Breaking the mould:
How I helped Spear Islington SMASH their targets

When Spear Islington booked me to inject fresh energy into their annual gala, they needed to move past the formal caution of previous years to truly inspire generosity. Working closely with the trustees, I focused on building genuine connections, from mingling with guests beforehand to strategically sharing stories during the pledge to reignite momentum. This engaging approach helped them smash their biggest fundraising target to date, leading the trustees to hail the evening as “game-changing” and immediately rebook me for their next event.

Over €1,000,000 raised in Monte Carlo

Beneath the Riviera sun and against the glittering backdrop of Monte Carlo’s Yacht Club, I had the honour of hosting a landmark charity auction in support of Sheba Medical Center. An extraordinary evening of generosity, humour, and high-stakes bidding unfolded as guests from around the world came together for one cause, to support Sheba’s lifesaving humanitarian work.

Together, we raised over €1 million in a single night. From rare artwork to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, each lot told a story and every bid helped write a new chapter in Sheba’s mission to bring world-class care to those who need it most.

The Jigsaw Trust expected £14k I raised £57,600

At the Jigsaw Trust charity gala, I was initially briefed to aim for a £14,000 target from the live auction but by the end of the night, we’d more than doubled expectations, raising an incredible £27,000. In addition to running the live auction, I encouraged the team to include a live pledge moment, which proved a huge success and generated a further £30,600.

I also supported the sale of raffle tickets, collected silent auction bids, and advised on creative ways to boost revenue including featuring inexpensive paintings created by children from the Jigsaw School, which raised £4,000, demonstrating how the right storytelling and presentation can transform even the simplest lots into major fundraising wins.

Teenage Cancer Trust expected £40,000.
They received £84,108

At OCU Group’s annual gala for the Teenage Cancer Trust, I served as charity auctioneer and event host, leading a high-energy auction that kept the room buzzing from start to finish. I also encouraged the team to introduce a fundraising pledge, which I ran live alongside a representative from the Teenage Cancer Trust. The moment created a genuine emotional connection and inspired guests to give generously.

By the end of the night, the OCU Group had more than doubled their fundraising goal, raising an incredible £84,108.04, with more bids still coming in. Event chair Lisa later wrote, “Without your input and amazing hosting we definitely wouldn’t have achieved the total raised we absolutely smashed our £40k target.”

I Raised Three Times More
Than MAGS Expected

The Manchester Airport Group pulled out all the stops for their annual charity gala, a spectacular evening held inside an aircraft hangar, beneath the wing of the legendary Concorde. With over 400 guests in attendance and live performances from Scouting for Girls, the scene was set for a night to remember.

As the charity auctioneer and host, I had the privilege of guiding guests through an unforgettable evening of generosity and laughter. From heartfelt stories about the chosen causes to high-energy bidding wars, the room was fully engaged from start to finish. The result? A record-breaking total, tripling the amount raised the previous year.

It was one of those rare events where everything clicked: the atmosphere, the entertainment, and the generosity of the guests. The team at MAGS were phenomenal to work with, and the energy in that hangar was electric. I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in helping them make such a meaningful impact.

Breaking Records: How Temwa Raised More Than Ever Before

Working with Temwa for the first time, our goal was to do more than just read out lots—we wanted to elevate the entire event experience. By collaborating closely in the weeks leading up to the gala, we shifted the focus from a standard auction to a strategic fundraising event. This preparation paid off, resulting in a night that the team described as “more professional than ever.” We didn’t just bring energy to the room; we brought a structure that allowed us to smash previous fundraising records and set a new benchmark for what their annual gala could achieve.

A major component of this success was the introduction of a ‘Live Pledge’ to support specific charity projects. While the organizers were initially nervous about this direct style of fundraising, trust in the process was key. On the night, I worked to hype up the room and connect the audience emotionally to the cause, turning that apprehension into action. The pledge worked incredibly well, unlocking a new stream of revenue and proving that with the right delivery, guests are eager to give. I am thrilled to be invited back next year to help Temwa grow this success even further.