Hello!
Let’s turn your event into a fundraising experience people remember.
Welcome to Gavel Giving. I’m Jon Schultz, a professional live auctioneer and fundraising strategist with 25 years of experience helping organizations raise more money—and have more fun doing it.
A great fundraising auction is about more than moving from item to item. It’s about creating energy in the room, connecting donors to your mission, and giving people a reason to raise their paddle.
Whether you’re planning a gala, school fundraiser, nonprofit event, or community benefit, Gavel Giving brings the experience, enthusiasm, and strategy to help make your fundraiser a success.
My Story
I never set out to build a career around a gavel. I didn't grow up wanting to be an aucitoneer...
Over the past 30+ years, I’ve found myself in front of all kinds of crowds, helping schools, nonprofits, major car shows, community organizations, and other groups raise money through live auctions, raffles and paddle raises. Along the way, I discovered that I really enjoy the challenge of reading a room, getting people excited, and finding that extra bid that can make a meaningful difference.
But the longer I did it, the more I realized that successful fundraising isn't really about the auctioneer.
It’s about the people in the room and the reason they showed up.
When someone bids $500, $1,000, or $5,000, they're not just buying a vacation, a dinner, or a piece of memorabilia. They're making a statement about something they believe in. The auction is simply the moment when that generosity gets put into action.
I've also learned that a great fundraising event doesn't happen by accident. The auctioneer is only one piece of the puzzle. How you present your items, how you tell your story, how you build anticipation, how you structure your paddle raise, and how you create the overall experience can all have a major impact on the outcome.
That's why I created Gavel Giving.
I wanted to bring everything I've learned over the years together in one place—not just to auction items, but to help organizations think strategically about how they can raise more money and create a better experience for their guests.
I bring a lot of funs and energy to the microphone, but I take your mission seriously.
Because at the end of the night, the number that matters isn't how high the bids went. It's how much good those bids can do.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
562 843-2927