Recent Events
The 2012 charity auction season was RECORD BREAKING! If your event is not achieving your financial goals, it's NOT the economy. It's advance planning and your professional personnel. 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 3 Years
Continue to Impress!
The guest size has returned to pre-2008 levels!
Friday, April 26, 2013 Dayton Visual Arts Auction, Great Hall at Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio 650 enthusiastic patrons turned out for this 19th annual event which is the single largest fund raiser for this iconic institution. Over 120 Miami Valley area artists donated an item to be sold during the evening. In the Live Auction we featured a dozen works that sold for a record average of $1,000 each.
Saturday, April 20, 2013, Moeller High School Main Event, Savannah Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 400+ guests came out to support the "Men of Moeller" ...the Live auction realized 106% of pre sale estimates on 25 items that sold for $43,100. The silent auction featured 226 items that sold for another $43,000. The BIG EVENT of the evening was the Challenge Funding Plea. An anonymous angel donor offered to match this portion of the evening if it reached $165,000.00. The guests in attendance pledged $193,800! When all the monies are tallied, this evening will exceed $500,000 once again.
Saturday, April 13, 2013, Eagle Wings Therapeutic Riding, Piqua Country Club, Piqua, Ohio. An enthusiastic crowd turned out once again for this annual event with my brother Steve Sorrell handling the auction duties ably assisted by Dayton Radio Hall of Fame K99 morning host Nancy Wilson. Sorrell Solutions has 7 well qualified, experienced auctioneers in addition to Doug capable of handling any size event. Call us: 937-673-2440.
Saturday, April 13, 2013, Cincinnati SPCA Fur Ball, Sharonville Convention Center 800 guests pledged over $78,000 in Funding Plea for 35 new " Critical Care Units" followed by Live auction that included trips to NYC, Hilton Head, Pinehurst and Orlando. Renown wildlife artist John Ruthven was honoree. Local Acme Comedy Company closed the evening with impromptu set for remaining guests.Sunday, March 10, 2013 Spring Valley Academy, Centerville, Ohio at Moraine Country Club Themed "The Greatest Auction on Earth", guests at this years gala were treated to clowns, acrobats, jugglers, a Ringmaster, circus band, custom cookie carousel horses at every table, and bags of popcorn as snacks. 207 guests were bombarded by the delightful atmosphere. They responded. The inaugural 2012 event netted $98,000 from all sources. This year the dozen Live auction items sold for $46,450 and a $20,000 Challenge Funding Plea was doubled with $40,000 donated by the guests, bringing this Worthy Student Fund project $60,000 of new funds. Just my portion of the evening raised in excess of $106,000 in 70 minutes. Total event gross exceeded $180,000 earmarked to replace computers, upgrade software and support the Worthy Student Fund with tuition assistance. "Dear Doug, THANK YOU so much for your guidance and wisdom in planning our event, and also the fabulous performance the evening of. You are an amazing auctioneer." Heidi Shull, President, SVA Home and School Assoc.
Saturday, March 9, 2013, DGMC, Top of the Market, Dayton, Ohio This was a wild event, highlighted by a performance of Dayton's famous Rubi Girls and event host Dayton Gay Men's Chorus. Alaska cruises with Celebrity lines, Lake Louis, Alberta, Canada Ski trips and Bloomingdale's Shopping extravaganza were among the Live auction pkgs successfully sold. Click photo to enlarge.Friday, March 1, 2013, Miamisburg Merchants Monte Carlo and Auction, Baum Opera House, Miamisburg, Ohio. "Thank you sooooooo much for auctioneering last night. It was our best crowd ever at the Monte Carlo." Bonnie Nolan, President, MMA. I think this nearly decade old event had its best money result. It's fun to help your Hometown Business Association raise funds to support local activities.
Saturday, February 9, 2013 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Manor House, Mason, Ohio Over 500 guests raised a record $165,000 in the first time this event was held on consecutive years. You simply needed to be there! Heads N Tails, raffle to Paris, France with a "new" twist, fantasy private tour of Yankee Stadium. Booked for return in 2014.
Saturday, February 2, 2013 St. Mary School, Columbus, Ohio The largest guest size in the 8 years of this event raised a record $35,000 for the oldest Catholic school in Central Ohio. My first time to work with this group. I am being brought back for 2014. Naming Rights for their Gym in 2013-2014 school year sold for $3,600. A Wrigley Field experience sold twice.
