Great Fundraising Auction Item Ideas
Organizations and Non Profits
That Karen Has Served:
★ACES XAVIER
★Aids Foundation
★Alliance Francaise
★Alzheimer's Association
★American Cancer Society
★American Diabetes Association
★American Refuge Committee
★Amigos De Los Ninos L.C.
★Ann Bancroft Awards
★Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce
★ARM Foundation
★Arthritis Foundation
★Basilica of St. Mary
★Because We Care
★Beth El Synagogue
★Bethany Academy
★Bet Shalom Synagogue
★Big Brothers Big Sisters
★Blake School
★Bloomington Civic Theater
★Bolder Options
★Boys and Girls Club
★Breast Cancer Awareness
★Breck School
★Brooklyn Park Rotary
★Camp Friendship
★Casa De Carlitos
★Chamber Music Society of MN
★Chanhassen Rotary
★Chapel Hill Academy
★Children's Cancer Kids Fund
★Children’s Cancer Research Foundation
★Children's HeartLink
★Children's Home Society
★Children's Hospital & Clinics Foundation
★Children’s Hospital Minneapolis
★Children's Museum
★Children's Theater Company
★Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
★Cornerstone
★Common Bond Communities
★Courage Center
★Cretin Durham Hall High School
★Cystic Fibrosis
★Dakota Communities
★Delta Waterfowl
★Diabetes Institute
★District #279
★Down Syndrome Association of MN
★Ducks Unlimited
★Duluth Art Institute
★Duluth Sister Cities
★Duluth Superior Symphony Orch
★Epilepsy Foundation
★European Children's Fund
★Excelsior Chamber of Commerce
★Excelsior Rotary
★Family Hope Services
★Feed My Starving Children
★Fraser Community Services
★French Academy
★GIllette Children's Hospital Foundation
★Goodwill Easter Seal Society
★Guthrie Theater Gala
★Harmon Killibrew Invitational
★Hazelden Treatment Centers
★Helping Hands for Haiti
★H.E.A.R.T.
★Heart Association of America
★Herb Brook Foundation
★Hennepin County Bar Association
★History Theater
★Hill Murray High School
★Home-Free Shelter for Domestic Abuse
★Hope For The City
★House of Hope
★Innocence Project
★International YMCA
★Irish Catholic Foundation
★Jeremiah Program
★Jewish Family and Children's Service
★Jungle Theatre
★Junior League of St. Paul
★Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
★Kid’s & Chrome
★Knights of Columbus
★Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
★Lakeview Hospice
★Leukemia Foundation
★MADD
★Make-A-Wish Foundation
★March of Dimes
★Makula Project, NY
★Metropolitan State University
★Metropolitan Economic Development Association
★Minnesota International Ctr MIC
★Minnewashta School
★Mill City Museum
★Miiler-Dwan Foundation
★Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
★Minneapolis Jewish Day School
★Minneapolis Women's Club
★Minnesota Chorale
★Minnehaha Academy
★Minnesota Bio-Brain Association
★Minnesota Center for Photography
★Minnesota Chorale
★Minnesota Craft Council
★Minnesota Food Shelf
★Minnesota Historical Society
★Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
★Minnesota Orchestra
★Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Assoc
★Minnesota Timberwolves Foundation
★Minnesota Visiting Nurses Association
★Minnesota Zoo
★Minnetonka Center for the Arts
★Mobalize Mankind
★MOFAS
★Mount Calvary Missions
★Muscular Dystrophy Association
★National Association Mental Illness
★National Marrow Donor Program
★NC Little Hospice
★Nicole Brown Foundation
★North Hennepin Community College
★Northern Stars Ball
★Opportunity Partners
★Ordway Center for the Arts
★Pacer
★Parker Hughes Clinics
★Peace House Africa
★Perspectives Family Services
★PFund
★Philbrook Museum of Fine Art
★Playwright Center
★Restart
★Rhette Syndrome
★Ridgeview Medical Center
★Saint Francis Health Care Foundation
★Santa Josephina Blood Bank
★San Juan Diego Shelter
★Saint John the Baptist Church
★Saint Therese Catholic Church
★Sherburne Historical Society
★Sister Kenny Institute
★St. Luke’s Hospital
★Saint Paul Talmud Torah
★Saint Richard's Catholic Church
★Saint Vincent de Paul
