Testimonials

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Thank YOU so much for helping to make our event so successful again!!!!

Jocelyn Rood, Chair, Rocky River Education Foundation

March 28, 2024

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Thank you for the massive role you continue to play in our success and overall ability to grow. You are one of a kind, Mark. You are everyone's favorite auctioneer. May you always find fulfillment in the impact you make for every nonprofit blessed to work with you. With immense gratitude,

Danielle Russell, Development & Communications Dir., CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region

March 13, 2024

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Mark, you are the best auctioneer I have EVER seen...and I have seen a lot of them.

Joel Grey - Actor - Academy Award, Tony Award & Golden Globe Award Winner

February 24, 2024

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I saw a record auction sale in the San Antonio Express News of a painting of the Spurs Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobilli and Tony Parker sold for $150,000 dollars. I KNEW it was YOU!

Frank Guerra, Chair, Heritage Auction - Antonian College Preparatory High School

February 24, 2024

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Mark is not just an engaging bid calling auctioneer. He shares his expertise, offers innovative ideas and challenges you to think BIGGER in order to achieve your fundraising goals. Mark made our mission his own. He was active in our committee and brainstorming meetings and offering advice down to the last detail the night of the event. Mark creates energy in the room and encourages and inspires the crowd to give. He is entertaining and he creates something that people truly want to be a part of. He cares for our success as much as we do. You rock Mark!

Danielle Russell, Development & Communications Dir., CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region

February 24, 2024

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Thank YOU Mark! You have the best energy and so much expertise to share and it got us pumped up for a great event!

Jen Starr - Development Director, Magdalena House

February 24, 2024

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Your support and enthusiasm for the CAN Council is a HUGE blessing to this organization and to the children we serve. You have such depth of integrity and compassion! Thank you so much for all you do!

Nicole Fox - CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region

February 24, 2024

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Mark was amazing to work with! From early on in our planning process he teamed with our committee to help us have a successful auction and overall event. Mark was a wonderful resource and guide for us. Mark was invested in our event and knew all the necessary details of our live auction packages and our Fund-A-Need. With his help, and in his first year as auctioneer for this event, we had a RECORD BREAKING gala, and increased our overall profit by over $25,000 from the previous year!

Christine Uribe - Co-Chair, St. Puis X San Antonio

February 13, 2024

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What YOU did was the most incredible and amazing moment that I have ever seen in fundraising events! Are you available for our event next year?

Blair Thompson - CEO, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives

November 9, 2023

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Mark, thank you so much for your energy. The live auction was a beneficial part of the profit. You're AWESOME!

Heather Patteson - Executive Director, Alamo Heights Kiwanis

November 9, 2023

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"MARK! Thank you so much. You are just incredible and we love working with you!"

Nicole Beaudoin - General Manager, Emerald City Designs

August 16, 2023

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"YOU did amazing! You definitely have a gift not everyone has. This is the most in one night that we have ever raised and we CAN'T WAIT to have you back! We cannot thank you enough!"

Lauren Rihn - Director of Operations, The Alexander House

August 6, 2023

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"We cannot thank you enough for your assistance. We are truly grateful that your expertise was introduced to us and that you had faith in our cause. We look forward to working together again!"

Julie Alexander - Founder, The Alexander House

August 6, 2023

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"You're a force Mark, and I am so glad that we have you on our team."

Emily Yeager President/CEO  CAN Council

May 9, 2023

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"Mark is a true professional - knowledgeable, organized, reliable. He partnered with our society sharing his expertise. He dug in, understood our organization and mission, then made valuable suggestions. He ensured that our first gala was a HUGE success! Mark is worth his weight in donations!"

Dr. Kim Puterbaugh - President, Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists

February 8, 2023

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"A huge thank you for all your Summer Solstice encouragement & dazzling display of fundraising. It is always a pleasure to have you on our team."

Ann Thompson Hopewell July 12, 2022

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"You were the right pick and choice. You'll stay on the top of the list."

