Ellen Toscano has earned the distinction as being the best fundraising auctioneer, having been crowned the Bid Masters champion for the second consecutive year. Making her the back-to-back Bid Masters Champion with national recognition as being the best benefit auctioneer in the nation. The Bid Masters Competition, hosted by PayBee, is held each year to give the recognition to some of the best auctioneers in the fundraising business. Auctioneers must endure an in-depth 8-week competition where public votes, fundraising accolades and a professional judging panel all combine to eventually find the national champion auctioneer.

Professional benefit auctioneers are unsung heroes who often come through time and time again for their nonprofit organizations, instrumental pieces of the fundraising process in helping nonprofits collect donations and raising on average 30% more than their amateur auctioneer counterparts for their good causes.

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1) Ellen Toscano

Ellen Toscano (yoursingingauctioneer.com), the Singing Auctioneer LLC founder, has been a professional singer, actress and stage performer most of her life. She brings a unique combination of fundraising chops, entertainment value, energy and wow factor to each of her fundraising events. A singer since the age of three, Toscano knows how to work a crowd. She’s capable of adapting to last-minute changes, writing her own scripts, and even promoting a nonprofit’s mission through custom songs (just listen to her celebrate the Salvation Army’s mission to the tune of Aretha Franklin’s “R.E.S.P.E.C.T”).

But for Toscano, hosting successful auctions requires more than just great stage presence. That’s why she also provides consulting services to help nonprofits plan their fundraisers. She knows when to plan for extra fundraising time, share powerful statistics that motivate audiences to donate, and rewrite live auction descriptions to make them more enticing to donors. All this has led her to work with regular nonprofit clients for years, often exceeding their fundraising goals by tens of thousands of dollars. It’s also made her the back to back winner in PayBee’s Bid Masters National Best Auctioneer Competition in 2024 and 2025. In addition to being the grand prize competition winner, she also was the winner of the Socialite Award (most fundraising events) and Difference Maker Award (highest fundraising yield) as well as the winner of the all important judging round where she scored the highest total points and earned distinction for Crowd Control, Professionalism and Entertainment Factor. This powerhouse combination makes her the undisputed current best national fundraising auctioneer in 2025.

Follow Ellen Toscano on Facebook and Instagram!

2) Chris Hensley

Chris Hensley (bidraisebid.com) is the national runner-up best charity and benefit auctioneer. In this year’s competition, Chris came in second in both the popular voting portion of the competition as well as the professional judging portion of the competition, earning the distinction of having raised the most funds of any auctioneer in 2025. Over his career Chris has helped hundreds of nonprofit charities to raise more money for their mission through gala fundraisers. Based in Chicago, Chris conducts gala auctions all across Illinois and the nation. He is currently licensed in Illinois and Florida.

3) Emily Quinn

Emily Quinn (auctionemily.com) is the second runner-up best fundraising auctioneer of 2025. In a tight race, Emily claimed a very important accolade as the  competition Trendsetter, receiving more public votes for best auctioneer than any other auctioneer in 2025, proving how valuable she is to her fundraising clients. In addition to serving as an auctioneer, Emily also consults with nonprofits and foundations seeking to raise funds and create long-lasting relationships with donors and sponsors through fundraising events. Since 2008, Emily has worked with nonprofit organizations and corporations of all sizes, helping raise millions for her clients’ good causes. Contact Emily today to explore how she can help you build relationships, create experiences and grow your impact.

4) David Aahl

David Aahl (auctionsbydavid.com) began his journey into the world of auctioneering at a young age, captivated by the rhythmic cadence and energy that define the craft. Gaining true mastery over his craft, David was the unanimous winner of the “Best Fundraising Chant” category in this year’s competition and finished third in the professional voting stage of the competition, along with a strong overall top 5 performance in the competition. David is a proud graduate of The Missouri School of Auctioneering (1991), and has spent over three decades mastering the art, selling everything from collector cars to antiques with expertise and enthusiasm.