★Science Museum of Minnesota
★SARAHUARO
★Smile Network
★South Saint Paul Open
★Special Olympics
★Spring Hill School
★Summit Academy OCI
★Swedish Chamber of Commerce
★Symphony Ball
★Team Gilboa
★The Lupus Foundation
★The Partnership Plan
★The Retreat
★The Variety Club Association
★Thrivent Community
★Treehouse
★Tulsa Project Women
★Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus
★Twin West Chamber of Commerce
★United Way
★University Club
★University of Minnesota Athletics
★U of Minnesota Bell Museum
★University of Minnesota Pediatrics
★VEAP
★Visitation School
★Wayzata High School
★White Bear Lake Montessori
★Wingspan
★Wishes and More
★Word Vision
★Young Life
What people are saying……
“We are so glad you were a part of our gala. Thank you for your wonderful work. We admire the way you work the crowd and make them raise their paddles. It’s a true work of art!” -The French Academy of Minnesota
“Please know how blessed we feel to have you on our team! We wanted to give you something a little extra because you have been so kind. We will go out on a limb for you.”
-Treehouse
“So many positive comments on the auction. Thank you so much. When you have a moment, could you send me another folder with your references and services? I had many requests for it.” -Alzheimer’s Association
“Another fabulous job!!! Thank you. This year was a HUGE success & we appreciate all you did to make it happen.” -Ronald McDonald House
“Thank you so much for your work. You did a tremendous job and I heard many very positive comments. I hope we can maintain your interest for our future events.”
-Minnesota Historical Society
“We were very impressed in how you handled your duties. It was not only very business like, but very
entertaining. The people in attendance had a lot of fun and they did not feel uncomfortable “shelling out the coin” for the cause.”
-St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
“Thank you Karen for doing a phenomenal job!! We made well over our goal.” -Ordway Theater
“Karen Sorbo had Herculean results. Good times were had by all.”
-House of Hope
“Absolutely awesome job. So many comments from people on how energetic and fun you were…Thank you for your guidance.”
-Home Free Domestic Abuse
“You are so sweet! We were so thrilled to have you with us again this year…What a success.”
-Wingspan Life Resources
“The auction was a HUGE success! You are great to work with….we had a blast with you!!” -Duluth Art Institute
“Thanks SO much for everything that you have done for us in dealing with this event. You did an amazing job and the event would not have been successful without YOU. You cannot even know how much you helped us.”
- World Vision/Young Life
“You were terrific!!...Guests told us how much they enjoy you and your style. We are so grateful for YOU.”
- PFund
“We are aware that your fees are going up, but we have created such a buzz this year and we want you on our TEAM. We will not take “no” for an answer.” -Make A Wish Foundation
“We wish to give special recognition to Karen Sorbo – Auctioneer who helped us raise over $1,000,000.00 net; for our special causes.” -Bea & Bill Beddor
“We knew we were in good hands when we first met you & last night you truly proved it. Thank you for picking up the energy and getting people to give. We so appreciate how you handled what wasn’t an ideal situation. Your motivation helped us reach our goal.” - Headwaters for Justice
“Everyone was thrilled…You are the best auctioneer we have ever seen…Thank you, Karen…we WANT you again!” - Playwright’s Center
“We are so thrilled to work with you again.” - Innocence Project
“Karen Sorbo exceeded our wildest expectations.” -Cornerstone
“Karen, we just wanted to let you know how much everyone thought you were so great…you SAVED the show. What you did for us was so fantastic!” -Kids & Chrome
“We are excited that you will be serving as our auctioneer again.
