraiser for them on August 27, 2011. Their 1st year total was $19,000, year 2 saw an increase to $32,000, growing to $45,000 in 2009 and setting a record at $52,000 in 2010. They've have never had a guest list in excess of 200.
Your organization can duplicate this success. You need patience and a desire to succeed. My help for you is a phone call away. 937-673-2440
Friday June 17th, Louisville, Kentucky, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale The Grand Ballroom of the landmark Galt House was near capacity for the 2011 campaign results crowning the Champion fund raisers for this Chapter of LLS. The Live auction exceeded pre-sale estimates thanks to a vacation package to Cabo San Lucas selling for $3,000, a week stay in Hilton Head being sold for $2,300 and 3 day stay on Lake Cumberland hammering down @ $800.
Friday, June 10th Cincinnati Leukemia & Lymphoma Grand Finale 300 + guests filled the fabulous Hall of Mirrors at the landmark Netherland Hilton in support of the 10 Men and Women candidates this year. When the vigorous bidding concluded, the Live Auction items sold for 127% of pre-sale estimates. The grand total this year is expected to reach $300,000.
Thursday, June 2nd Schuster Center, Downtown Dayton A sold out crowd attended the 8th Annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Grand Finale featuring 4 Women and 4 Men competing for the honor of Man & Woman of the Year for the Miami Valley. $292,000 was the announced result. The Live Auction items raised 123% of the pre-sale value estimates.
Saturday, May 21st, 7th Annual White Out Cancer for ACS hosted by Drs Sonu & Trusha Aggarwal. Over 400 guests Rocked the South Dayton Airport to the sounds of The Temps and DJ Ruckus Robitikus. The fervor continued thru the Live Auction raising 127% of pre-sale estimates on trips and experiences, including Los Cabos getaways, a Lake Erie sailing dinner for 6 and a private plane trip for two to Mon Ami Winery for dinner and drinks.
Saturday, May 7th, Greene Co Chapter of the American Red Cross 400 guests were "Putting on the Glitz" and their goal of raising $25,000 was blown away with a Live Auction and Funding Plea alone reaching $33,625 thanks to the assistance of Sorrell Solutions who helped the committee secure trips to NYC, Alaska Cruises with Celebrity, Wrigley Field experiences and fabulous Sports memorablia items.
Friday, April 29th, Dayton Visual Arts Center 18th Annual Art Auction, Sinclair Community College This was my 1st time as auctioneer for this fun event! It was an overwhelming success! Hundreds jammed the Great Hall to buy art of all kinds created by artists from the Miami Valley region with the proceeds supporting DVAC. 15 works were selected for the Live auction, modest Opening Bids were announced in the program; and when the final tally was taken they still sold for 120% of pre-sale estimates.
The following message was sent to DVAC members: "No final numbers yet; just a big WOW! and THANKS! If you were there, you know it was an unqualified success. What excitement! What energy! The room was pulsating with love and desire (for art, that is). Thank you all."
Jane A. Black
Saturday, April 16th Sorrell Solutions auctioneers conducted 4 successful galas in Cincinnati, Miamisburg, Columbus and Lorain... 2 exceeded $100,000.
Saturday April 16th, St. Ursula Villa, Cincinnati 350 guests bought 25 Live auction items and supported a Technology FUNDING PLEA to the tune of $96,000. Silent auction purchases using BidPal technology pushed the total far beyond $100K.
Saturday April 9th, Cincinnati, Moeller High School's 50th Anniversary Celebration @ the Savannah Center Record $100,000 Tuition Assistance Fund-A-Need Plea was raised from 29% (140) of the 475 guests in attendance. Entire evening set All Time total approaching $350,000. 38 Live auction items realized 100% of pre-sale estimates.
Saturday, April 9th, Cincinnati, SPCA "Fur Ball" Xavier's Cintas Center was the new venue for this festive, fabulous event. A Sorrell Solutions auctioneer raised over $30K in the Fund A Need Plea then sold unique items and exotic trips in the brief Live auction to over 600 guests.
Saturday, March 26th Purcell Marian High School, Cincinnati A crowd of nearly 300 attended this 33rd annual gala at Xavier's Cintas Center and raised nearly $50K in the Live auction and Funding Plea. A wonderful evening that exceeded pre-sale Auction and Funding Plea projections.
Thursday, March 24th Raleigh, North Carolina, The Lotus Survival Foundation Guests gathered at the Mint Restaurant for the 1st ever Live auction in support of this foundation that underwrites retreats for women dealing with cancer issues. Cruises, vacations to Spain & Portugal, NYC Getaways, all Inclusive pkgs to Cancun, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico were sold at this auction. Their next gala is booked for Saturday, Nov 12th atop the Wachovia Tower in Raleigh. I'll see you there!
Saturday, March 19th Doors of Compassion for Dayton's Ronald McDonald House Inaugural event held in Oakwood,Ohio saw 275+ guests bid 148% of pre-sale estimates in the Live Auction, followed by a "Pillar of the House" Funding Plea.
Saturday, March 19th Greene Foundation, Beavercreek, Ohio Sorrell Solutions worked in advance with this Hospital Foundation committee and supplied one of our highly trained, experienced auctioneers raising nearly $40K in the Live auction and Funding Plea exceeding pre-event expectations.
