A practical, proven approach to the most profitable 7–10 minutes of your event
A paddle raise (also called a Fund-a-Need or special appeal) is where mission meets momentum. Done well, it can outperform your live and silent auction items because every gift supports your cause directly—no procurement, no packaging, no delivery logistics. The key is structure: clear impact, smart giving levels, confident pacing, and rock-solid tracking so every pledge turns into a collected donation.
What a Paddle Raise Is (and Why It Works)
A paddle raise is a live, on-the-spot giving moment where guests pledge at preset levels (example: $10,000 → $5,000 → $2,500 → $1,000 → $500 → $250 → $100). Most successful programs run the ask from high to low—leadership gifts first, then broad participation—so donors feel their gift “fits” naturally as the levels descend. (sparkpresentations.com)
Pro insight: Your audience isn’t “being sold.” They’re being invited into a shared moment of impact. A skilled benefit auctioneer keeps it uplifting, specific, and respectful—high energy without pressure.
Timing & Program Flow: Place the Ask Where Energy Is Highest
The paddle raise performs best when guests are engaged—after they’ve connected emotionally, but before fatigue sets in. Many event teams see stronger results when the appeal happens near the middle “peak” of the evening rather than at the very end. (auctionsnap.com)
A reliable gala sequence (simple and effective)
1) Welcome + mission moment (short video or live testimony)
2) Dinner + brief remarks
3) Live auction (a few curated items)
4) Paddle raise / Fund-a-Need (the main appeal)
5) Wrap-up, gratitude, and next steps
The Building Blocks of a Strong Fund-a-Need
1) One clear need (not five)
Pick a single, fundable priority. Guests give faster when the story is focused: “Tonight we’re funding X,” not “Here are eight things we do.” Keep the language concrete: who is helped, what changes, and how soon the impact happens.
2) Giving levels tied to real impact
Your levels shouldn’t be random. Each level should “buy” something meaningful. Example structure: $10,000 fully funds a program month; $2,500 sponsors a family; $500 covers supplies; $100 opens the door for broad participation. This is a widely recommended best practice across benefit events. (michaelgreenauctions.com)
3) Pre-committed leadership gifts & matching challenges
If you can secure one or two “anchor” commitments (or a matching-gift challenge), the room feels safe to follow. A match gives donors a reason to stretch because their gift has immediate leverage. (handbid.com)
Did You Know? Quick Facts That Influence Results
Mobile bidding can increase revenue. Industry data shared by AFP notes GiveSmart dataset findings that mobile bidding can generate about 30% more revenue than paper bid sheets. (afpglobal.org)
Starting high makes the lower levels feel more doable. Many auction presenters recommend calling pledge levels from high to low to preserve momentum and avoid “everyone already gave at the first ask.” (sparkpresentations.com)
A “paddle sweep” can lift participation. After major levels, a small “everyone can do it” amount (like $50) can bring in first-time givers and even add repeat gifts. (handbid.com)
Sample Giving Levels & When to Use Them
| Giving Level | Best For | How to Frame It |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000+ | Board members, legacy supporters, lead sponsors | “Fully funds the core need” (one clear, big impact) |
| $5,000 | Major donors, business owners, long-time families | “Underwrites a major component” (month, cohort, outreach) |
| $2,500 | Program champions | “Sponsors a person/family/classroom” |
| $1,000 | Repeat event attendees | “Creates measurable progress” (materials, sessions, services) |
| $500 / $250 / $100 | Broad participation and first-time givers | “Everyone belongs in this moment” (simple, warm invitation) |
These sample tiers align with commonly used structures for Fund-a-Need appeals; tailor them to your audience and the real economics of your program. (michaelgreenauctions.com)
Step-by-Step: How to Plan a Paddle Raise That Actually Collects Every Pledge
Step 1: Decide how you’ll capture pledges (before you write the script)
Choose one method and train volunteers:
Option A: Volunteers record paddle numbers as the auctioneer reads them aloud (classic and clear).