Saturday, November 10, 2012, Mars Hill Academy Fall Fundraiser, the Manor House, Mason, Ohio 300 guests visited, dined and witnessed their 1st auction utilizing a professional auctioneer. 20 Live auction items sold for over 95% of pre-sale estimates and a 1st time Funding Plea with a goal of $15,000 realized $16,500 for creation of a school playground!
Thursday, November 8,2012, 22nd annual Pet Afflaire for the Greater Dayton Humane Association, Presidential Banquet Center, Kettering, OH 277 guests, 150+ dogs and 1 cat attended this year and were Wowed by the exhibition of Performance Speed Artist Tim Decker. His 3 pieces of art "created to music in moments" garnered $6,000 followed by the auction of trips, unique items and a $16,000 Funding Plea. New this year for this 110 year old organization was a version of Heads N Tails renamed Noses N Tails that added over $1,400!
Friday, November 2, 2012, 5th Annual Miracles Happen Benefit for Advanced Breast Cancer Research, Shaker Heights Country Club, Cleveland, Ohio 3rd trip to Cleveland in 2012 found me with 300 guests working with University Hospitals on behalf of the Seidman Cancer Center. Miracle Fund Founder Ned Hyland has raised $2 Million in the last 4 years to establish the Diana Hyland Chair for Breast Cancer. This years guests bid 118% of pre-sale estimates on trips, art and electronics and the Funding Plea finale added an additional $27,750. Wonderful venue, great cause.
Saturday, October 20, 2012 8th Annual All Saints Spectacular, Montgomery, Ohio This event is held in the school gymnasium with funds donated by the late Marge Schott, former owner of the Cincinntai Reds. This was my first auction for the committee. 260 guests bid on and bought 35 Live items for 122% of pre-sale estimates and matched a $20K "challenge" Funding Plea for tuition assistance resulting in over $40K to support families in need of help.
Tuesday, October 2 Thru Saturday Oct 6th, Fasig-Tipton Sale Pavilion, Lexington, Kentucky This legendary Namebrand held their 1st horse auction at Madison Square Gardens in the late 1890's. I have had the honor of working equine auctions at this venue for many years. This year on the first 522 head of Standardbred Yearlings we had an average of over $40,800. Total this year was over 700 head.
September 27 & 28, West Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds - Indiana Premier Sale 297 head of Indiana's finest Yearling Standardbred's sold for an average of $7,700. My love of auctions began at horse auctions during my teens.
Monday, August 27, 2012 Kenwood Country Club Golf Outing for American Cancer Society, Cincinnati area This event raised over $300K for 1st time and included Live Auction on handful of items that achieved 150% of pre-sale estimates.
Saturday, July 28, 2012 Gala of Hope for ACS, Beavercreek, Ohio The largest Fund Raiser in the History of the Dayton/Miami Valley area is in the books. 650 guests attended this inaugural gala and by the end of the festivities were told the event had grossed nearly $700,000. Bob Mills, Barbara Schenck and Team Mills created this result from scratch in under 5 months. Since 2009 I have had the honor of working with Bob and his team on 3 charity events for 3 different organizations that support cancer treatment/research raising over $1.8 million. Click to see event photos
Monday, July 23, 2012, Benhams Grove, Centerville, Ohio DABR RPAC The Realtors and Politicos shared wine, appetizers and conversation at this years event capped by an auction of electronics, gift baskets, adventure and art. The items sold for 148% of pre-sale estimates topping the 2012 financial result. Heads and Tails made its debut and I'm guessing it will repeat in 2013.
Monday, June 25, 2012 Greater Dayton Golf classic for American Cancer, Moraine Country Club Cleveland Browns 2012 Legends inductee Ernie Green and his wife Della hosted this 2nd annual event raising $157,000. A 1st time Funding Plea at this golf outing added $16,600 and the 9 Live auction items sold for 100% of pre-sale estimates.
Saturday, June 16, 2012 Leukemia and Lymphoma Finale for Kentucky and Southern Indiana, Kentucky State Fair & Exposition Center, Louisville, KY Retired legendary U of L coach Denny Crum was an attendee this year, joined by 200+ enthusiastic guests who bid on and bought Live and silent auction items secured by the 12 Men and Women of the year 2012 candidates. 5 year old Ashton Lovett and 6 year old Hadyn Warman launched the Live auction by offering a Build a Bear they each created. Once again I was ably assisted by Louisville media celeb Tara Bassett.