Gary Gottfried Barn Raising Gala - Chagrin Valley Fire Department July 8, 2022

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Wow! Our 25th Anniversary Papal ACTS Gala was everything we had hoped for and more. Mark Schroeder partnered with us as we developed many aspects of our event. He attended meetings, responded to our needs, and expressed a genuine enthusiasm for our ACTS Gala's success. When it came time for the "live auction", Mark captured the energy in the audience and delivered an impressive result. 400 in attendance were captivated by his astute, knowledgeable & entertaining delivery. Our experience with Mark Schroeder and Auction brio is one that many will be talking about and that we are grateful for. We look forward to working with Mark again in the near future

Jody Nash Planning Committee, Chair 25th Anniversary Papal ACTS Gala, San Antonio, Texas July 8, 2022

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Mark does so much more than talk fast and encourage people to raise their paddles! He is fully on board from the moment he is signed up, through the night of the benefit and beyond. When you hire Mark, he really digs in to understand your organization, the details of each auction and raffle item, how the fund a need proceeds are used, and the best way to encourage your particular audience to be generous. He meets with you several times as you lead up to your event and is always available by phone and email to give suggestions that meet your needs, to help flesh out ideas that you have, and to create that wow factor that generates money for your organization. We almost doubled our auction/fund a need/raffle fund raising from the prior year. And on top of all that, Mark is a joy to work with! I highly recommend him.

Kathy Hogg Auction Chair - Cleveland Play House July 8, 2022

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"I am so grateful for you! You made it happen! Thank you for your guidance and support!"

Beth Cohen Barn Raising Gala Chagrin Valley Fire Department July 8, 2022

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"Mark you were awesome. Really appreciate everything you did for us. It was beyond my expectations. Thanks for being part of closing the deal."

Frank Zugan Chief - Chagrin Valley Fire Department July 8, 2022

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"Thank you for everything you did to make this year's Summer Solstice a success! We couldn't do it without you!!"

Audrey Katzman Hopewell July 8, 2022

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"Thanks Mark. Much appreciated. YOU were GREAT!"

Todd Silverman Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple July 8, 2022

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"You are so good at what you do. It is always a pleasure to see you and to do work with you."

Jen R. July 8, 2022

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"Mark you are the BEST! It is a pleasure to work with you you!

Gail Ribalta Roy Maas Youth Alternatives July 8, 2022

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Mark, you did an amazing job and I am recommending you to anyone who asks how we raised so much money!

Erica Miller May 19, 2022

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We were introduced to Mark by one of our committee members. We quickly figured out that we did not just hire an auctioneer. We gained a partner! Mark was involved in every aspect of our event and played a major role in our success! Mark is not just an auctioneer, he is an essential business partner! We will not do an event without him!

Matthew & Lisa May 19, 2022

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I am so grateful for all that Mark did for us. The fundraising goals that we met will allow us to continue our programs and services, every one of them, throughout this coming year!

Emily Yeager May 19, 2022

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You are tremendous raising money across the country with your mad benefit auction skills, fabulous personality and kindness and FUN!

Michael Quintanilla May 19, 2022

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Mark, I am blown away by our numbers this year! Thank you so much for the major role you played in this success-for always encouraging us to think bigger, grow bigger and believe in our ability to raise record funds!

Danielle Russell May 19, 2022

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(Virtual Webinar) He knows his business. What a great speaker and topic was spot on along with questions & answers. Thank you for sharing your knowledge & expertise.

Lynda Simon June 25, 2020

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(Virtual Webinar) Great ideas on engaging or re-engaging donors.

Tosca Rawls June 25, 2020

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(Virtual Webinar) Best webinar I have attended on virtual events. Very informative..especially the technical side of a virtual event.

Anne Robinson June 25, 2020

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(Virtual Webinar) Great natural and professional skills. Engaging but also full of real-life helpful information.

Jennifer Leibl June 25, 2020

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(Virtual Webinar) This webinar brought so much help and insight into how fundraisers are going to evolve during this time.

Sheila Geraghty June 25, 2020

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(Virtual Webinar) Awesome webinar and lots of helpful information AND information that I haven't even thought about regarding virtual auctions.

