Testimonials

Hi Murray!
Oh, what a night! Wow…you were awesome! Roger Bacon loves you and you really did a great job this year. Thank you so much, my friend. You are so good at what you do and you son did a super job as a spotter. Please put us on the calendar for next April, 2014. Hugs, hugs and more hugs for a great event!

Chris Bissmeyer, Special Events Coordinator, Roger Bacon High School, Cincinnati, OH

Hi Murray,
We are still working on final numbers for Saturday, but it looks good! I can say we probably grossed more than we ever have. Thanks again for your patience in dealing with our long meetings, your ability to keep your sense of humor and your commitment to us in making our event a success. It was a pleasure to work with you from start to finish.

Karen Thompson, BHE Committee Cochair, 2013 Viking Gala, St. Albert the Great School. Louisville, KY

Murray, You were absolutely amazing! You were a huge part of the incredible energy in the room. We all appreciate what you helped to create at our 2013 Grande Gala. Loved working with you. You have a true gift for what you do. Please secure the first Saturday in March 2014 for our next Grande Gala.  Thanks for everything! You ROCK!! 🙂

Laura Bath Speed, ’80 Mount Notre Dame High School, Cincinnati, OH

Murray,
Just wanted to take time to congratulate you on an absolutely great job Saturday night at the BOB dinner and auction. You are a true professional. Your commitment, preparation, hard work and talent played a huge part in making the event a success. It was a fun and special night. I look forward to seeing you at the followup meetings.
Congratulations Again,
Joe B.  Mercy Academy, Louisville, KY

A big, huge thank you to you! It was an awesome evening for everyone. You are truly gifted at your craft! I heard so many compliments on your charisma and of course your engaging comments.
I even heard a comment that the tonal qualities & intonations of your voice are perfect for media/broadcasting!

We have been truly blessed by your participation!
Take Care & God Bless,
Rhonda Pingleton, PAWS Volunteer

On behalf of all of us at PAWS, I would like to thank you for an outstanding evening.  Your professionalism and enthusiasm were essential ingredients for what people are calling “one of the most fun evenings” they have had in a long time.  Combined with the music, auction prizes, delicious meal and festive décor, the comments cannot get any better.

I am fortunate to know you and will  extol your talents to non-profits agencies whenever I have the opportunity.

Again, thank you!!!
Ginger Shawver, PAWS

“Working with Murray was a wonderful experience. Our charity has never paid to have an auctioneer in the past and our board and event committee was understandably concerned about the expenditure. Turns out, we had nothing to fear as he more than paid for himself by increasing participation (and bids) during the live auction. In preparation for our event, Murray attended several of our planning sessions and offered helpful insights, strategies and fresh ideas. He took the time to review our auction items carefully and gave us some terrific tips to increase the desirability of our live auction packages. On the night of the event Murray made a point to walk through the crowd prior to the auction and get to know many of our patrons. Thanks to Murray’s charm and energetic style, our Live Auction was lively and many of our patrons reported on a follow-up survey that it was ‘really fun’ and ‘entertaining.’” Sarah Lister, Executive Director Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass

“For our Concrete Ball this past May, we brought in a professional auctioneer for the first time in many years. We asked Murray to both emcee the event as well as be the auctioneer. What Murray did that I found unusual for auctioneers typically working fundraising events, is that he met with our event committee several times before the event in order to learn about our organization, and what we were expecting of him. This allowed him to become engaged in our mission, as well as educate him about what we wanted accomplished through this event and how it helped our organization…Most significantly was what Murray did to help our Build the Foundation Challenge during the event. Since 2007, we’ve reserved a portion of time during the event to ask the audience to contribute funds…The most we’d brought in was $11,700…in any single year since 2007. Murray led the challenge like an auction and raised over $19,000! With his help, we learned when the best time during the event was to stage this appeal to make it more successful.” Michael Erskine, Community Advancement Director, Day Spring, Louisville, KY

We were so very lucky to have Murray as our auctioneer. Before the event, he met with us several times and gave us many helpful suggestions. He worked so well with our student bid spotters, and even chose his outfit to go with our auction theme. Murray came well prepared, having every bit of information on all of our live auction items. He was very enthusiastic, and that enthusiasm rubbed off on the crowd. He was so personable and friendly. I would encourage anyone planning an auction to give Murray a call.
Gail Kelly, 2011 Auction Coordinator McAuley High School, Cincinnati Ohio

“I have been coordinating silent auctions for a non-profit organization for about 8 years.I thought I knew just about everything one could know about making an auction successful. When we contracted with Murray to help us I couldn’t imagine a country boy from E’Town could tell me anything I didn’t know! I had no idea how much I was about to learn. Murray helped us re-think our auction and showed how we could create a positive change in our bottom line. He urged us to try new things, though we were hesitant to make those changes ( if it ain’t broke don’t fix it……or so we thought!) We were more than pleasantly surprised! Murray gave us concrete, research- based, advice. Who knew there was benefits auction research! Murray showed us how to open new funding streams and make a better connection with our financial supporters. Each time we meet with Murray he continues to teach us, he critiques our plans and inspires us to reach a little farther!” Best decision we ever made! Linda Wilhelms, VOICES of Kentuckiana

“I have had the pleasure to work with Murray McCandless as an auctioneer, for a local all girls Catholic high school in Cincinnati, OH since 2009. What can I say but “OUTSTANDING”! Because of Murray’s due diligence before each auction and his ability to connect with the audience the net revenue has increased every year.with him as the auctioneer. In addition, he is great to work with, knows his work and always the professional.” Sparkle Worley Director of Development DePaul Cristo Rey High School

“Murray has helped CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of the River Region with two very successful fundraising events. His skill, experience and commitment have made a wonderful contribution to our ongoing mission to provide service to abused and neglected children.” Denton Randall, Director of Development, CASA of the River Region Louisville, KY

“Murray is DELIGHTFUL! We have had him auction off cakes at our annual fall festival and have raised more than we ever imagined with just a few cakes.” First Presbyterian Church, Elizabethtown, KY Presbyterian Women

“Murray, Thanks again for another fantastic job in conducting our live auction and special appeal! We received more compliments on your enthusiastic and engaging performance. We know we are not one of your bigger charity benefits, but please know that you play a big role in our success.” Sue Willis, Executive Director, Ault Park Concours d’Elegance Cincinnati OH Benefiting Juvenile Arthritis

“Murray, What an incredible night! Thank you again for all your support and guidance to make this a successful event. The special appeal exceeded my wildest expectations and gets us that much closer to moving us into our new building.” Andrew Oliver, Executive Director Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass Lexington, KY

“Thank you for being such a fabulous part of an extraordinary experience…we never could have garnered what we did if it weren’t for you. On behalf of Sustainable Bolivia: La Infante, I thank you for all the work & professionalism you put into the auction.” Sustainable Bolivia: La Infante Bolivia

“Murray is a professional and a true generator. He is fun, funny, a real crowd pleaser. Everyone commented on how great you were.” Maggie Cassaro, Artist in Residence, Sustainable Bolivia: La Infante, Bolivia