5) Dani Hollis

Dani Hollis (bidraisebid.com) is a newcomer to Bid Masters this year, and she cemented her status as one of the best auctioneers in the fundraising business by securing a top 5 overall finish. Dani was singled out by the professional judges as having great floor presence and perhaps beng the most well rounded auctioneer in the competition, showing no weak points and receiving high marks in every aspect of the voting. Dani Hollis (they/them) is a magnetic presence connecting passion with purpose both on and off the stage. A fundraising consultant by day and benefit auctioneer by night, Dani doesn’t just call out bids—they spark movements. With over a decade serving in nonprofit leadership roles, Dani bridges the gap between donor psychology and high-energy crowd work to make every attendee feel like the most important person in the room. Their magic lies in seeing the “heartbeat of the room,” turning standard galas into inclusive communities where everyone has a role to play. Dani is best known for their signature rally cry: “Whether you’re giving dollars or hollers, YOU matter, right here, right now, in this mission moment”.

6) Chris Maliszewski

Chris Maliszewski (hailhailauctions.com), owner of Hail Hail Auctions, is a dynamic auctioneer known for combining a high-energy performance with a fun and professional stage presence. With years of experience driving successful fundraising events, Chris has built a reputation for engaging audiences and inspiring bidders to enthusiastically support the cause. His approach blends authenticity, entertainment, strategy, and genuine connection ensuring every guest feels part of the mission.

7) Theresa Farrel

Theresa Farrel (theresafarrell.com) is a Certified Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) with two decades of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience. She is the founder of BoldWave Fundraising, where she pairs dynamic on-stage auctioneering with comprehensive consulting including a resource library and portal for clients.

8) Toney Thornhill

Toney Thornhill (bidwithhca.com) believes that fundraising auctions are unique and require more than just an auctioneer. They demand expertise, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of how to inspire generosity. Higher Calling Auctions has built its reputation on delivering exceptional results for nonprofit organizations. Led by Toney Thornhill, one of only 400 auctioneers worldwide to hold the prestigious Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation, the team brings unmatched expertise to every event.

9) TiWanna Kenney

TiWanna Kenney (marquamagency.com) is a dynamic and fearless auctioneer who possesses a unique ability to ignite excitement and generosity in any room. With a captivating stage presence and infectious energy, she effortlessly connects with audiences, inspiring them to open their hearts and wallets in support of worthy causes. TK’s passion for philanthropy and her unwavering commitment to empowering nonprofits have made her a sought-after auctioneer across the country. Her innovative approach to fundraising and her ability to create unforgettable experiences have helped countless organizations achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on their communities. Through her dedication and expertise, TK is transforming the landscape of charitable giving, one auction at a time.

10) Ruth Grayson

Ruth Grayson (blissauctions.com) is an up-and-coming talent in the benefit auction space and has combined her decades’ worth of event experience with her training as an actor and performer at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to help nonprofits achieve event bliss! In addition to consulting with multiple local organizations about their fundraising strategies, Ruth has hosted numerous events, bringing her fresh energy, witty charm and passion for connecting communities to stages both in-person and virtual.

11) Lucas Hunt

Lucas Hunt (huntauctioneers.com) is the president of HUNT Philanthropy and a celebrated American poet, whose published books include IOWA, HAMPTONS, and NEW YORK. Over the past 12 years, he has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for organizations like St. Jude, Make A Wish, American Cancer Society, and The Museum of African American History. He is a graduate of World Wide College of Auctioneering, and a Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) with the National Auctioneer’s Association.

12) Allen Alley

Allen Alley (linkedin.com/allenalley) isn’t really an auctioneer. He is an entrepreneur and community volunteer. After a successful career in business, Allen wanted to give back to his community. Attending auctions with his wife Debbie, he saw a need to help out smaller charities by volunteering his time as an auctioneer. Allen’s mother was an actress and his dad was a singer so being on stage was something that literally was in his blood. Over the past 15 years, Allen has volunteered for small elementary schools to major museums and nonprofits raising millions of dollars. His style more western cattle auction than Sotheby’s, but the overriding theme is to have fun and raise money for good causes.