Janice Straker June 25, 2020

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I am already a client of Mark's and I highly recommend him! We are always in need of new ideas which he delivers!

Mary Patton Development & Marketing Director, The First Tee of Cleveland June 25, 2020

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(Virtual Webinar) Mark was FANTASTIC! Very engaging, lively - great at what he does! VERY informative! Thank you! Be sure to check out his website.

Jess Taylor June 25, 2020

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(Virtual Webinar) Very well presented. Good pace. Good interaction and great information. There were a lot of things mentioned that I didn't even think about.

Judy Goad June 25, 2020

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I wanted to say that I have watched ALOT of virtual event webinars over the past few months and your was one of the most compelling that I've seen.

Maggie Bauer Development Manager Provident Behavioral Health June 25, 2020

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Just watched your webinar with GreaterGiving. Just want to say you're fantastic! I'm truly impressed on how you instantly became an expert under these circumstances. You don't miss a beat Mark! Your points made it easy for me to brainstorm and I found myself pausing to write ideas and subjects to do further research. It was such valuable information and I am glad it's how I spent time in my first days back from the pandemic!

Danielle Russell Resource Development Manager CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region June 25, 2020

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"You are our greatest discovery."

Rick Crocker CEO Samaritan Inn March 13, 2020

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"Enormous thanks for your energy, excitement and passion! You create such buzz of enthusiasm during our Mardi Gras and you secure incredible bids! I'm so very grateful we have your input throughout our planning process so we can set the stage for a successful event and then you totally bring it home for us! You have my deepest respect and admiration!"

Emily Yeager President & CEO CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region March 13, 2020

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Mark does so much more than talk fast and encourage people to raise their paddles! He is fully on board from the moment he is signed up, through the night of the benefit and beyond. When you hire Mark, he really digs in to understand your organization, the details of each auction and raffle item, how the fund a need proceeds are used, and the best way to encourage your particular audience to be generous. He meets with you several times as you lead up to your event and is always available by phone and email to give suggestions that meet your needs, to help flesh out ideas that you have, and to create that wow factor that generates money for your organization. We almost doubled our auction/fund a need/raffle fund raising from the prior year. And on top of all that, Mark is a joy to work with! I highly recommend him.

Kathy Hogg Auction Chair / Cleveland Play House February 2, 2017

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“Mark is phenomenal to work with for a charity auction! From start to finish, Mark works to assist with auction planning, strategy, new ideas to engage the audience, and the actual run of show. In the past, our organization has worked with auctioneers who would simply show up an hour before the auction begins. With Mark’s guidance and help, provided months in advance of the event, our two annual auctions have seen dramatic increases in the amount of funds raised. During both of our auctions, I have never seen our audience more entertained or excited about making a charitable gift. This year, we received so many compliments about how fun and exciting both of our auctions were over past events. Our organization could not be more thrilled with the results and customized service we have received.”

Kelley Likes Assistant Director of Annual Giving / OhioGuidestone September 14, 2016

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On behalf of Jobee and my client MetroHealth in Cleveland, Ohio, I would like to thank Auction Brio for the amazing job you did as our event auctioneer and the consulting and advisory role you provided during for the GALA planning.

Auction Brio was exceptional at providing creative ideas around auction packages, and applicable tools for our auction chair and team to use to reach our auction goals. Fresh concepts were introduced to us from you that led us to produce a successful silent auction. Our live auction was also a success much due to your feedback and advice on positioning the auction items and how to appeal to our audience to raise the largest bids. All of your strategies for both the silent and live auctions were beneficial in helping us reach our auction goals.

The fund-the-need component was also a huge success for our GALA, and your direction and creative concepts on how to keep the program cohesive made it possible for us to ask for the dollars needed and create a positive energy during this portion of the event.

The several months of planning and your continual emails, phone calls, in-person consulting meetings and strategic information you shared electronically, gave me the confidence that you were committed to our success as a non-profit group and that you were willing to work with us to ensure a positive outcome.

