Testimonials

What Consulting Clients Had to Say …

I loved the Dream Game! What a great technique for targeting fabulous auction items and the procuring them.”

Gina Orlando
Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation, New York

“Any Board member, volunteer or event planner will benefit from Kathy Kingston’s practical ideas and guidance for fundraising benefit auctions.”

Gene Mazur
Manchester Community College Foundation, Connecticut

“Great experience, humorous and practical. Lots of info and specific tasks to engage committee members.”

Pam Stuart
Child Guidance Center of Mid Fairfield, Connecticut

“This day was so informative. Thank You!!”

Wanda Guzman
United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, Connecticut

“Not only did you provide tons of amazing information to help improve our event, but also kept an 8 hour seminar fun and enjoyable!”

Meredith Maffett
Ron Foley Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Connecticut

Video Testimonial from Cladia Bell for Kathy Kingston – How Auctioneer Kathy Kingston’s professional skills, mission centered approach and enthusiasm engaged the audience to new levels for El Hogar Ministries.More Testimonials

Kathy is a force of nature and she has such a great way with people! I can’t wait to work with her again.”

Amanda Harless, Associate Producer

Liz Page Associates

“I just had to personally thank you… you more than delivered. This will apparently be our biggest grossing event in our organization’s history … we are still stunned (and grateful) for all of your help. We are now your loyal fans and know we will be working with you for many years to come.”

Anita Burroughs

Conway Area Humane Society, New Hampshire

“Thanks to Kathy Kingston our Friends Finding Friends Charity Art Event made more money than we ever dreamed!”

Anne Omundson, Development Director

The Friends Program

“It has always been such a pleasure knowing and working with Kathy. She has always been a great self-esteem boost and taught me to respect myself and to value the skills I can offer.”

Ayden Grout

Former neighbor, student at NYU

“WHAT A GREAT AUCTION!!!  We had so much fun; I think it was the best auction ever. The numbers are great too. Thank you so much.

Beata Swierczenski, Auction Chair

Adams Montessori School, MA

“I worked directly with Kathy on all aspects of the auction and found her to be very professional and hard working for our school. I was highly impressed by her abilities and heard positive comments about her for weeks following the auction.”

Bob McCall

The New School, Kennebunk, ME

“Because of Kathy Kingston, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation has grown its annual auction more than 300 percent in the past six years. Our Alaska Native Art Auction is now one of the state’s premiere charity art auction events.”

Cassandra Shumate, Director of Marketing and Development

Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, Alaska

“The proof is in the results. After working with Kathy, two of our groups NEARLY TRIPLED their fundraising revenue!”

Celeste Wilson, Executive Director

Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston

“I have been receiving tons of wonderful feedback from our board members, staff and patrons complimenting you. Everyone here is thrilled that the energy of the event felt good and that the auction was a success. I cannot thank you enough for our hours of phone conversations working to perfect this fundraiser.”

Chris Silberman, Colorado Symphony Orchestra

Denver, CO

Video Testimonial from Victoria Vandenbury for Kathy Kingston – How Auctioneer Kathy Kingston generates excitement before and during the auction and doubles the auction items to increase fundraising for the Labrador Rescuers.More Testimonials

“Thank you so much for your part in making our event so successful. Everyone appreciated your management of the event, your humor and your spirit. You added so much.”

Deborah Weaver, Founder and Executive Director

Girls’ Leap

“I am working on my seventh annual auction here at the Waldo County Transportation Program. Our auctions have always been successful thanks to the excellent training my staff and I have received provided by national auction award winner, Kathy Kingston. Kathy puts on an all-day training that leaves no questions unanswered. I can tell you she is one of the best auction trainers in the country and has the credentials to back it up. The value of the information and material provided in the training will more than cover the costs of sending a couple of people to the training.”

Ed Murphy

Waldo County Transportation Program

Belfast, ME

“Kathy transforms wishful thinking into success, is exceedingly generous with her time and connections in the process, and in the end the donors, volunteers and staff are proud of what they achieved to advance their mission. Kathy’s integrity, professionalism, and energy make her exceptional and indispensable.

James M. Schaffer, Chief Development Officer

Domus

“Working with Kathy simply assures your success. She has handled our event the last three years with outstanding results. We don’t hesitate to hire her again and again because we know the auction is in very capable hands. We’ve been thrilled with her!”