13) Keith McLane, BAS

Keith McLane, BAS (klmauctions.com/auctioneers) is one of the country’s preeminent fundraising auctioneers and special appeal/fund-a-need experts. McLane holds an MBA from The Anderson School at UCLA, a BA in History from UCSB, and is a graduate of the world-renowned Missouri Auction School. He is a bonded auctioneer and has been a licensed real estate broker in the state of CA since 1993.

14) Micki Pickering

Micki Pickering (mickip.com) is a high-energy benefit auctioneer, emcee, and fundraising consultant known for turning generosity into momentum‚ and rooms full of people into rooms full of donors. With a background in live event production, sharp wit, commanding stage presence, and a deep understanding of donor psychology, she breaks donor fatigue and raises serious dollars for nonprofits nationwide. Equal parts strategist and show-stopper, she transforms well-produced events into unforgettable experiences that move money, mission, and momentum.

15) Michael Tate

Michael Tate (cardinalatwork.stanford.edu) is a seasoned public speaker and a force in the Bay Area nonprofit sector. Since realizing his knack for connecting with audiences as a fifth grader in Ohio, he has matured into a sought-after live auctioneer and emcee. He has lent his voice and strategy to dozens of organizations, including Project Open Hand, AmazonWatch, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum, helping them reach critical fundraising goals.  By day Michael is a dynamic product manager and community leader who thrives at the intersection of digital innovation and social impact. Michael serves as a Product Manager at the Stanford Alumni Association, where he transforms whiteboard concepts into essential digital tools, including a massive, “accessible out-of-the-box” platform migration he spearheaded to modernize the alumni experience.

16) Dan Newman

Dan Newman (alaskapremierauctions.com) is a professionally certified auctioneer and founder of Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals LLC, having graduated from the Missouri Auction School, the “Harvard” of auction schools. He has over 12 years of broadcast TV and digital media marketing and sales expertise that he uses to help promote his auctions online. Dan is a member and ambassador for the state of Alaska for the National Auctioneers Association. He has gone above and beyond in his training and continuing education in the auction industry to earn his Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation.

17) Vern Glenn

Vern Glenn (vernglenninvitational.net) is a five-time Emmy Award-winning Sports Director at KPIX 5. Inducted into the SF/NorCal Silver Circle Hall of Fame (2020). Founder of The Vern Glenn Invitational nonprofit. Tireless advocate for Bay Area causes.

18) Freddie Silveria

Freddie Silveria (freddiesilveria.com) is one of two California auctioneers with the CAI designation from Indiana University. One of 14 in California with BAS designation. Bilingual graduate from the World Wide College of Auctioneering. Has helped raise over $50 million. Sacramento’s 40 Under 40 honoree.

19) Tom Stebbins

Tom Stebbins (newyorkemcee.com) has helped raise millions for internationally recognized nonprofits including American Heart Foundation, Make-A-Wish, and Teach for America. Named to City & State’s Law Power 100. MBA from Cornell, BA from Vassar. Former Goldman Sachs wind farm developer and PBS publicist.

20) Tony Shaw

Tony Shaw (charityworks.net) is the Director of Philanthropy for CharityWorks Auction Company. Over 10 years dedicated full time to charity auctions in Southern California. Previously had a 20-year career as a high school administrator and college counselor.

21) Suzanne Martin

Suzanne Martin (inspiredbenefitauctions.com) is the CEO and Founder of Inspired Benefit Auctions. Holds both BAS and CAI designations. Former Chief Development Officer for a national nonprofit. Former Hollywood actress and professional clown “Sneakerz” who volunteered at children’s hospitals and Special Olympics.

22) Steve Godfryd

Steve Godfryd (pacificauctioncompany.com) founded Pacific Auction Company in 2003. Former 15-year professional nonprofit fundraiser. Personally generates millions annually for charitable organizations. Style blends old-fashioned country with high-brow city flair.

23) Nicole Cowan

Nicole Cowan (bossauctioneer.com) is a professional benefit auctioneer with experience in auto and livestock auctions, over ten years in the nonprofit sector, and fourteen years of professional Hungarian folk dancing.

