Honoring Those Who Serve: The Power of Giving Back Through Benefit Auctions
There are moments in life and work that stay with you. For me, one of those moments was stepping onto the stage at the IAVA Hero Awards in New York City—an evening dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans. The room was filled with passion, purpose, and a deep sense of gratitude, not just for the heroes in attendance, but for the cause that brought us all together.
That night, we raised over one million dollars in critical funds for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and I had the honor of serving as the auctioneer alongside host and journalist Brian Williams. The energy in the room was unforgettable. It wasn’t just an auction—it was a call to action, a celebration of service, and a reminder that giving back can be one of the most powerful ways to say thank you.
As someone who holds deep respect for those who serve in our military, I consider it a privilege to use my voice and my platform to help raise funds for military charities. These organizations are doing life-changing work—from providing mental health support to housing assistance to family services—and they rely heavily on the generosity of donors and the success of fundraising events to continue their mission.
If you’d like a glimpse into that unforgettable evening, here’s a clip that highlights what’s possible when people come together in support of our nation’s heroes:
Why Military Fundraisers Are Uniquely Powerful
Every benefit auction has its own atmosphere. There’s always a blend of emotion, generosity, and community spirit. But military-focused events stand out in a distinct way.
There’s a reverence in the room—a shared understanding that we’re not just supporting a cause, we’re standing in solidarity with individuals who have given so much of themselves. The stories told at these events are real and raw. The impact is immediate and personal. And the donors often give not just out of generosity, but out of deep respect.
You can feel the emotional weight of the night. And that weight becomes fuel—fuel for giving, for engaging, for making a difference.
The Role of the Auctioneer in Moments Like These
As a benefit auctioneer, my job is to bring energy, connection, and clarity to every event I’m part of. But at military-related fundraisers, that role becomes even more nuanced. It’s about honoring the service of those present while inspiring others to step up in support.
That means knowing when to lift the room with laughter, and when to let silence speak volumes. It means telling the stories behind the numbers, humanizing the mission, and guiding donors to give in a way that feels meaningful.
In the case of the IAVA event, it was about channeling the room’s admiration into action—encouraging guests to raise their paddles not just for items, but for impact. And they did. Generously. Passionately. Unforgettably.
Auctions Are More Than Entertainment—They’re a Bridge
One of the reasons I believe so deeply in the power of live benefit auctions—especially for military charities—is that they offer a unique opportunity to connect people to a cause in real time. The auctioneer becomes a bridge between the organization and the donor, translating passion into participation.
For military-focused organizations, this bridge is vital. So many supporters want to give, but they need an invitation that feels personal. They want to feel part of the mission, not just a name on a donor list. A well-executed benefit auction creates that opportunity—it makes giving feel immediate, communal, and filled with purpose.
Continuing the Mission—Together
I’m grateful for every chance I’ve had to lend my voice to causes that serve veterans and their families. These events remind me, time and time again, that generosity can be one of the purest forms of gratitude. That when we come together—on Memorial Day, on the Fourth of July, or on any day of the year—we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who’ve served.
To every veteran, every active-duty service member, and every family who supports them: thank you. Thank you for your courage, your strength, and your sacrifice. And to the nonprofits who stand behind them—thank you for doing the work that matters most.
If you’re planning a fundraising event in support of military families, I hope you’ll consider how powerful your night can be when it’s rooted in connection, compassion, and community. Because when we gather with purpose, we don’t just raise funds—we raise each other.
