In a world where fundraising galas too often blend into forgettable evenings, Erin Ward is flipping the script — and raising millions in the process. As the powerhouse founder and lead auctioneer behind Star Benefit Auctions, Erin is not just moving paddles — she’s moving hearts.
A third-generation auctioneer with the fire of a human rights activist and the finesse of a seasoned performer, Erin blends strategy and storytelling to turn charity events into high-impact moments of generosity. Her woman-founded, woman-led agency has become one of the most sought-after forces in nonprofit fundraising, helping organizations raise over a billion dollars — all without sacrificing joy, mission, or meaning.
But this isn’t a story of overnight success. It’s a journey paved with grit, bold pivots, and a deep belief that giving should never feel like an obligation — it should feel like magic. From being dismissed by traditionalists in a male-dominated industry to building a global company that centers empathy, inclusion, and empowerment, Erin Ward has made one thing clear: women don’t just belong on the auction stage — they own it.
In this exclusive interview, Erin opens up about how she turned a niche calling into a movement, the emotional alchemy behind record-breaking auctions, and why the future of fundraising is female.
1. What sets Star Benefit Auctions apart from other fundraising auction companies today?
At Star Benefit Auctions, we’re more than auctioneers—we’re fundraising strategists, storytellers, and on-stage development directors. What sets us apart is the combination of generational expertise and modern development strategy. We come from a legacy of auctioneers—three generations deep—which means we’ve had a lifetime of training in how to sell on stage and move a room. But we didn’t stop there. We expanded our education and experience to focus on nonprofit development, donor psychology, and mission-driven storytelling. That unique blend makes us a secret weapon at gala events—we know how to sell a mission just as powerfully as a luxury item. Our work increases not only the dollars raised, but also the percentage of guests who walk away as committed donors. We don’t just raise money—we build movements.
Star Benefit Auctions is also proudly woman-founded and woman-led in an industry still dominated by men. We’re living proof that women don’t just belong on stage—we own the stage. And we bring a level of strategy, empathy, and results that shifts the entire culture of fundraising.
2. How did you go from an idea to founding Star Benefit Auctions in such a niche space? What were your first steps?
I grew up in the auction world—my grandfather was the first auctioneer in our family, but it was my mother who truly blazed the trail. She was the only woman in her auction school class and went on to become a champion auctioneer. She even helped create the women’s division of the auctioneer competitions, paving the way for others—including me. When I attended auction school, there were only two women in the room. But I wasn’t there to blend in—I was there to build something different.
At the time, most auctioneers treated nonprofit fundraising events as side gigs—something they did for goodwill or publicity between estate or livestock sales. I was one of the first to say: this is my real, full-time auction business. And that didn’t go over well. I was shunned by many in the traditional auction industry. They didn’t see benefit auctions as a legitimate business model. But I knew the power of combining performance with purpose.
I started by volunteering at galas, studying donor behavior, and offering strategy before anyone asked. That vision grew into Star Benefit Auctions—an unapologetically mission-driven company that’s now helped raise over a billion dollars for nonprofits. And yes—I’m a female auctioneer. We do exist! Although only 14% of auctioneers are women, we’re making waves. And if you hadn’t met one before, well… now you have.
3. What major gaps did you see in the nonprofit fundraising industry that led to the creation of your company?
There was a huge disconnect between how much money nonprofits could raise at their events—and how much they were actually walking away with. I kept seeing beautifully designed galas that fell flat during the fundraising portion. The live auction or appeal was treated like the “rubber chicken dinner” of the night—boring, expected, and something guests just had to sit through. But fundraising doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It can be the most joyful, electric, and mission-centered part of the evening.
I created Star Benefit Auctions to flip that experience—turning those moments into opportunities to fund transformation. One of the biggest gaps I saw was the lack of strategy. Many groups brought in an auctioneer weeks before the event, hoping for a miracle onstage. We flipped that script. We work with our partners months in advance, consulting on the run of show, donor journey, emotional pacing, and storytelling.
We approach fundraising like a development director—but deliver it with the presence of a top-tier performer. That combination of strategy and stagecraft is what the industry was missing. And that’s what we’ve built our name on.
4. What role do donor relationships play in the success of an auction event, and how do you nurture those?
Donor relationships are the heart of any successful fundraising event. People don’t give to galas—they give to causes they care about, and to people and missions they trust. If you want to maximize fundraising, you have to make donors feel seen, valued, and part of something meaningful.
At Star Benefit Auctions, we work with our nonprofit partners months in advance to identify and engage key donors. We help shape messaging that honors their impact—whether it’s through recognition, storytelling, or creating a powerful moment that moves them emotionally. Because when a guest feels good in that giving moment, you don’t just gain a gift—you gain a lifelong advocate.
