Come and listen to our Host, Candace Gish, as she chats with today's guest, Erin Ward, for our “Unapologetically Unique” Podcast Series.

This mini-series serves to distill success into its truest form—standing firmly in your own identity. We are moving beyond the comparison game to help you lead with unapologetic confidence. By anchoring your habits in self-belief rather than outside expectations, you’ll shift from chasing temporary inspiration to becoming a changemaker with lasting, year-long momentum.

Erin has worked in many areas of fundraising and has made it her life’s mission to study and explore the most effective means of fundraising possible. With over 10 years of fundraising success, helping hundreds of nonprofits raise millions of dollars by creating exceptional donor experiences. She has a big
heart for and background in social change and activism. She has sat in everyone’s seat to special events and understands the problems and has found solutions to create events that leave donors happy and bank accounts full. She is very passionate about affecting change in the world.

Being a mission ambassador, professional public speaker, fundraising auctioneer and nonprofit trainer, Erin utilizes a smart, eloquent, energetic approach to engaging donors in the event venue and changing trajectories for organizations in the boardroom. As an educated, well- cultured and traveled individual with an amazing life story, her empathy and passion allows her to tell amazing stories and inspire hearts to give.

https://www.starbenefitauctions.com/

Videos of Erin:
● Inspire Hearts Performance https://youtu.be/8-zDjIxipIY
● Erin performing with Doug Aiken https://youtu.be/n4KudDKAj8U
● Video of Star Benefit Auctions Team https://youtu.be/NoasM4_0moQ

We talk with fundraising auctioneer Erin Ward of Star Benefit Auctions about what really makes charity galas succeed and why the most powerful fundraising moment is often a simple gift from the heart. We dig into identity-led confidence, donor psychology, and practical stage tips you can use even if you never touch a gavel.

• Erin’s path as a third-generation auctioneer and why being a female auctioneer still breaks expectations
• Building a fundraising-only auction business and refusing the “side gig” model
• What a fundraising auctioneer actually does before the event through consulting and planning
• How the paddle raise fund-the-need creates inclusivity and drives donor engagement
• Auction school basics versus the real skill of reading the room
• Sales craft and professional development through fundraising trends and donor challenges
• How gala strategies shift from selling items to mission-first direct giving
• Finding an auctioneer who aligns with an organisation’s mission and values
• Confidence and public speaking tips like squeezing your toes and focusing on impact

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For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com