We received many compliments on your ability to manage our crowd and work with our guests to create excitement, fun and a profitable outcome. Your delivery during the live auction and fund-the-need were a perfect fit for our event and did not feel like a cattle call or common auction. Your approach, and ability to connect with the guests was the key to bringing in the dollars needed for this event. We exceeded our financial goals!

I think all organizations would benefit from using Auction Brio! You customize your consulting to the needs of the organization. You listen to the client and direct the fundraising efforts to include sponsors, supporters, chairs and all components necessary for a successful event. Your experience with non-profit and profit organizations is a clear sign of your success. Thank you for your direction during our planning, executing and post event follow up. I hope to work with you again in the near future.

Mary Beth Lee, Jobee Inc. Director of Event Counseling, Marketing & Development September 7, 2016

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Mark is a delight to work with, he has a great personality, offers great suggestions to ramp up your event. He is on top of the event, guiding you through the process. Best auctioneer ever!

Jeanne Gallo President Gallo Event Management September 1, 2016

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Mark Schroeder is terrific – a true saint of circumstance. As the host of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Sports Awards I witnessed the sold out event of well over 1,000 people at the Renaissance Ballroom in downtown Cleveland become wholly enraptured by the tune, spirit and tone of Mark's auction chant. The auctioneer at these type of events is always the difference as to whether or not these programs are successful. Mark's skill, enthusiasm and professionalism on stage perfectly transferred to a crowd that gave enormously to the big ticket packages. With Mark as the auctioneer, GCSC earned the most money ever for their live auction. Great Job Mark! And thanks for making the dreams of other people come true. You are "better than perfect" in so many ways. You are a fantastic inspiration, I am proud to know and work for you, and we are all so lucky that you dedicate your life so that our world can become a better and saner place. Thanks for EVERYTHING!

Bill Walton NBA's 50 Greatest Players & ESPN Analyst ESPN August 17, 2016

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I am convinced that Mark Schroeder was very influential in the success of our auction. Not only did he provide us with tremendous advice as well as exciting new techniques which added to our bottom line, but he took the time to understand the organization. Plus, he was great fun to watch on stage and he really knows how to work the crowd and maximize our potential.

Sally Stewart Auction Chair MetroHealth Center July 27, 2016

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We used Mark Schroeder with Auction Brio for our signature fundraising gala. Mark was extremely professional and approachable. Mark was available to meet with our gala committee, staff, and emcee prior to the event for strategic planning. He gave innovative suggestions to increase attendee engagement resulting in increased donations and satisfaction for the night’s entertainment. We had some skepticism about changing the way we had done things for so long, but we trusted Mark and took some chances. I am glad we did because they worked! Mark brought a new level of energy to the event and attendees were energized and enthusiastic to support our cause. Mark is first class and I would recommend Auction Brio for any charity raising event.

Tiffany Walker Exec. Dir. Seton Home of San Antonio The Black & White Gala July 27, 2016

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As an auction service provider, we have the opportunity to experience many auctioneers. Mark is one of the most skilled and professional auctioneers we have worked with. Beyond that, he is very creative and helpful prior to the event to make sure you get the most for your auction items. (Ask him to tell you about the cemetery plot and the sky diver! Hilarious!

Kathy Senese Business Development at Auction Source July 27, 2016

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I had the pleasure of working with Mark on Hopewell's annual Summer Solstice benefit - an event that draws more than 500 guests. At first, our committee was hesitant to pay an auctioneer. I have to say that our investment in his work and talent benefited our organization tremendously and took our event to the next level.

The first year we worked with Mark, he TRIPLED the proceeds in our live auction. He also introduced to us the power of incorporating a Fund-A-Need in our event. With his guidance, we saw our live auction proceeds increase year after year.

Mark is not only passionate about his work, he is passionate about the nonprofits he works with. I love that Mark is authentic and I would highly recommend him to any nonprofit who is looking to take their auction to new levels.”