I know that with you the event will
be SPECTACULAR.”
-Science Museum of Minnesota
“The addition of Karen Sorbo as our auctioneer brought the event to a new level.” -Minnehaha Academy
“The sparkling Karen Sorbo…Thank you, Thank you, Thank you….for being such a wonderful friend. We adore you !!! -Perspective Family Center
“Thank you for sharing your wonderful gifts with us. We raised more then we ever have with your help. We look forward to next year.” -Opportunity Partners
“Thank you for giving us so much of your time and advice. What a success!!” - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
“Fantastic Job….many, many compliments on how fun you made it. Thanks to your help and expertise, the live auction brought in more than we ever dreamed of.” -Chanhassen Rotary
“Thank you for your great work again. We really appreciate the tremendous energy and excitement you always bring to the table.” -Special Olympics
"Thank you for your great work at the gala. Not only did we have an excellent financial outcome, many people remarked on how they appreciated your approach. Thank you again Karen." - Courage Center
"We cannot thank you enough for your willingness to take on our event. You were incredible." - Ridgeview Medical Center
"You were FABULOUS!!! People LOVE you!!! We are sorry that our best efforts to get a good sound system failed. We will take care of that in the future. We have the date set for next year and would love to have you back."
-Partnership Plan
“Karen...you were smokin’ last night...you were good. I can’t believe how generous people were, it was awesome to see! We are thrilled and wanted to let you know. It was a pleasure working with you!” - Jeremiah Program
“You’re just extraordinary! We deeply appreciate your compassion and generosity in helping us raise funds. You showed us your enthusiasm and positive outlook when we were not sure about our ability. Your talent is phenomenal!” -The Chamber Music Society of Minnesota
“Karen, you are an incredibly talented person and the gift of your presence that evening made our event a great success. God’s continued blessings to you Karen for all that you do for others.” - Mounty Calvary Missions
“We clicked our heels three times and got a Fabulous Auctioneer!! Thank you so much Karen for doing such a wonderful job.”
-Minnewashta School
"We are so blessed to have you at our events. Your energy, ideas, caring & enthusiastic spirit and your whole beautiful person just bring so much to an event. Thank you again for all you did to make the gala an 'over the top' huge success. We far exceeded our financial goals. You helped
us raise over $650,000 ." - Treehouse
"Thank you for the fabulous job you did at our gala. We heard so many positive comments on your auctioneering. WE far exceeded our financial goals, thanks to you." - Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Assoc.
More what people are saying……
“I know everyone appreciated the contribution you made by your amazing auctioneer style. You had everyone on their feet with their wallets open! Bravo! Please let me know when you’ll be visiting Napa Valley. I would look forward to welcoming you the the Far Niente Wine Estate and Nickel & Nickel Vineyard.” - Beth Nickel, Proprietress
“Great night!! Lots of fun and a warm room! You rocked it! Tremendous!! -Bolder Options
“You were absolutely smashing! What a great event.” What a response...spontaneous and genuine. Thank you so much for your amazing talents!” - Opportunity Partners
"Unbelievable...WOW... You made three times the amount of other
years when we didn't have you...
Thank you a million times over!!!
-Special Olympics
"Karen Sorbo's professionalism and expertise in auctioneering made the live auction our most successful ever. She was able to get top dollar...we highly recommend her ability as an auctioneer." -Gillette Children's Hospital Foundation
“Karen Sorbo's enthusiasm, professionalism and dynamic style truly helped raise more dollars than ever anticipated...Our sincere thank you for an excellent job"
-Goodwill Easter Seals
"Our friend, the lovely Karen Sorbo...you are amazing!!!
I know you hear that all the time. Whenever we see you at different events, it is evident how taken people are by you. You are a great asset to so many wonderful organizations.