Option B: Donation cards on tables (fast in the room, but requires a clean post-event process).
Option C: Live entry into event software while numbers are being read (efficient, but needs a quick, accurate operator).
Practical guidance on these capture methods is widely discussed by benefit-auction professionals and software providers. (sarahtheauctioneer.com)
Step 2: Build 5–7 levels and call them from high to low
Most events land in the sweet spot with 5–7 giving levels. Keep them confidential until you announce each level so guests stay present and don’t “wait for the lowest amount.” (sparkpresentations.com)
Step 3: Prepare short “impact lines” for each level
A 7–12 second description per level is enough. The room wants momentum. Save longer storytelling for a single mission moment before the appeal.
Step 4: Add an optional match or challenge gift
A match can be announced at the start or used as a “surge” tactic mid-appeal to lift the room’s energy and urgency. (handbid.com)
Step 5: End with a “participation level” or paddle sweep
A final, accessible amount helps guests who were moved but couldn’t meet earlier levels. Many teams use something like $100 (or a small sweep such as $50) to boost participation. (handbid.com)
Local Angle: What Works Especially Well for Nampa & the Treasure Valley
In Nampa and across the Treasure Valley, many gala rooms are a blend of long-time community supporters, local business leaders, and families who show up because the mission is personal. That mix is perfect for a structured Fund-a-Need:
Make impact local: name the program outcomes in your county, district, or service area (with permission and sensitivity).
Offer a “community table” win: encourage 100% table participation with a fun visual cue (one large paddle per table, raised only when everyone has given something).
Keep the tone genuine: Treasure Valley donors respond to warmth and clarity—clear goals, clear impact, and public gratitude.
Table-based participation ideas have been used successfully at national events and translate well to community-forward rooms. (galagal.com)
Need a Benefit Auctioneer Who Can Run the Room—and Protect the Details?
If you’re planning a gala, school auction, or community fundraiser in Nampa (or anywhere nationwide) and want a paddle raise that’s inspiring, structured, and accurately captured, Kevin Troutt helps teams align story, strategy, and event-night execution.
FAQ: Paddle Raise & Fund-a-Need Planning
How long should a paddle raise take?
Plan for about 7–10 minutes of focused time. Longer can work, but only if pledge capture is clean and the storytelling stays tight.
Should we start the giving levels low to get everyone involved first?
Most benefit events call levels from high to low so leadership gifts set the pace, and lower levels feel approachable without asking guests to “give again.” (sparkpresentations.com)
What’s the safest way to make sure we don’t miss pledges?
Use a consistent capture method: have donors keep paddles raised until confirmed, read numbers aloud, and assign dedicated recorders (and a double-checker). These fundamentals are widely recommended for accurate Fund-a-Need collection. (sparkpresentations.com)
Is mobile bidding worth it if our crowd is older or more traditional?
Many organizations use a hybrid approach (mobile plus staffed help) and see meaningful gains. Industry data highlighted by AFP reports mobile bidding can outperform paper bid sheets in revenue. (afpglobal.org)
What if we don’t have big donors in the room?
Focus on participation and clear impact. Add a match or challenge if possible, tighten your story, and include an accessible final level (or small paddle sweep) to invite every guest in. (handbid.com)
Glossary (Quick Definitions)
Paddle Raise (Fund-a-Need): A live appeal where guests pledge donations at preset levels to fund a specific mission need.
Giving Levels: The planned donation amounts called during the appeal (typically 5–7 levels).
Anchor Donor: A supporter who agrees ahead of time to make a leadership pledge, often used to spark momentum when the appeal begins. (michaelgreenauctions.com)
Matching Gift Challenge: A committed donation that matches other gifts up to a set amount, encouraging increased giving. (handbid.com)
Paddle Sweep: A final small-amount ask (often $50–$100) to boost participation and capture last-mile gifts. (handbid.com)