Hyatt Bolden Office Manager at Grants Plus July 27, 2016

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Hands down, Mark is the best auctioneer I've ever used! Use him once, and you will agree. His vivacious professional personality engages a crowd like no other. True story: After a malfunction on a rented generator that shut down all of the outdoor lighting in a 500-person tent, Mark successfully implemented a live auction and raise-the-paddle fundraiser to record breaking success. His quick wit and thinking created a fun atmosphere of calm but lively fun bidding...including fundraising for the 'electric bill'. It was magical!

Char Glatley Owner / CEO Char Glatley LLC July 27, 2016

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Mark is not only a client, but I have had the joy of attending events where he was the auctioneer. He is a great showman connecting with the audience and his enthusiasm has resulted in exceeding the anticipated goal by tens of thousands of dollars raised in the auction for the charity. Mark exemplifies BRIO!

Suzan Jackson Visual Communications Specialist July 27, 2016

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Mark brought to our Annual Benefit his experience, connections and creativity which helped us to have our most successful event ever. He was fun to work with and guided us every step of the way, from helping us to procure auction items to organizing the production of the evening itself. Thanks to Mark, we raised a record amount of financial support for Youth Challenge that evening. Everyone was impressed with Mark's professionalism and talent as a host and auctioneer-he entertained and engaged the audience. We're looking forward to having him at future events!

Melissa Thurstone Community Development Manager Youth Challenge April 18, 2016

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Although our Mardi Gras Auction has steadily grown over the last 18 years, it is over the last three years that we have seen a dramatic increase in our event's profits! Adding Mark Schroeder as our auctioneer has increased our income by adding exciting new raffles, pricing strategies and item ideas! Working with Mark is not only fun but critical to the continued success of our Mardi Gras Auction and we will be glad to have him for many years to come!

Suzanne Greenberg President/CEO Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Council April 18, 2016

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Mark Schroeder of Auction Brio helped to make our first Antonian Heritage Gala in 2010 an extreme success! As our auction consultant he helped steer our committee in the right direction during the time leading up to our gala. Not only was he always available to consult with us but he gave us the information we needed to get the most from the event. The first Antonian Heritage Gala raised over $100,000. Mark's superb auction skills were the reason! He was so very engaging with the crowd, he planned the live auction in a way that kept everyone's attention and he worked the crowd to maximize the amount taken for each item. I was amazed to see that no one got up to leave during the 2 hour auction! In these economic times it is important that we use every option available to increase profit for our school and that is why Mark will be our Auction Consultant and Auctioneer for the 2nd annual Antonian Heritage Gala to be held on September 17th, 2011. Not only do I recommend Mark Schroeder and Auction Brio to anyone who is having an event, I tell them they are going to lose a precious opportunity to raise more money if they do not hire him!

Mary Jo Grundhoefer Chairman Antonian Heritage Gala April 18, 2016

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We were very pleased with our decision to partner with Mark. He gave us a much needed boost to our 20 year event. At the end of the night, knowing that we had made more money than the year before, had a more successful fund-a-need auction was a wonderful feeling but it felt like Mark was a part of our staff. You knew that he was in our corner working as hard as we were to ensure a successful event. In the past we hired an auctioneer who came in the evening of our event and just auctioned off the items. Mark knew our crowd, believed in what we were trying to accomplish and you felt as if he wanted what was best for our school. He knew when to push a bidder and when enough was enough. Our school community has said nothing but positive things about Mark. He was professional, courteous and lots of fun! We look forward to working with Mark for next year's event.

Ann Szymanowski Coordinator of Marketing and Special Events Saginaw Area Catholic Schools April 18, 2016

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Suffice it to say that you were absolutely one of the reasons that we were so successful in our fundraising portion of our ExtravaGathering! You were just incredible and we thank you so very much!! I think you will earn yourself lots of gigs from this.

Eileen Saffran Executive Director The Gathering Place April 18, 2016

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In the 20 years of event planning and fundraising, I haven't come across a more exceptional auctioneer than Auction brio's, Mark Schroeder. While consulting for a 106 year old nonprofit with a 26 year old gala, it was evident that changes and energy were needed to increase the stalled profits. Mark's collaboration efforts, expertise in current trends, and accessibility at the beginning of the planning were monumental in our success of DOUBLING our profits this year. He emerges himself with the mission and translates it so eloquently to the crowd during the action of the program - live auction, videos, MC and a fund-a-need. Because of Mark's dedication to his craft, I feel he is the best in the industry.

