About Us

Star Benefit Auctions is a premier fundraising auction company specializing in high-impact, mission-driven events for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.

About Our World-Class Charity Auction Company

With an unwavering passion for philanthropy and a proven track record of exceeding fundraising goals, Star Benefit Auctions brings energy, strategy, and heart to every auction we support.

Whether you're planning a gala, paddle raise, hybrid event, or virtual fundraiser, our team brings deep experience and an audience-first approach to maximize giving. From pre-event planning to dynamic, live-stage execution, Star Benefit Auctions delivers a seamless experience tailored to your organization’s goals.

Our focus: creating compelling giving moments that inspire generosity, strengthen donor relationships, and uplift causes that matter.

Meet Erin Ward, Founder + Lead Auctioneer

Erin Ward is a nationally recognized fundraising auctioneer, emcee, event consultant, and nonprofit strategist who has helped organizations raise millions through compelling storytelling and expert event execution. With more than two decades of experience in benefit auctions and a lifelong background in fundraising, performance, public speaking, and human rights activism, Erin brings a unique blend of charisma, professionalism, and heart to the stage—along with a lifetime of stories.

Erin founded Star Benefit Auctions to empower organizations with personalized, full-service fundraising support. She is a licensed auctioneer, a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist, and an advocate for inclusive and accessible fundraising practices. Erin’s philosophy is simple: Make giving feel joyful, authentic, and impactful.

When she’s not energizing a crowd at a live auction, Erin speaks at conferences, coaches fundraising professionals, and mentors the next generation of benefit auctioneers—plus, she’s an epic mom.

Ask Erin Anything!

Have a question for our star auctioneer? Send your question using this form and Erin will get back to you as soon as possible.

Meet the Team

  • Erin Ward

    Emcee, Auctioneer, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator, Consultant, Inspiration, Dreamer, Gala Community Unifier
    Certified Benefit Auction Specialist
    Professional Auctioneer

  • Bobby D. Ehlert

    Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator, Board Activation Specialist, Fundraising Event Consultant, World Automobile Auctioneer Champion, US Bid Calling Champion, Arizona State Bid Calling Championship

  • Andy Keller

    Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator, Ringman/spotter

  • Apple Rosal

    Office & Backstage Mastermind

  • Robert Morean

    Emcee Extraordinaire, Professional Singer and Entertainer,  Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator

  • Nichole Pirro

    Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator

  • Colleen Nolan

    Event Scribe

  • Rosa Bello

    Operations Manager, Office Administrator

  • Jill Doherty

    Professional Auctioneer
    International Champion Auctioneer
    Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI)
    Our company inspiration

  • Jennifer Mensler

    Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator, Ringman/Spotter, Scribe

  • Carrie Hessney Doran

    New York State Auction Champion, Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator, Ringman

  • Frankie Fletcher

    Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator, Ringman

  • BJ Jennings

    Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Fundraising Host, Auction Motivator

  • Kate Denise

    Onsite Event Manager, Scribe

  • Abbie Crutchfield

    Emcee, Comedian, Fundraising Host

  • Shannon Mays

    Professional Auctioneer, Emcee, Auction Motivator, Ringman, International Champion Auctioneer, Certified Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS), Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI)

Hi! Hey! Hello!

Can you tell how excited I am that you found our website?! When we started Star Benefit Auctions, there were fewer than 10 companies like us—and most nonprofits still used friends, actors, or board members to run their auctions. The charity auction wasn’t seen as strategic—it was just one more task on a long list for executive directors and development teams who hoped the night would cover their funding gaps.

But we saw something more. That brief moment on stage holds real power to unite a room and spotlight the mission. We knew the auctioneer role wasn’t about fast talk or silly games. It was about purpose. Done well, benefit auctions move people, raise meaningful funds, and build lasting donor relationships.

That’s why we created Star Benefit Auctions: to partner with nonprofits, elevate causes, and take the pressure off celebrity hosts and volunteers. We make the nonprofit the star of the night and ensure guests leave feeling inspired, not pressured.

We’re thrilled you’re here—because it means you care deeply about your donors and want an event that brings people together for something bigger than themselves. If you're ready to turn belief into funding and bring your mission to life, send us a message below. We can’t wait to chat!

Hosting a Nonprofit Auction? Let’s Get Started.

Looking for a team of world-class auctioneers to help raise the bid at your next fundraising event? Look no further than Star Benefit Auctions! Fill out the form to get in touch or use Erin’s link below to schedule a call.