Jane and Whitney Harris, Chairpersons of the Silver Ball

Arthritis Foundation, St. Louis Chapter

“Somehow, thank you doesn’t seems to fully articulate how grateful and appreciative I am for enticing me to take that first gigantic leap of faith three years ago. Wow Ms. Kingston! You continue to inspire and challenge me, and I love it. You’re the best!

Jared West, General Manager

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, Boston, MA

Kingston consulting client, Melanie Damsker shares how Kathy Kingston’s pre-event fundraising consulting empowered Green Light Fund to reformat their evening program to make biggest impact in donors and not to leave any money in the room by maximizing their fundraising efforts.More Testimonials

Kathy Kingston’s experience and knowledge are priceless!

Kerry Dwyer

Museum of Yachting, Newport, RI

“Thanks Kathy for starting me on the right path to planning our first auction.”

Lisa Hergenrother

Habitat for Humanity, MA

“It was a great night – I have heard back from many people who raved about it. Thank you for all your help and expertise in making this so successful.”

Liz Kinchen, Executive Director

El Hogar Ministries

Thank you for all you did to make the Fund-the-Future such a success! We are gratified to have such a friend and we look forward to seeing you around Long Wharf in the future.”

The Development Team

Long Wharf Theatre, CT

“I feel fortunate to count Kathy as a friend and colleague.”

Melanie Damsker, Director of Special Events and Outreach

Greenlight Fund

“Kathy Kingston is beyond talented! Her enthusiasm and forward approach made our organization tons of money!”

Patti Frew-Waters, Executive Director

Durham Main Street, Durham, NH

Long time volunteer and Board of Directors member, Sharon Weiner describes the best auction that Friends of Karen has ever had with Auctioneer Kathy Kingston.More Testimonials

“Kathy Kingston choreographs every single moment of your event. We made 5 times the money we made last year.”

Patricia Lavoie

Southern New Hampshire Youth Ballet

Thanks again for all your help and hard work! You made the Cabaret so exciting and so much fun. I really look forward to working with you (and learning from you) in the future.”

Stephanie, Friends of Karen

Kathy has become part of our fundraising lore, and her wisdom echoes through our work.”

Tara Keppler

Atrium School

These concepts work!”

Tracy LaPlante

The Met, NH

What Auction Clients Had to Say …

Video Testimonial from Betsy Roper for Kathy Kingston – How Auctioneer Kathy Kingston raised more money as well as the energy level of audience with her interactive style and interactive revenue-producing auction activities at Wolfe’s Neck Farm Auction Gala.More Testimonials

“I am writing to you today to thank you for providing auctioneers Steve Schofield and D Byers for last year’s Boots N Bling gala and fundraising event benefiting Starting Point. We continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the women, men and children we serve. Your support was very important to the success of the first annual Boots N Bling event and we than you very much.”

Beth Campbell,

Board Member

“Kathy Kingston gave our annual auction the shot in the arm it needed in order to bring us to the next level. Thanks to her expertise, enthusiasm, and incredible skills as an auctioneer, we were able to substantially increase revenues generated from this event. Kathy is absolutely marvelous and will bring new energy to your next auction fund raising event!”

Barbara Bilz, Director of Development

Leisure Services & Supplemental Education, Town of Amherst, MA

“I have had the pleasure of working with Kathy Kingston who has been the auctioneer of our annual Tourism Travel Auction “Travel Treasures” for the past three years. Kathy has been an integral part of our auction planning committee with donation solicitation, silent and live auction items layout and event planning. During the live auction Kathy motivates our attendees and continues to exceed our fundraising goals. She has been invaluable in providing fundraising strategies to our association and I would highly recommend Kathy Kingston’s services as auctioneer.”

Teri Hendricks

Alaska Travel Industry Association

“She’s dynamite. Her skills as an auctioneer doubled the income of our annual auction in three years. Her enthusiasm and high energy level add to the fun of the evening.”

Barbara Cempura, Executive Director

Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Southwestern Illinois

“Steve Schofield and D Byers … were the emcees and auctioneers for the (Conway Area Humane Society) fundraiser. It was as much fun to watch the two of them at work as watching the people bidding.”

Elizabeth Carlton

The Mountain Ear – North Conway, NH

“Kathy Kingston was hired as our first professional auctioneer for our Soroptimist

auction. She brought fun, high-energy to our event and she was terrific at motivating the audience. I was also impressed on how thoroughly she prepared herself for our event by being involved with our goals and knowing our auction items. Kathy’s strong commitment played a major role in our success.”

