Jennie has been involved with charity auctions in Seattle and the Northwest since 2000. She fell in love with the energy of benefit auctions, so attended the World Wide College of Auctioneer to learn how to "talk fast" and raise money for non-profits. She's been fundraising and having fun ever since.

Where did you grow up?

Portland, Oregon

What brought you to Seattle?

I came for a consulting project, then fell in love with the city and decided to relocate.

What do you like best about Seattle?

Aside from the stunning natural environment surrounding the city, Seattle has more charity auctions than any other city in the world. People here love partying for a cause. I love being part of that and meeting people who want to make a difference in their communities.

How did you first get involved with benefit auctions?
My friend Kristen invited me to volunteer with her for PONCHO. After that wonderful experience, I had caught the auction bug. So I went on to volunteer for several more years, in all roles, until finally I enrolled in the World Wide College of Auctioneering. I was one of the only women in the class, and the only one specializing in charity auctions. Still I had the best time ever learning how to chant ("the fast talking part") alongside a bunch of fun people. 

What do you like best about benefit auctions? 

Benefit auctions are build community support as well as funds for an organization. Many people are part of the success - event planners, sponsors, patrons, donors, volunteers, and the auctioneering team. It’s win-win-win for all involved. The auction item donors get to make a difference in the community while marketing to potential clients, the guests get to bid on terrific items and feel good about where the money is going, the organizations are able to build community support while meeting fundraising goals.

What types of organizations are important to you personally?

There are so many important causes, it's difficult for me to choose! One of the reasons I became a charity auctioneer is so that I can learn about the good work that many organizations are doing and be involved in helping them reach their fundraising goals. Over the years, I've been lucky to be able to support many causes both local and global - arts, education, hunger relief, housing, hospitals and health organizations, museums and cultural heritage, animal welfare, environmental conservation and social justice. And last but not least, I love listening to and actively supporting NPR.

What do you enjoy about your role with Allegria Auctions?

I love helping inspire people to give a little more, to show support for causes that are important to them, and to have fun while they are doing good.

If you were a food, what would you be and why?

I would be spearmint. I love the fresh taste! And I go well with sugar and rum.

To see Jennie in action, click to view a recent live auction video.