Benefit Bidding 25 Years!

Can you believe it?  Benefit Bidding 25 years of helping non-profit organizations!

This month we decided to ask Mary about the start of the business.  Enjoy!

When did you and Lloyd get married?

October 15, 1983 in Topeka, KS.  We met in high school in Fall 1978 – in debate class.  Lloyd was (still is) an excellent debater – won many competitions.  Me – well, not so much…

What brought on the idea to start this type of business?

Our church held a fundraising auction and it really “sparked” Lloyd’s interest.  He researched auction schools and learned that, at that time (1990), the “Harvard” of auction schools was in Kansas City, MO – just 60 miles from our home town.  Fundraising auctions are truly a fun and exciting way to raise funds and awareness for a cause – and we felt this would be a wonderful way to help our community.  That was the start of our live auctions.

Our technology addition, which includes our online auctions, started in 2010.  Lloyd is a “techie” – and wanted to bring the fun of fundraising auctions into people’s homes!  It’s great for people to be able to bid and help their favorite cause – while sitting on the couch at home with their phone or iPad – sipping coffee or wine – depending on the time of day!

Also, our family has been affected by cystic fibrosis – a genetic disease which has no cure – but, through dedicated volunteers and many fundraising events- including auctions! – a cure is a very real possibility.  We understand that awareness and fundraising can bring positive results and help families facing all types of challenges:  poverty, disease, etc – can look forward to – and experience – better quality of life as a result of fundraising auctions.

Who was your first client?

National Marrow Donor Program.  The most notable part of the auction: The event chair, a native Texan, had received a bone marrow transplant from a gentleman in Scotland. During the event, (and remember – this was 1990), she called the Scottish gent.  The phone was hooked up to speakers so the audience could hear.  The chair asked him if he had freckles, and he replied that yes, he had many, many freckles!!  The chair, who had many, many freckles – revealed that, prior to receiving the marrow transplant – had NEVER had any freckles!!

What is your favorite part of this business?  

Meeting people involved in the cause – and learning about WHY they are involved.  Everyone has a story and it’s very inspiring to learn why someone is passionate about a cause.

IN the past 25 years, we have done some amazing things.  Benefit Bidding is unique in that Lloyd and Mary have chaired 2 gala events.  We understand what the event chairs are experiencing – have been in their shoes.

Thanks for sticking by us for the past 25 years.  We look forward to helping with your auctions for the next 25 year!

Visit us at benefitbidding.com