Georgia Blue

Soroptimist International of Cook Inlet

“Kathy, we could not be happier with how you handled the entire auction. You performed your auctioneer magic from beginning to end and raised more money on the first auction item alone than we’ve raised previously during entire Families First auctions.”

Christa Martinez, Executive Director

Families First

Video Testimonial from Barbara Salisbury for Kathy Kingston -
How Auctioneer Kathy Kingston’s professional services raises exponentially more money for their MAB Community Services Gala Auction and how Kathy works her magic and makes it fun.
More Testimonials

“Kathy did two auctions for us, and handled them in a very professional manner. She was able to draw people out; she wouldn’t take no for an answer! Her enthusiasm was really contagious.

Thomas Culliton, President

United States Association for Blind Athletes, Missouri Chapter

“Kathy is fantastic!! I’ve been to many business and educational seminars over the years, and I’d have to say that yours was far and away the best of them all! …You were well organized, and came across as friendly, witty and highly professional – just the things anyone would look for in hiring a consultant or auctioneer. Once more Kathy, thanks so much for allowing me to attend, and for giving me so much great information and inspiration. You are an honor to our profession.

John Carson

John Carson Benefit Auctions

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, for your energy, for your love, for your INCREDIBLE generosity on every level for making Saturday the most memorable evening my professional life. My love, deepest respect and humble gratitude to every one of you!”

Diane B. Lesneski Auger, Founder and Director

Friends For Tomorrow, Inc.

You’re amazing! Thanks for helping to make our event such a great success as we celebrated fifty years of volunteer services for blind and visually impaired individuals.”

Barbara Salisbury

MAB Community Services

“Just a brief note to say thank you so much for an extraordinary job you did on behalf of the Fuller Craft’s Luminaries event. You are one of the better auctioneers and professionals that we have encountered on the fundraising circuit over these past decades. Congratulations, your deep commitment to museums certainly comes through.”

Bernie and Sue Pucker

Pucker Galleries, Boston, MA

“Our auction on Friday night was SO much improved over past years. Thank you for all of your words of wisdom.”

Brandy Kolmer, Director of Development & Public Relations

Mystic Arts Center – Mystic, CT

Video Testimonial from Kim Mason for Kathy Kingston -
How Kathy Kingston as Auctioneer and Consultant raised the most money ever for Wolfe’s Neck Farm by emphasizing their mission and with her enthusiasm and professional fundraising auction expertise.
More Testimonials

“The tremendous team of Steve Schofield and D Byers, through Kingston Auction Company is our first choice in auction professionals! Last year their unique combination of warmth and professionalism spurred our auction to new heights, bringing in 29% more net revenue than our prior year, exceeding all expectations. They read our audience well, made sure they didn’t miss a bidder in the capacity crowd, took just the right tone, and kept a perfect pace. It was a wonderful evening that our donors are still talking about, and we look forward to welcoming them back again this year.

“I’d like to thank you for justifying our faith in referring you. I strongly suggested one of our sister organizations (Conway Humane Society) attend ‘Auction School’.  They took my advice and their auction revenue more than tripled this year (March, 2009) despite the economy!  They are ‘Kingston Konverts’ as I knew they would be.  Thanks for never making me regret my referrals!”

Caroline Boyd, President & CEO

Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire

“Your auctioneering was eye-opening and we raised record amounts of donations because of you. I would like to offer a special thank you for your generosity in this time of great economic difficulty. We could not have done this with out you. Great work, Kathy!”

Carter Luke, President

MSPCA – Angell, Boston, MA

“Kathy created a veritable avalanche of success and well being to Summer Stages Dance. I cannot thank her enough for her wise and seasoned guidance, her unflagging faith in the event, her generosity of spirit and resources, her high standard of excellence, and her delightful energy. She is a joy to work with. She does the impossible – she engages her audience with the skill of a seasoned performer and the determination of a prizefighter. She created an event environment that was informed, friendly, exciting and intimate all at once – an environment where guests feel thrilled and proud to be generous.”

Diane Fielder, Chairman

Summer Stages Dance, MA

On Kathy Kingston: “She’s my favorite auctioneer!”

Diane Pratt

March of the Dimes

“Kathy is the most wonderful auctioneer we have ever had at an Atrium auction. The event was a tremendous success, much of which is to be credited to your effort, enthusiasm and support. We are all truly grateful.”

