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Meet
chris hensley
Award-Winning Auctioneer for Elevated Fundraising
Chris Hensley is a nationally acclaimed, award-winning charity and benefit auctioneer. He has helped hundreds of non-profit charities raise more money for their mission through gala fundraisers.
Chris believes your gala guests should feel great while giving to a great cause.
Working with your team prior to the event, Chris builds a deep understanding of your non-profit’s mission and helps set the strategy for increased revenue generation at your gala. Once the event begins, Chris’ style is engaging, encouraging, energetic, emotive and fun.
Non-profits that have worked with Chris have seen significant increases in their fundraising results. Live Auctions, Fund-A-Cause/Paddle Raise, Games and Revenue Enhancers — Chris raises the bar and helps you set records.
Want proof? Ask Chris how he helped one charity raise nearly a million dollars more from one year to the next.
“Bar none, Chris is the most effective and talented auctioneer I have seen in action, boosting fundraising for two organizations I've worked with--Chicago Public Media and Elmhurst Hospital Foundation, part of Endeavor Health. As an experienced fundraising executive, Chris innately understands how to tell stories in a way that opens hearts and inspires action (giving!). He is strategic about raising donors' sights. Chris is a powerful spokesperson for the organizations he is representing, taking the time to learn about their mission and impact. I see him as an extension of those teams. He is not only great at closing gifts but helping people feel good about their generosity. I highly recommend Chris for your event. He will elevate your relationship building and your fundraising.”
— Lucy Kim, Chief Development Officer, Endeavor Health
“Chris has been our event auctioneer for 14 major events and we consider him an integral part of our team. In fact, we plan our events around his availability. He is fun, brings the perfect amount of energy, raises A LOT of money, and the guests love him! Chris is always mentioned when we ask our guests about their favorite part of the event. I’m afraid of the day when he isn’t available.”
— Brenden Etue, Executive Director of Little Heroes League
“Chris is charismatic, thoughtful, fun to work with, a true professional and is our favorite gala auctioneer. What we love most about working with Chris is his ability to not only understand the clients’ mission, but to portray it in a genuine way – this is invaluable and unique amongst auctioneers. He cares about each organization he works with, and spends time understanding their goals, and how he can make an impact during their live auction and fund-a-need. His results speak for themselves.”
— The Empowered Nonprofits Events Team
“Chris is a true partner, he is genuinely committed to our success. He helps with pre-event strategies, adapts to last minute changes on site, and shares insights in post-event analysis. Chris is a crowd-pleaser, not only does he motivate bidding, he is likable and entertaining. He creates energy in the room, while keeping the program exciting and fun for all. He’s become an important part of our event and out guests lol forward to seeing him. I have been a nonprofit leader for more than 20 years, hosting countless events, Chris is the best auctioneer I have ever worked with!”
— Suzanne Skala, Executive Director of CASA DuPage
“Auctioneers are much more than just the fast-talking money swindlers on a mic -- and few people understand that better than Chris Hensley! Chris is 'in it to win it' with a comprehensive approach from strategy through execution, and is a true partner throughout the process. Time and again, I've watched Chris help organizations exceed their fundraising goals while expertly crafting narratives that build trust, awareness, and stronger connections between the mission and the people in the room. Chris is a true professional on all fronts, and a wizard at getting people to raise their paddles, and their bids!”
— Cory Fowkes, CMP, Event Planner & Producer