Saturday, June 8, 2012 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Finale, Cincinnati, Ohio Over 300 guests gathered at the Netherland Hilton Hall of Mirrors to celebrate the 11 Men and Women candidates in the 13th annual Finale for the Cincinnati chapter. The Live auction items sold for 97% of pre-sale estimates and a new twist on a Last Chance Funding Plea credited to candidates added $10,650 to the bottom line. Grand Total this year was announced at $312,000.
Saturday, June 2, 2012 Susan G. Komen For The Cure "Pinktacular", The Country Club, Cleveland, Ohio "It's HOT PINK in Cleveland!" Nearly 300 guests attired in Pink Chic cocktail attire came out in support of the Northeast Chapter of this organization for a 1st time event that included a professional auctioneer and "Raise the Paddle" Plea. The 7 Live auction items sold for 114% of pre-sale estimates for over $30,000 and "Raise the Paddle" added $87,500 from 62 donors bringing the Live Auction and Plea total to over $117,000. Sponsorships, Silent auction, Raffles, program ad sales and ticket sales generated additional revenue streams to help this committee far exceed their original event goal.
Friday, May 18, 2012 Dayton Area Leukemia & Lymphoma Man & Woman of the Year Finale A capacity crowd filled the Wintergarten at the Schuster Center for this 9th Annual event. 9 candidates raised a total of $391,000. 8 Live auction items sold for $26,200 and a Hybrid Funding Plea "credited to candidates" added over $17,000 to the previously mentioned total.
Saturday, May 12, 2012 Miamisburg Rotary Club, Baum Opera House A small but supportive crowd of 120 attended this years Esther Philhower Charity Auction. My brother Steve took the podium and auctioned 20 Live auction items for 114% of pre-sale estimates raising $8,915 in the Live auction. This role reversal had me spending those 45 minutes Bid Spotting. The 4 tables of silent items will easily elevate the monies raised to a record level for our local Rotary organization.
Saturday, May 5, 2012 "Putting on the Glitz" Greene County chapter of American Red Cross, Hope Conference Center, WPAFB, Ohio Dressed to the 9's with their Derby hats, gowns and semi formal attire, 300+ guests filled the banquet hall in support of the Red Cross. The successful Live auction included OSU & Big Red machine signed memorabilia, zipline adventure with B & B stay and America's Cup Yacht Racing in San Francisco Bay with round trip air and 4 nite Marriott stay.
Friday, May 4, 2012 Cleveland Leukemia & Lymphoma Finale, Marriott Key Center, Cleveland,Ohio Thank you Cleveland for the warm welcome and for raising over $316,000 in your 9 person campaign. Live auction items included Mercedes tour of Germany & the Austrian Alps, sail boat adventures on Lake Erie, Goodyear blimp, owners box @ the Indians, Salvador Dali and custom Build a Bears from Ethan and Rylee. The 360 guests pledged monies in a Funding Plea resulting in even more funds for this worthy organization.
Saturday, April 28, 2012 St. Ursula Villa "Vilabration", Cincinnati, Ohio Supporters of this pre-school thru 8th grade school packed the Multi-Purpose room for the silent auction, then moved to the gym for dinner and the Live auction portion of the evening. And what an auction it was! Tickets to Dancing with the Stars from former Champion and attendee Drew Lachey, meet and greet VIP package for 4 with Peter Frampton, tickets for Saturday Night Live taping and NYC pkg for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with stay in Trump Plaza. Live items sold for 180% of pre-sale estimates and a Special Appeal of over $42,000 brought this portion of the event monies to a record $111,000. Spectacular evening of fun and fund raising.
Friday, April 27, 2012 Dayton Visual Arts Center Auction, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio The Great Hall at Sinclair was packed for the 18th Annual DVAC art auction. Published suggested opening bids were no deterrent to the actual Live bidding as Art Lovers bid on and bought the 16 varied art works realizing final bids of 206%. This is the largest yearly fund raising event for this Miami Valley Arts Organization. The silent auction offered well over 100 additional works displayed in 4 sponsored area. A really fun evening taped for broadcast by the local cable access staff.
Saturday, April 21, 2012 Moeller High School "Moetown" Main Event, Savannah Ctr, Cincinnati, Ohio $506,200 Funding Plea for Tuition Assistance - Over $250,000 raised in a Challenge Offer from 132 donors in attendance, the Alumni Assoc and in advance from former Main Event Chairs and Donors unable to attend... matched by an Anonymous Angel Donor resulting in a Grand Total of over $500,000! The Funding Plea had a 30% donor rate from guests at the Event ranging in 7 levels from $10,000 (4) down to $100 (32). Over 30 Live auction items added to the party atmosphere. Final numbers have not yet been released, but I suspect the final net from all sources to far exceed $600K... in 2011 this event did $325K, in 2010 $292K.
