Auctions
Throughout my career in retail and events, I have had the privilege of producing and managing a variety of auctions. Over the years, I’ve taken full ownership of these events at each of my corporate roles, making them a signature aspect of my work. From organizing and collecting exceptional silent and live auction items to developing creative themes and collaborating with nonprofits, auctions have become one of my favorite events to plan and execute.
From start to finish, these events have taught me invaluable lessons about working with diverse teams, fostering partnerships, and making a meaningful impact. I’ve successfully executed five auctions that not only raised significant funds but also highlighted the important work of the organizations they supported. These experiences have honed my skills in website creation, strategic fundraising efforts, and seamless organization of every detail involved in an auction.
Each auction I’ve managed has been a labor of love, blending creativity, precision, and purpose to create memorable events that make a real difference.
Below, you can explore the auctions I’ve spearheaded and the causes they championed.
Wildlands Charity Auction
As the Operations Manager of the Wildlands Charity Auction, I oversee every aspect of the event, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. Over the past three years (2023-2025), I have played a pivotal role in expanding and refining this auction, increasing the scale and quality of both silent and live auction items.
I built and manage the auction website, curating compelling visuals, videos, and descriptions to enhance the bidding experience. Additionally, I drive marketing efforts to ensure both in-person and online participants fully understand the bidding process, creating a more engaging and accessible event.
The evening begins with a panel discussion featuring nonprofit leaders who share their mission, impact, and goals for the future—offering guests a deeper understanding of where their contributions go. The live auction follows, featuring 6-8 exclusive, high-value items that I personally source.
To close the night, we create an unforgettable experience with an intimate performance, headlined for the past two years by Lukas Nelson. This powerful evening not only raises significant funds but also fosters a deeper connection between guests and the Wildlands mission, setting the stage for an incredible festival weekend.
With my leadership and dedication, the 2024 Wildlands Concert for Conservation alone raised $303,000—a testament to the impact of strategic planning, thoughtful curation, and meaningful storytelling in driving charitable giving.
Big Sky Art Auction
In my first year at Outlaw Partners, I was entrusted with taking over the Big Sky Art Auction, a responsibility that allowed me to develop and execute a full-scale event while collaborating closely with my co-worker, the Art Manager. While she focused on curating Western art through her gallery expertise, I led the operational side, overseeing logistics, marketing, and event execution.
In 2021, I worked within the existing framework of the auction, refining key aspects such as marketing strategies and item selection. By 2022, with a full year to plan, I saw an opportunity to elevate the event, incorporating nonprofits and educational programming to make it more dynamic and impactful.
We introduced a theme, 'Collectors Collecting,' and hosted daily panel discussions featuring art collectors, gallery owners, and artists to educate attendees on building and investing in an art collection. Additionally, we enhanced engagement by bringing in live artists to paint throughout the day, drawing in more visitors, and partnering with nonprofits to showcase how auction proceeds supported local organizations. I led the marketing efforts by crafting the event’s branding, messaging, and promotional materials, ensuring a cohesive and engaging visual identity. Below, I have attached one of the many assets created for this event, showcasing the program I designed with all the essential event details.
Managing this multi-day event was a heavy lift, but it was an invaluable learning experience that strengthened my expertise in event operations, audience engagement, and auction management. I also played a key role in expanding awareness of the bidding platform, ensuring early communication and seamless support for participants. This experience solidified my passion for creating high-impact, meaningful events while honing my ability to balance creativity with operational excellence.
Safari In The City Auction
In my first role after college, I joined American Rhino, a mission-driven retail company focused on producing goods in Kenya and donating 10% of all sales back to anti-poaching efforts through the American Rhino Foundation. It was here that I discovered my passion for mission-based retail and event management. One of my key responsibilities was organizing the foundation's auction (2019)—a massive undertaking I was given full responsibility for.
From the ground up, I built the event, starting with the website and working tirelessly to curate both silent and live auction items that would captivate our audience. I secured multiple full-expense paid trips, complete with airfare, which were among the most coveted items of the evening. I took charge of securing local food and beverage partners, negotiating discounted rates to align with our "give back" mission for the night. Additionally, I oversaw the event's décor and coordinated with volunteers and staff to ensure everything came together seamlessly.
This event marked my first opportunity to bring an idea to life from start to finish. The result was exhilarating—not only was the event a resounding success, but we surpassed our goal by raising $180,000. The entire experience taught me the importance of creating an unforgettable environment that encourages generosity, and it reinforced my commitment to creating meaningful events that leave a lasting impact.