I’ll never forget one guest who had attended a gala for years but had never donated. During a light-hearted game portion I built into the program, he gave $100 for the first time—just for fun. But something shifted. He felt seen. He felt part of it. That spark led him to become a donor, then a board member, and two years later, he brought in a $250,000 matching gift. He insisted I be the auctioneer every year moving forward. That one inspired moment turned into over half a million dollars for the mission.
That’s what we do—we help create moments that turn guests into believers, donors into champions, and generosity into legacy.
5. How has the nonprofit event landscape changed since you started 20 years ago, and how has Star Benefit Auctions adapted?
When I started in this space over 20 years ago, most fundraising galas relied on one tactic: hope two wealthy men got a little competitive—and a little drunk—so they’d outbid each other on a big-ticket item. That was the fundraising strategy. If it didn’t happen, the room didn’t raise much.
Today, it’s a completely different landscape. The biggest transformation? We’ve moved from individual competition to collective giving. It’s no longer about just selling an item—it’s about selling the mission. We’ve learned that when the moment is right, everyone in the room wants to give. Fundraising has become a shared, high-energy experience where each donor—at every level—feels seen and valued.
At Star Benefit Auctions, we embraced that shift early. We create emotional arcs and fundraising strategies that build to a collective “yes.” We work with nonprofits months in advance to shape every element of the donor journey, not just the auction. Whether it’s crafting a powerful paddle raise or designing an interactive moment, we focus on inspiring group generosity, not just high-dollar bids.
Fundraising used to be a gamble. Now, it’s a plan. And that’s why we’re still raising record-breaking dollars—by turning guests into a united force for good.
6. You mention making the nonprofit the star—what are some tangible ways you make that happen during an event?
Everything we do—from scripting to staging—is designed to center the nonprofit’s mission and people. We’re not there to be the stars of the show; we’re there to highlight the real stars: the cause, the community, and the impact.
That starts months before the event. We work with our nonprofit partners to craft a run of show that builds emotional momentum and puts their mission front and center. We help choose the speakers, shape the appeal, and integrate storytelling in a way that resonates deeply with the audience.
On event night, we carry that through with intention. During the live auction and paddle raise, we align each moment with the nonprofit’s values and goals. We highlight the real heroes—clients, staff, donors, volunteers—so guests connect their dollars directly to the impact.
Even the energy we bring as auctioneers is in service of the mission. We bring joy, clarity, and purpose to the stage—but the spotlight always goes back to the cause. That’s how we turn a night of giving into a night people will never forget.
7. What advice would you give to a young woman who’s passionate about creating change but unsure where to start?
They say every nonprofit starts at a kitchen table—just a few people sitting around, feeling a need that must be fixed. That’s how I started too. I began as an activist for gender equity, fighting for safety, fairness, and visibility in spaces where women were overlooked or dismissed. That mission still fuels everything I do.
My advice? Start where your heart breaks. Ask how you can help. Say yes before you feel ready. I’ve been laughed at, told I had a “bullshit showboat hobby,” that I just go to parties and don’t have a real job. But I’ve also been told I helped make unsafe spaces safe again. That I’ve helped people get closer to fixing the issues they care most about. And that’s the greatest feeling in the world—watching your dream make a real difference.
Blocking out the noise is hard. So find a mentor. Find a friend. Or reach out to me—I’ll cheer you on. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to begin. The rest will come.
We need more women building power in public. In boardrooms, on stages, at galas, in fundraising—and beyond. So take up space. Take the mic. Take the meeting. We’re ready for you.
8. How do you balance the creative side of event engagement with the pressure to meet financial goals?
For me, creativity is the strategy. Fundraising isn’t just about hitting a number—it’s about creating a moment where generosity feels joyful, spontaneous, and deeply personal. When we build an event that connects emotionally, the money follows. The most unforgettable giving happens when people feel seen, inspired, and safe enough to say yes.
I’ve been part of magical nights where creativity opened the door to life-changing gifts. One night, I asked—half playfully—if anyone would give $1 million. A surprise guest raised her paddle. She told me afterward, “You made it feel possible. You gave me permission.” That same night, someone gave $74,000 because it was their lucky number. We had set the tone, invited creativity, and built a space where giving could be joyful, expressive, and unforgettable.
Yes, I still get nervous before events—I care deeply about every client’s success. But more times than I can count, the development team has said, “You were the calm energy we needed.” That’s the power of hiring a professional. We know that success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of months of planning, intentional pacing, and setting the stage for magic to unfold.
And once the dollars are raised, the real work begins—stewardship. Saying thank you, celebrating impact, and keeping that incredible feeling alive so the generosity keeps flowing.
That’s the difference when you hire a professional benefit auctioneer—especially one who lives and breathes fundraising like I do. I bring decades of experience, generational stage skills, and a deep love for the nonprofit sector. I’m not just there for one night—I’m your partner in building something bigger than the event: a movement, a mission, and a moment your donors will never forget.
Find out more at 👉 https://www.starbenefitauctions.com
Follow along on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/starauctions/
