Benefit Auctions: Professional Fundraising Auctioneers for Your Next Gala
Courtney Buman, Jay Nitz and Travis Buman have helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars at galas and fundraising events across the country.
What is a benefit auction?
A benefit auction, also called a fundraising auction or charity auction, is an auction held to raise money for a nonprofit, school, church or cause, usually as part of a gala or dinner. Jack Nitz Auctions has conducted professional benefit auctions for several years. Courtney Buman consults with nonprofits to plan their event, and on event night Jay Nitz and Travis Buman join her ringing and auctioneering to entertain the crowd and raise more for the cause.
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Your gala is the biggest night of the year for your organization. The right auction team can be the difference between a nice evening and a record-breaking one. We bring four generations of auction experience, a lot of energy and a genuine love for the causes we work with, and we help your guests have a great time while they give.
How We Help Your Nonprofit Raise More
Event Consulting
Courtney works with your team before the event to plan an auction that fits your crowd, your cause and your goals.
Live Auction
A professional auctioneer who keeps bidding moving, builds excitement and makes every item count.
Fund-a-Need / Paddle Raise
The moment that often raises the most money of the night. We help you plan it and lead it from the stage.
Ringmen on the Floor
Jay Nitz and Travis Buman work the room, spot bids and keep your guests engaged and having fun.
Crowd Entertainment
We bring energy, humor and a little friendly competition, so your guests remember the night and come back next year.
Nationwide
Based in Fremont, Nebraska. Courtney has traveled the country conducting benefit auctions for nonprofits.
The People Behind the Paddle
Courtney Buman
Benefit Auction Consultant & AuctioneerCourtney works directly with nonprofits on consulting for their event, then takes the stage on event night to conduct the auction. A third-generation auctioneer, she has traveled the country conducting benefit auctions.
Jay Nitz
Auctioneer & RingmanJay brings decades of auctioneering experience to the floor, ringing and auctioneering alongside Courtney and helping the crowd have fun while they give.
Travis Buman
Auctioneer & RingmanTravis, a fourth-generation auctioneer and 2025 auction school graduate, works the room as a ringman and auctioneer, bringing energy to every event.
Energy That Turns Into Dollars
From the first live auction item to the final Fund-a-Need paddle, we keep the room engaged. Courtney leads from the stage while Jay and Travis work the floor, spotting bids, cheering on bidders and keeping the friendly competition going.
The result? Guests who have fun, stay engaged and give generously. Together, our team has helped raise millions of dollars for nonprofits.
Organizations We've Raised Money For
- Lutheran Family Services
- Dana Village
- Doane University
- Junior Achievement
- Nebraska Masonic Home Foundation
- Ducks Unlimited
- Pheasants Forever
- Chariots4Hope
- American Heart Association
- Local Churches
- And So Many More
From large university galas to local church fundraisers, we bring the same energy and care to every event. Courtney has traveled the country conducting benefit auctions, and we'd love to help your organization next.
Benefit Auctions in Action
How It Works
- Check Your DateCall Courtney at (402) 720-3107 to see if your gala date is available.
- Plan TogetherCourtney consults with your team on your auction, your goals and the flow of the evening.
- Event NightCourtney, Jay and Travis take the stage and the floor to run your live auction and Fund-a-Need.
- CelebrateYour guests have a great night, and your cause raises more.
Benefit Auction FAQs
What is a benefit auction?
A benefit auction, also called a fundraising auction or charity auction, is an auction held to raise money for a nonprofit, school, church or cause. It is usually part of a gala or dinner and often includes a live auction, a silent auction and a Fund-a-Need or paddle raise.
Why hire a professional benefit auctioneer?
A professional benefit auctioneer knows how to read a room, build energy and keep bidding moving, which usually means more money raised for your cause. A volunteer emcee can host the evening, but a trained auctioneer and team know how to turn excitement into bids.
What does Courtney Buman do as a benefit auction consultant?
Courtney works with your nonprofit before the event to plan your auction, from the flow of the evening and the order of your live auction items to your Fund-a-Need. Then she conducts the auction on event night.
What do Jay Nitz and Travis Buman do on event night?
Jay Nitz and Travis Buman work alongside Courtney as ringmen and auctioneers. They work the room, spot and call out bids, encourage bidders and keep the crowd entertained so your guests have fun while they give.
What is a ringman at a benefit auction?
A ringman (or bid spotter) works the floor during the live auction, watching for bids, calling them out to the auctioneer and encouraging guests to keep bidding. Good ringmen add energy and help raise more money.
What is a Fund-a-Need or paddle raise?
A Fund-a-Need, also called a paddle raise, is a part of the live auction where guests raise their bid cards to donate at set giving levels toward a specific need. There is no item to win; every dollar goes straight to the cause.
What kinds of organizations do you conduct benefit auctions for?
We conduct benefit auctions for nonprofits, schools and universities, churches, foundations, conservation groups and community organizations, including Lutheran Family Services, Doane University, Junior Achievement, the Nebraska Masonic Home Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the American Heart Association and many more.
Do you travel for benefit auctions?
Yes. We're based in Fremont, Nebraska, and Courtney has traveled across the country to conduct benefit auctions for nonprofits.
How far in advance should we book a benefit auctioneer?
As soon as you've set your event date. Popular gala dates fill up early, so give Courtney a call to check her availability.
How much does a benefit auctioneer cost?
Every event is different. Call Courtney at (402) 720-3107 to talk about your event and your goals.
How do we check if Courtney is available for our gala?
Call Courtney Buman at (402) 720-3107 or email courtney@nitzauctions.com with your event date and location.
More From Jack Nitz
Is Your Gala Date Available?
Give Courtney a call today to see if she has the date available for your next fundraising gala.
Jack Nitz Auctions (Jack Nitz & Associates, Inc.)
230 Ridgeland Ave., Inglewood (Fremont), NE 68025
Office: (402) 727-8800 | Courtney: (402) 720-3107
Email: courtney@nitzauctions.com
Benefit auctions in Nebraska, Iowa and across the country
