KP Auction Group

10/19/2026

A successful charity auction doesn’t start when the first paddle goes up.

It starts MONTHS before the event!

One of the biggest questions I get from nonprofits is, “How early should we start planning?”

The answer might surprise you!

I’m breaking down what to prioritize, when to start, and how a little preparation can make a BIG difference in your fundraising results.

📖 Check out my latest blog! 👇

This guide shows how early you should begin planning your nonprofit fundraising event

10/14/2026

An honor to be featured with owner and lead auctioneer, Kate Phillips Burgess 

For more than 9 years, Kate Philips Burgess, owner of KP Auction Group, has been helping organizations maximize fundraising through professional benefit auctions. She conducts over 200 auctions each year, with charity fundraising events being my true passion. Her approach goes far beyond bid calling; I serve as an auctioneer, emcee, fundraising strategist, and partner to each organization, helping create an event that is engaging, seamless, and profitable.

Her style is energetic, authentic, and audience-focused. She knows how to read a room, build excitement, and connect emotionally with donors while keeping the event fun and moving at the right pace. From live auctions to paddle raises (Fund-a-Need), her goal is to inspire generosity and help nonprofits exceed their fundraising goals.

She had the privilege of working with organizations of all sizes across Texas, helping raise millions of dollars for causes that make a difference. Recently, I placed 5th in the Women’s Division at the National Auction Association’s International Auctioneer Championship, reflecting my commitment to continually refining my craft and representing excellence in the auction industry.

When my clients succeed, I succeed, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping organizations raise the funds they need to change lives. We're proud to call Kate one of the auctioneers we love.

Find Kate at https://charityauctioneerswelove.com/auctioneers/kate-phillips-burgess

10/10/2026

A microphone doesn’t make someone an emcee.. And a good emcee does a whole lot more than introduce the next speaker.

It’s reading a room before anyone says a word.

It’s knowing when to bring the energy UP and when to let a meaningful moment breathe.

It’s keeping 400 people engaged when the program starts running behind.

The best moments on stage aren’t always the ones you planned.

That’s what I love about emceeing. Every crowd is different, every event has its own personality, and you never quite know what it will bring!

What’s one thing you’ve seen an emcee do that made an event unforgettable?

10/08/2026

3 decisions that can make or break your fundraising auction… and none of them involve the decorations!

After years of being behind the microphone, I’ve learned that the most successful fundraising events aren’t always the fanciest or the ones with the biggest budgets.

They are the ones that get a few important things RIGHT.

1. Quality over quantity. More auction items don’t necessarily mean more money. The RIGHT items create excitement and competition.

2. Mission over money. People don’t just give because you ask. They give because they connect. Make sure your guests know WHY their generosity matters.

3. The right people in the right places. From the auctioneer to the Ringmen to the emcee, having a team that knows how to read a room can change everything.

I’ve seen firsthand how these 3 decisions can take an event from good to unforgettable.

What’s one thing you’ve seen at a fundraising event that really made an impact?

10/01/2026

A paddle raise or fund-a-need isn’t just asking people to give.

It’s knowing when to ask. How to ask. And when to let the mission do the talking.

There’s strategy behind the giving levels. There’s intention behind the pacing. And there’s a whole lot of reading the room happening in real time.

Some donors are ready to raise their paddle immediately. Others need to hear the story, see the momentum, and understand exactly what their gift can do.

No item to win. No package to take home. Just people choosing to give because the mission matters.

09/26/2026

Don’t let the gala dress fool you. 😉

Some days it’s heels and fundraising. 👠

Other days it’s tools, equipment, and trucks. 🔥

🚜 Equipment
🚗 Cars
🎤 Fundraisers
🙋 Ringmen
📋 Clerks
🔥 Full auction crews

Let’s get it sold.

09/21/2026

Another incredible weekend doing what I love. 🎤✨

A room full of energy, generous hearts, and people showing up for a mission that matters. These are the nights that remind me why I love this work so much.

It’s never just about calling bids, it’s about connecting the room to the WHY, creating momentum, and turning generosity into real impact.

Fundraising season is here, and we’re just getting started!

09/15/2026

I can usually tell a LOT about a fundraiser within the first 5 minutes of walking in the room.

Where’s the stage?
Can guests actually see it?
How far apart are the tables?
Is the bar still going to be open during the live auction?
Where are my Ringmen going to stand?
And most importantly… what does the energy in the room feel like?

These little things may not seem like a big deal, but when it’s time to raise money, they matter.

Because a great benefit auction isn’t just about calling bids.

It’s about knowing the room. 🎤