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An experienced auctioneer has revealed how he utilises his skills to support good causes each year, facilitating auctions at charity fundraising events.
Auctioneer Bryce Gibson, principal of LJ Hooker Cessnock, is committed to giving back to the community and supporting worthy causes, often facilitating auctions at charity fundraising events.
Instead of properties being auctioned, bidders raise their paddles to win a range of coveted items, such as overseas trips, concert tickets, and jewellery.
Gibson began hosting charity auctions early in his real estate career to give back and hone his skills; two decades later, he continues to lead them, seeing them as a valuable way for professionals to help those in need.
He said charity auctions are much more relaxed compared to property auctions, and bidders can be incredibly generous.
“Occasionally, there has been a tough crowd, but then there have been some serious bidders, who have gone out big early or dug deep,” he said.
“My job is to engage with the crowd – you can’t be too boisterous or aggressive – instead, it needs to be light and airy.”
Gibson is next scheduled to assist at a Ronald McDonald House Charities event on 20 November at the Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club.
At a previous Ronald McDonald House Charities event held in July, $57,000 was raised from auction items to support sick young people and their families.
Gibson said it can be difficult to resist putting his own hand up for items, and he spoke about how his wife once bid on something for him.
“At the last event, I told my wife not to bid on anything, but she knew I would love to see Oasis, and when some tickets went under the hammer, she put her hand up and made the highest offer,” he said.
“I made sure the crowd knew they were bidding against my wife – it was a bit of fun. I’m glad she did, as it helped a great charity, and now we are going to the concert.”
LJ Hooker head of network Australia, Chris Keating, said that agents throughout the entire network are making a difference and inspiring others in similar ways.
He also said charity auctions can be extremely fun, even for non-bidders, given that the whole audience gets into the spirit.
“And for many people in the audience, it may be their first experience of an actual auction, so it can also be educational, too,” he said.
“Real estate businesses are often asked for donations, but what a lot of these charities need is time; they need volunteers like Bryce, who can utilise their skills for great causes,” Keating concluded.
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