Don Mayer, Chair

Board of Trustees, Atrium School

“Our annual Auction raised more money than any previous auction with the talent of Kathy Kingston. She was able to engage the audience in such a positive fun way. We are already looking forward to next year’s auction! We could not have reached our overall fundraising goal without a successful auction and Kathy made that happen!”

Dorene Glynn, Development Director

Shelter, Inc., Cambridge, MA

“Where would CCI be without Kathy? She is without a doubt, the backbone of our fundraiser. People rave about her skills – she encourages us to get bigger and better every year. Thanks again – working with you is a blast!”

Hadley Luddy, VP of Development

Community Connections, Yarmouth Port, MA

“I can’t thank you and Joan enough for your good work. You really made the difference. A pro is a pro is a pro! And you made it fun for everyone. Hope our paths cross again.”

Jan Whitehead, Chair of the Board

SITI Company

“Dynamic, energetic and powerful.”

Jennifer Hart

Creative Art for Kids, Boston, MA

“Kathy walks on water. I have had the privilege of working with her on several events for non-profit organizations, of which I am a board member. Her invaluable advise to our committee on auction structure and items, is only exceeded by her exceeded by her extraordinary platform performance. Kathy’s strategies to increase audience participation and boost revenue are truly impressive. We far exceeded our financial goal. Kathy is a warm and engaging person- fun to work with and always available for advise and support.”

Joan Parker, Board of Directors

American Repertory Theater

Video Testimonial from Anne Omunson and Karen Varney for Kathy Kingston – How Auctioneer Kathy Kingston has continued to raise the most money at The Friends Auction auction profits for several yearsMore Testimonials

“It was a fabulous time and we are still glowing. Thank you Kathy and Lynne for helping us make the Gala so successful.  You were so professional and we were glad you were a part of it.  Thank you again for a job well done!”

Jodi Berman Felton, Gala Chair

Westport Arts Center, CT

“Kathy Kingston brought tremendous energy and excitement to our auction. Her guidance during the preparation and her skill and enthusiasm at the event put us over the top!”

John Coull, President

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, MA

“Kathy took our auction to new heights by training our volunteers and staff, great placement of items, and by really connecting with our crowd! Kingston Auction Company has provided great support to our staff and volunteers in growing our event over the past three years. Thanks to Kathy, we have been able to increase the return on contributed items, made our auction more entertaining, and secured new donors.”

Jon Zasada, Asst. CEO,

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Alaska, Alaska

“By using Kathy as our professional auctioneer we tripled our proceeds! She’s wonderful. She works with you and has your organization’s interests at heart. She’s not out for herself. She helps tailor the auction very specifically. We’d never plan an auction without her.

Judy Meador, Executive Director

National Association of Women Business Owners, St. Louis Chapter, MO

“I want to personally thank you (June DeLair) for the absolutely fantastic job you did!! You are in the “YOU make a difference” elite group. We have had wonderful comments on the event, with one comment that it was ‘the best of the best’!! Again, on behalf of the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury and personally, my sincere appreciation. Your help planning the “show flow” for this new venue for us after 7 years of holding our event at one site was instrumental in our success. June DeLair as auctioneer did a fantastic job of “helping” our guests put their passion to work by by reaching into their pockets and bidding.”

Kathy Pape, Gala Chairperson

Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, CT

“Kathy is a true professional. Her energy, experience and creativity add value and star-quality finesse to any fundraiser. I look forward to consulting with her on future events, as well as hiring her as an auctioneer.”

Kerry Brash

Clinton Education Foundation

“I would thank you for the exciting and wonderful live auction. It is in large part due to your expertise and charisma that the event was a success; over $100,000 was raised for Longwood Symphony’s programs – an accomplishment we can all be proud of!”

Lisa M. Wong, M.D., President and CEO

Longwood Symphony Orchestra

“A Celebration of Radical Kindness was a great success in large part because the auction was such a show stopper! Your stage presence really motivated the audience to an unprecedented level of auction giving and we can certainly say without a doubt that your participation elevated the event to a new level of success.”

Liz Page, Principal

Liz Page Associates

“On behalf of all of us at STAR Inc., our heartfelt appreciation for all you did to contribute to the success of the Stars Dinner and Auction. We had another great year thanks to your guidance, expertise and commitment to our organization. We could not have achieved what we did with you. Many, many thanks from all of our children and adults with developmental disabilities.”