24) Scott Jones

Scott Jones (raisingpaddles.com) has over 27 years in the fundraising auction industry. The only auctioneer in the world to hold the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

25) Zack Zumstein

Zack Zumstein (idahohorsesale.com) is a professional auctioneer and announcer and a 2024 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion finalist.

26) George Franco

George Franco (yourgoodnewsauctioneer.com) is a former award-winning TV journalist at Fox 5 News in Atlanta, plus stints in LA, Sacramento, and Albuquerque. Holds BAS designation (only 3% of auctioneers nationwide). Bilingual in Spanish and English.

27) Jim Nye

Jim Nye (losangelesauctioneer.com) is a fundraising auctioneer specializing in charity auctions and nonprofit fundraisers. Known for his passion and long list of repeat clients.

28) Lyla Stebbins

Lyla Stebbins (bidfirefundraising.com) is a 17-year-old student at Bethlehem Central High School. Began benefit auctioneering in 2022 alongside her dad Tom Stebbins, starting with an American Heart Association event personal to her due to her own heart surgery. Also a competitive dancer, student dance teacher, and avid runner.

29) Mike Hogan

Mike Hogan (fundraisersonly.com) has over 20 years as an emcee and auctioneer. Member of the National Association of Auctioneers, ISES, and Association of Fundraising Professionals. Holds the BAS designation (fewer than 140 worldwide at that time).

30) Scott Kolb

Scott Kolb (linkedin.com/scottkolb) of the Auction Broadcasting Company holds a CAI designation, one of only 828 in North America. Known as “The Most Trusted Name in Benefit Auction Events.”

31) Sean Kelley

Sean Kelley (linkedin.com/dothebigdream) stumbled into fundraising in 2003 after covering an event for a friend. Combines 18 years of sales experience with 10 years of stand-up comedy. Has raised millions for numerous organizations. Known as “The Charity Auctioneer.”

32) Steve Haworth

Steve Haworth (thatauctionguy.live) has over 25 years as a professional auctioneer. Owner of Auction Fundraising, LLC (“That Auction Guy”), serving the greater Bay Area. Has covered high-profile events for Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Foundation, Tiger Woods Foundation, GRAMMY’s MusiCares Person of the Year Awards, and more.

33) Susan Johnson

Susan Johnson (linkedin.com/susanjohnsonbas) has over 20 years in the auction industry. Two-time Champion Bid Calling Auctioneer. Specializes in benefit and fundraising events for nonprofits and private schools. Continually seeks cutting-edge technologies and education.

34) Andrew Bost

Andrew Bost (bostbenefitauctions.com) started in entertainment on stage and cruise ships selling fine art through live auctions worldwide. Licensed Texas auctioneer and one of the first certified BAS specialists from the NAA’s inaugural class. BA in Psychology. Has performed at events throughout Texas and the country.

35) Bobby D. Ehlert

Bobby D. Ehlert (calltoauction.com) has over two decades of experience. Founder of Call To Auction Inc. (2014) and co-founder of Inspire Hearts Fundraising (2018), the only Special Appeal Paddle Raise-focused fundraising firm in the nation. Co-hosts the “Heart of the Gala” podcast. Serves on ILEA and Long Island Association of Fundraising Professionals boards.

36) Cathy Macpherson

Cathy Macpherson (macphersonfundraising.com) has over fourteen years raising funds for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society (eleven years on their board). Created a fundraiser that surpassed the million-dollar mark. Award-winning professional speaker, storyteller, and accomplished Toastmaster. Holds BAS certification and advanced wine studies certificate from Boston University.

37) Chuck Mutz

Chuck Mutz (blacktieauctions.biz) is a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist who guides auction committees through planning pitfalls. Hands-on approach suited for any size event. Services include live auctions, silent auctions, registration, online services, and consulting.

38) Erin Ward

Erin Ward (starbenefitauctions.com) has over a decade in fundraising, helping hundreds of nonprofits raise millions. Co-owner of Inspire Hearts Fundraising and owner of Star Benefit Auctions. Mission ambassador, professional auctioneer, and nonprofit trainer. Her life story, cultural insights, and storytelling make her a dynamic force.