Friday, March 11th Miamisburg Business Association Monte Carlo & Auction, Baum Opera House A capacity crowd packed this Historic Registry site, "Elvis" warmed up the crowd with a fabulous set and I offered 15 fabulous items and experiences setting an all time record for this 7 year old event. Sorrell Solutions assisted the commitee in securing a Wrigley Field/Chicago Cubs Rooftop experience, a San Diego Race yachting getaway and the best array of silent auction items in the event history.
Saturday, March 12th South Dayton Commander Aero Hangar, Opera Guild of Dayton "Come Fly With Me" Ball The Commitee transformed a stark soaring space into a fabulous retro venue with the 17 piece Tom Daugherty Orchestra re-enacting America's Big Band era. 200+ guests packed the dance floor.Family members Steven Wright and Amada Wright-Lane served as guests of Honor and joined me onstage as we auctioned items relating to the world famous Wright Brothers. The modest Live auction realized 100% of pre-sale estimates and we were back to dancing and enjoying the music of a bygone era.
Saturday, March 5th The New School Montessori @ the 20th Century Theatre in Oakley (Cincinnati) 178 guests celebrated the 40th anniversary of this outstanding school for children from the age of 3 thru the 6th grade. A robust silent auction was followed by a Live auction of 20 items that realized $32,000... 136% of pre-sale estimates. I have been asked to hold the 1st Sat of March, 2012 for "Doug... version 2.0"
Friday, Feb 25, Columbus, Ohio - March of Dimes Women's Board Fashion Show and Celebration 52nd annual event, 2nd annual Live auction, 1st time for Sorrell Solutions. 175 guests bought 9 Live auction items for record $30,850 (173% of pre-sale estimates) and a 1st time ever Funding Plea added $10,000. Entire Live Auction and Plea was completed in under 30 minutes.
Monday, Feb 21, Dayton, Ohio Lincoln Day Dinner 1st time Live Auction added to long existing program raised over $36,000 (145% of pre-sale estimate) from 350 guests with 9 items and 1st ever Funding Plea.
Saturday Feb 12th, Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY ...sometimes I don't auction anything! That was the case when I served as Master of Ceremonies for the MSEDA annual awards banquet (Mid South Eventing & Dressage Association). Fabulous venue and food, 360 degree 17 minute surround video of the Thorobred Horse and history of the Run for the Roses; call to the banquet in uniform by a track bugler. Fabulous staycation experience for lovers of horse racing and horses.
Saturday Feb 5, 2011, Dayton The 21st Annual Artemis Center "Be A Star" Gala launches the 2011 season in spectacular fashion. An increased guest total of 255 raised 123% of pre-sale estimates on the Live auction items and 71 donors added over $25,000 in the Funding Plea helping the commitee exceed their $75,000 goal for the event.
Friday, Nov 5 Mandalay Banquet Center, Moraine The long running FAME Luncheon of the Montgomery County Medical Alliance held their 1st ever evening event featuring a fabulous Fashion Runway Show by Sak's 5th Ave, a Live auction and Fund the Need Plea followed by Washington DC's Capitol Steps. 250 guests raised nearly $30,000 in the 1st ever auction additon to their program.
Wednesday, Nov 3 Presidential Banquet Center, Kettering The 20th Annual Pet Afflaire to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Dayton drew 500 guests, 300 dogs and 1 cat! This year saw a 36% increase in the Live Auction and Funding Plea raising $30,000 in under 20 minutes. Rebooked for 2011
September 27, 2010 Eagle Seekers Golf Outing/Grandview Medical Foundation I have long held the belief that the succes of benefits is less about the number of guests you can get to attend and more about the people at your event. This event proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. 200 golfers registered for play with the buffet, program and Auction scheduled for the evening. Overcast weather was replaced with rainy and suddenly cold conditions forcing play to be halted mid afternoon after 5 or 6 holes. The entire program was moved to around 5pm...by the time we began the program under 75 people were in the banquet room. Caring people in support of a great cause will overcome all adversity. The pre-sale goal for the Live Auction was $50,000. The final result was $55,600 on 15 items. Rebooked for August 2011
September 9th and September 16th, 2010 Back to Back Thursday galas with about 250 guests at each event raised record sums for Agape for Youth and Wegerzyn Garden Foundation.
August 28, 2010 3rd Dayton Cattle Barons Ball 235 guests, budgeted goal for Live Auction and Funding Plea was $30K, 11 items sold for $38,400 on pre-sale estimate of $22,000 and Wrangle for Research raised an additional $26,000 helping ACS exceed their $100K goal with final net exceeding $127K. Rebooked for 2011 Click to see event photos
August 27, 2010 Auction following golf outing to 175 guests raises $25K in 15 minutes on event goal of $10K. Booked with them for August 25, 2011.
August 21, 2010 4th Annual Therapeutic Riding Institute Friendraiser has largest gross @ over $52K to 167 guests. I am booked with them for August 26, 2011. Click to see event photos
August 7, 2010 Ainad Shrine 13th Annual Black & White Auction, Columbia, Illinois @ The Falls Banquet Center...225 guests, my 1st event as their auctioneer...quoting event chair Chris Feix "In the past we've almost always used auctioneers that donated their services. This time we used Doug. He's amazing. For the 1st time ever we've had more compliments on the auctioneer than the auction. We had our highest gross ever and Doug is now our go-to guy forever". The Live auction did 168% of pre-sale estimate. I am booked with them for August 6, 2011.
Please have your group contact me now because I have bookings into July, 2012! If you are serious about raising funds
in an increasingly crowded market with a shrinking money pool, we should talk.
My committees continue to acheive success. I am a free phone call or email away.
Doug Sorrell