Trisha Brauer is a national leader in fund-raising auctions.

Auctioneer Trisha Brauer, the owner of Roeland Park’s Taking Bids Benefit Auctions, is a nationally recognized expert on fund-raising auctions for community groups and nonprofits.

Brauer travels around the country teaching other auctioneers how to put together effective benefit auctions. The National Auctioneers Association has certified only three people in the entire country to serve as trainers—and Brauer’s one of them.

Here in Kansas City, Brauer has led auctions on behalf of the Epilepsy Foundation, Spay & Neuter Kansas City, Calvary Lutheran School and many others.

The psychology is different for benefit auctions. Understanding how small decisions—from marketing to scheduling to the order of auction items—can have a huge effect on funds raised. Plus, with benefit auctions, the bidders should have a good time. And they need to know how their dollars will help pay for vital community services.

“My goal is to get people to give as much money with a smile on their face,” said Brauer.