39) Franco Finn

Franco Finn (instagram.com/francofinn) has been the “Warriors’ Hype Man” for the Golden State Warriors for 15 seasons, energizing crowds of up to 20,000 nightly. TV personality for Warriors TV and CBS entertainment correspondent. Manages Franco Finn Entertainment. Has worked with American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Make-A-Wish, Disney, Coca-Cola, and more.

40) Fred Northup

Fred Northup (frednorthup.com) is one of the Pacific Northwest’s busiest entertainers: auctioneer, host, actor, and comedy improviser. 10-year company member of Seattle’s “TheatreSports.” Clients include Museum of Flight, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Susan G. Komen, March of Dimes, and Lakeside School.

41) Janelle Taylor

Janelle Taylor (galagal.com) is recognized as the nation’s premier Benefit Auction Educator. Has been mentoring and training auctioneers since 2004. Over 300 professionals have taken her 3-day “BOOTCAMP for Benefit Auctioneers” where they learn 65 Ways to Create Prepared Bidders and 35 Additional Revenue Generators.

42) Jay Fiske

Jay Fiske (auctionhelp.com) is the founder of Northwest Benefit Auctions and Co-founder/Co-President of MaestroSoft. Author of “The Big Book of Benefit Auctions” (John Wiley & Sons). Regularly trains national organizations and local auction committees. Clients routinely exceed their goals using his techniques and “revenue enhancers.”

43) John Van Dalen

John Van Dalen (linkedin.com/john-van-dalen) is an actor, entertainer, and auctioneer. Provides consignment auction items at no risk to organizations, sets up displays, handles purchases, and serves as live auctioneer, MC, and entertainment. A one-man show dedicated to maximizing funds.

44) Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell (jordan-campbell.net), known as “the Kilted Scotsman,” is a licensed auctioneer specializing in nonprofit galas, live and virtual. Lives by “Engage, Educate and Resonate.” Scottish humor and boundless energy have helped break fundraising records time and again.

45) Lance Walker

Lance Walker (walkerauctions.com) founded Walker Auctions LLC 45 years ago. Over 3,000 auctions throughout his career. Former President of the National Auction Association. Inducted into the Tennessee and Missouri Auctioneer’s Hall of Fame. Co-wrote the BAS curriculum and taught it to hundreds. Featured on TV’s “Hoarders.” Hosts the radio show and podcast “Time to Sell.”

46) Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas (moneyforthecause.com) is a Texas State Champion Auctioneer. Graduate of Certified Auctioneers Institute (3-year program). Holds BAS designation. Elected to the Texas Auctioneers Association Board of Directors. Also holds Texas State Champion Rookie Auctioneer and Champion Ringman titles. Based in Fort Worth.

47) Magen McRoberts

Magen McRoberts (boundless-impact.com) is founder, event producer, and auctioneer for Auction Event Works and Boundless Impact Agency. Second-generation auctioneer passionate about helping clients through every aspect of the fundraising process.

48) Seth Weiner

Seth Weiner (yourrocktioneer.com) is “Your Rocktioneer.” Over 20 years in the music industry. Certified BAS (one of only 234 nationwide) and CAI graduate. Hosts podcasts Coffee Connections and Inside Out. Known for turning fundraising into a creative experience, making donors feel like rockstars.

49) Tamara Whelpley

Tamara Whelpley (linkedin.com/tamara-whelpley) is a graduate of World Wide College of Auctioneering (2013) with auctioneering and bilingual certifications. One of fewer than 200 BAS-trained auctioneers. Has raised funds for St. Jude, Project Angel Heart, Colorado AIDS Project, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Extensive travels throughout third world countries and years of nonprofit volunteering.

50) Vanessa Thanos

Vanessa Thanos (thatauctiongirl.com) began to develop her fast-calling talent at age 10 at her family’s Christmas tree lot in LA. Interned at Christie’s in Beverly Hills and Sotheby’s in Madrid. Graduate of Missouri Auction School. Featured on ABC’s “The Great Big American Auction” with Ty Pennington. Fluent in Spanish and Greek. Based in Dallas.

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