-Summit Academy OCI
"Our live auction was extremely successful thanks to Karen's talents as an auctioneer...she facilitated a positive exchange with the audience, which resulted in a profitable evening." -Make-A-Wish Foundation
“A huge thank you to Karen...her support and participation were key to the success of the event, we could not have had such great success without her...She was fabulous!!! We are so grateful for her commitment in making the evening success...thanks for caring! -Children's Cancer Kids Fund
"Without hesitation, we highly recommend Karen Sorbo as a professional fundraising auctioneer; Karen made this event exciting for everyone involved. It is evident from her enthusiasm that she truly enjoys what she does. With her engaging personality, she was able to draw out the savvy bidder in everyone." - General Mills... - Career's in Computers
"What a Performance! Karen was the highlight of the Ball. We have nothing but rave revues about the auction...Karen was the catalyst that made the auction! Her approach to the crowd, her ability to involve the interested bidders, and the "Hype of the Item" brought excitement to the auction." - Scholarships/Crisis Grants for College Students
"Karen Sorbo was the cornerstone of our event. Without question, the Gala Committee unanimously agreed that Karen Sorbo is the best auctioneer we have ever seen at an event. She performed exactly as promised in a professional manner and adapted to the challenges we inadvertently threw at her. Net revenues...doubled those of prior years, which we attribute to her part as the auctioneer." -Team Gilboa Olympic Sponsorship
"Thank you to Karen Sorbo for a phenomenal job as auctioneer....
we made well over our projected goal." -Ordway Theater
“Thank you Karen for working with us...we were honored. We know the auction would not have been as successful without you. Your level of enthusiasm and sense of humor really motivate people. You are such a delightful person to work with.... thank you!" -MADD Mothers against Drunk Driving
"As you know, the auctioneer performs a key role in a live auction. Karen Sorbo's competence and skills have enabled us to receive optimum benefit from the event. Her commitment and professionalism towards ensuring a quality event has been appreciated." -March of Dimes
“Just a note of thanks for everything you did for this year’s event. You provided great feedback during the initial stages. It was great to have you involved. You offered a wonderful element to the evening. Thanks for everything.”
-Children’s Cancer Research
“I keep replaying your part of the ball…Man you’re good!! You were able to incorporate the mission and message to our guests. You acknowledged contributions and you made it fun! Thank you for making such a difference”
-Children’s Hospital Association
“Again, thank you for your great performance this year! You handled all the “situations” with great aplomb!!!” -Pacer Center
“Karen, you are amazing! We love you so much…you are part of our family from here on out!” -Great Clips Classic
“Karen Sorbo helped us raise more money than ever for the Diabetes Institute.” -Diabetes Institute
"Many thanks Karen for working so hard to bring in dollars for us. It was a very fun and very successful evening. Hope to work with you again." - American Cancer Society
"Thank you so much for conducting our live auction. We raised more money than any other year in the history of the Club. We would love it if you would agree to host it again next year." - Women's Club of Minneapolis
"We hope we can count on you again to be our celebrity auctioneer. You have done such a beautiful job in the past few years. We have our fingers crossed."
-MIC Minnesota International Center
“Just a quick note to thank you for making the night such a great success!! We heard nothing but praise for the “auctioneer.” You were wonderful to work with and we appreciate your patience as we “learned” our way through. Your mother was delightful, we are so glad she could join us for the evening. Thank you again Karen for everything!” - Lakeview Hospice
“Thank you Karen for all your support & good work. The success of the Gala was incredible. We raised a record of $145,000 to support at-risk families and children. As always it is a pleasure to know you and work with you.” - Perspectives
“As always- A fabulous job, Karen. Again
and again you help make this event so successful!” - District #279
"Last night was far and away the most successful benefit in the Minnesota Chorale's history, and your involvement was the most essential element of that success. And I'm not talking about your skills as an auctioneer, as remarkable as you are in that department: your experience and perspective, your energy and presence...how lucky we are to have you
on our TEAM!!!" - Minnesota Chorale




Karen Lee Sorbo • Karen Sorbo Productions • P.O. Box 16141 • Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
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Karen Sorbo National Fundraising Auctioneer Clients