Char Glatley Owner, President The FUND-amentals, LLC, Hudson, OH April 18, 2016

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Mark has done a great job handling the auction at our annual Sports Awards benefit. His professionalism and creative ideas clearly enhance the event. I would recommend Mark to manage the auction at any event.

David Gilbert President & CEO Greater Cleveland Sports Commission April 18, 2016

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Mark Schroeder always adds a level of excitement to our Julie Billiart School benefit. He is not only professional and fun, but he speaks from the heart about the need to support our school. He truly connects with the audience, evident from the amount of money we raise during our live and fund a need auctions. We like to call him our “exclamation Mark!

Arlene Bourisseau Gagliardo Director of Development Julie Billiart School, Lyndhurst, OH April 18, 2016

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Mark, I wanted to thank you for helping with another successful fundraiser for Western Reserve Academy. Your creativity, planning guidance, industry contacts and understanding of what it takes to run a successful fundraiser have all played a major role in our success. We have consistently increased net proceeds by 300% over what we averaged just three years ago prior to you joining our team.

Equally important to raising money, we believe it is critical that our guests thoroughly enjoy our event and look forward to returning the following year. The entertainment factor you provide through your energetic and exciting live auction, makes it an enjoyable night for everyone.

You have a very enviable mission Mark. You get to fly around the country helping charitable organizations and other non-profits make the world a better place and everyone has a great time doing it. It just doesn't get any better than that? On behalf of the parents, students and faculty at WRA, I wish you continued success.

Tom Sovich Dads Club President Western Reserve Academy April 18, 2016

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Our live and silent auctions went from good to Plaid-tastic (Khaki & Plaid lingo for stupendous!) when Mark Schroeder joined our team. He attended our planning meetings and advised our auction chairs on most every aspect, from the item, to presentation, to setting prices to the entertainment value. Mark was a key ingredient to our doubling the auction results this year and we plan to have him with us from here on out!

Julie Seguin, Director Hope For The Future – Khaki & Plaid, San Antonio, TX April 18, 2016

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When you come to a live auction, the bidders that are willing to share dollars stay to really help the organization. Now I know from 50 years of experience that this part of the evening is to do with just one person, the AUCTIONEER.

I first met Mark at a very first class gala in 2012 and it was so pleasant to attend unlike times when you leave when the live auction starts because the auctioneer is not impressive. Mark not only knows how to hold your attention but knows the perfect way to have bidders going back and forth until he obtains what he knows is the proper amount for the auction item. He is able to do this because he works with the committee, attending strategy meetings to become a team member. This way he fully understands the mission of the organization as an agent for them on the stage. This involvement provides fresh money generating ideas and this separates him from auctioneers who just show up, conduct the auction and get a pay check in one hour of work.

Mark really cares and I know for a fact he raised record funds for ACTS and Hope For The Future.

Rosemary Kowalski Chairman Emeritus The RK Group, San Antonio, TX April 18, 2016

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Mark Schroeder was our auctioneer for the San Antonio Spurs season Silver & Black Give Back post-game jersey auction, taking place at the AT&T Center. This year's auction garnered a record setting $186,000 for the youth programs supported by the nonprofit for Spurs Sports & Entertainment.

Mark was invested in the success of the auction, taking the time to learn about our work in the community and the Spurs' work on and off the court. He was responsive and respectful to our audience of approximately 150 people.

spursHe is a professional auctioneer in every sense of the term. You can expect to sign a contract and pay for his services. He will provide you with an extensive proposal and will be an active member of your committee, if that is what you'd like. Although we have limited experience in working with Mark only as a live auctioneer, he has additional auction services, including silent auction management that you may also find interesting.

Check out this quick promo video from the event that Mark helped us with.

Laura Dixon Executive Director Silver & Black Give Back, San Antonio, TX April 18, 2016




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