Saturday April 14, 2012 Eagle Wings Stable, Piqua Country Club. Piqua, Ohio The 3rd Annual Charity Auction and Dinner for this Therapeutic Riding program was again successful. The 12 Live auction items sold for 129% of pre-sale estaimtes and included pairs of tickets for NFL fans to attend the Bengals vs Cowboys and Bengals vs reigning Super Bowl Champion NY Giants. A Feed the Steed Funding Plea concluded the evening festivities.
Saturday March 24, 2012 The Antioch School, Yellow Springs, Ohio Advance event total goal $25,000... actual net result was $92,000! Saturday Night Live alum Julia Sweeney to benefit a 90 year old alternative elementary school with 275 guests and me! 1st time event for this venerable institution saw the Live auction items sell for over 200% of pre-sale estimates. A first time Funding Plea raised an additional $20K with an "Angel" donor matching this total, bringing the Live auction, Funding Plea and Angel Donor match to over $60K in a 40 minute time frame of the evening activities. Ticket sales, program sponsor ads, raffle and an extensive silent auction will add to the bottom line. A fun, entertaining evening for all that will grow in years to come.
Sunday March 4, 2012 Spring Valley Academy, NCR Country Club, Kettering, Ohio Another 1st time event for me realized over $70K for this institution in just the Live auction and Funding Plea with a guest total of about 250. Sorrell's Solutions help the committee secure fabulous trips and a signed, mounted, framed Smoking Joe Frazier boxing robe that sold for $1,750.
Saturday March 3, 2012 The New School Montessori, Cincinnati, Ohio My 2nd auction for this group was as much fun as the 1st. 300 guests filled the Historic Oakley Theatre in support of the students and their Montessori Program. Live auction items with pre-sale estimates sold for a staggering 164% of value. 1st time "Fun" items that have no real value added an additional $12,250 to the bottom line. A student class art item realized $5,000.
Friday March 2, 2012 8th Annual Monte Carlo & Auction at the Baum Opera House, Miamisburg, Ohio hosted by the Miamisburg Merchants Association My family has been merchants in my hometown since the mid 1930's. My Dad was President of this Assoc in the 60's, I was President in 1984. When the group came up with the idea of a Monte Carlo, I suggested addition of a Live auction. The proceeds underwrite many other community activities during the year. This year Sorrell's Solutions secured fabulous Silent & Live auction items from signed Star Wars & Star Trek montages to items signed by Johnny Depp, the Big Red Machine, Mick Jagger, Manning family (Archie, Peyton & Eli) & James Bond actors. We even had signed montages from the cast of Cheers & Happy Days. By the way, it was their most successful event ever.
Saturday February 25, 2012 Rio Carnival Grand Affair for St. Columban, Receptions Center, Cincinnati, Ohio A festive crowd of revelers enjoyed the evening of Raffles, Heads N Tails, 1st choice, silent and Live auctions. Live auction included week stays in Nicaraqua, Wrigley Field Rooftop experience, The Outerbanks, NYC and Napa Valley w/ airfares. Live auction surpassed 90% pf pre-sale estimates.
Friday February 24, 2012 53rd Annual Fashion Show and Celebration for March of Dimes Women's Board, Columbus, Ohio The fabulous dock 580 venue near the Short North was the place to be and be seen for this fun event. A sold out crowd spent 132% of pre-sale estimates on items ranging from OSU sport experiences to Colorado ski trips. A Funding Plea added extra dollars to the net result.
Saturday February 18, 2012 Artemis Center Moraine Country Club, Dayton, Ohio long time event drew larger guest list to new venue. Live auction items raised 115% of estimates and 61 donors (over 20%) added over $24K in Funding Plea.
Saturday February 11, 2012 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Great Wolfe Lodge, Mason, Ohio 1st time committee ever secured a professional auctioneer. 500+ guests bid on and bought 24 items in the Live auction for 138% of pre-sale estimates(values). 184 guests enjoyed a Heads N Tails game with the winner walking off with $2,300. This previously every other year event may now become an annual event.
I am booked to April 12, 2014, but I still have open dates; including accepting new clientele. Its best to call and see if I am available for your event date. If you are serious about raising funds in an increasingly crowded market with a shrinking money pool, we should talk.
My committees continue to achieve success. I am a free phone call or email away.
Doug Sorrell