Mike Petell, Development Director

STAR, Inc., Connecticut

Video Testimonial from Tammy Ehinger for Kathy Kingston – How Kathy Kingston keeps the auction audience engaged on the mission, raises record amounts with Fund A Need and brings valuable auction strategy and coaching behind the scenes to Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council.More Testimonials

Kathy, you are brilliant! A riot! The Best! Thank you so much for using your magnificent auctioneering skills to support Greater Boston PFLAG. As you know, it was an amazing, emotional and touching evening. Our group loved you. They thought you were funny, engaging and really excellent at getting people to open their wallets. We could not have asked for more! You were terrific!”

Pam Garramone, Executive Director

Greater Boston PFLAG, MA

“One of the most important aspects of the entire fundraising auction event is hiring a professional charity/benefit auctioneer. This single decision can make a significant impact on the financial success of your next auction. A professional auctioneer with specialized training and experience in fundraising can generate more profit for your event, in addition to creating an unforgettable evening of fun and excitement for your supporters and guests.”

Peggy Theiss, Director of Special Events

National Office of the March of Dimes

“Recently, I have had the distinct pleasure to work with Kathy Kingston at a Big Brothers Big Sisters auction held on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I have been the Master of Ceremonies for at least ten past auctions and as such have worked with several professional auctioneers. In my opinion, Kathy was the best. Not only was she professional, but also very entertaining and quick with a quip, which precipitated bidder involvement. I am hoping to have her work with me in future auctions.”

Richard N. Rougeau, Esq., Master of Ceremonies

Big Brothers Big Sisters Auction, Cape Cod, MA

“Kathy was patient and helpful and I am sure having her expertise helped us make more money than we would have otherwise. One of our guests commented, ‘I was going to leave early, but the auctioneer was so entertaining I stayed until the end!’ This was just one of the many positive remarks overheard that day.”

Rita McCall, Parent

The New School

“Kathy is among the best charity auctioneers in this country. Her auctions are lively, infused with enthusiasm and move people to reach new heights. Every auction or workshop I have attended has generated great energy and results in very significant contributions to your organization.”

Sharon Danosky

Danosky and Associates, CT

“Your enthusiasm and professionalism always add so much excitement to the night. I am certain that the success of the evening had much to do with your participation in Rose Bids this year. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Sharon Garland, Director of Development

St. Elizabeth Community, RI

“This past year our Legacy Gala was at its very best with the expertise of Kathy Kingston.  She had marvelous ideas on changing our layout, which helped us to make more money.  She also worked with us to implement “Fund a Future” which added almost $14,000 extra to our profits.  She was professional, fun, and very entertaining with our guests bringing our auction to a whole new level of energy and proceeds.  I would highly recommend Kathy to any non-profit.  It is clearly evident that she loves what she does.”

Theresa Lucier Judd, Special Events Coordinator

Bishop Guertin High School, NH

“This auction was so great, we are still on a high!”

Virginia Moore, Conway Area Humane Society

Conway, NH

“Kathy’s able to generate dollars and excitement – a winning combination.”

Will Holsberry, Executive Director

National Intramural Recreational Sports Association

What Seminar Participants Had to Say …

Seminar Participant testimonial for Kathy KingstonMore Testimonials

“Thanks for the ultra-informative teleseminar. As always, you’ve blended today’s leading-edge benefit auction thinking with tried and true industry best practices, and wrapped it all up in a concise and user-friendly package that the rookie and the seasoned pro alike can use to dramatically improve their business. That’s why I keep coming back for more!

Keith L. McLane, BAS
KLM Auctions, Sacremento, CA

“Thank you for sharing your experiences. It makes us all better benefit auctioneers.”

Mark Schroeder BAS, CES,

Auction brio llc, San Antonio, Texas

“Kathy you are a GODDESS among auctioneers!”

Abe Rybeck,

Artistic Director,

The Theatre Offensive, Boston, Massachusetts

“Kathy, Thank you so much for that wonderful Teleseminar that I was able
to listen in on yesterday. I was so surprised that you were chatting
with everyone before it started. You were so warm and friendly. Most
speakers I’ve listened in on are very stuffy.
You had some wonderful pointers. Your knowledge and expertise shines
thru in what you say. It is very generous of you to share what your
experience has taught you for free or for such a reasonable cost.
My friend, Fran Burelle, (a manufacturing equipment auctioneer)
pointed me in your direction.Again, thank you SO VERY MUCH
for sharing your knowledge and experience. It was a very helpful call!”

Sue Fox

“Kathy! I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your webinars! They are refreshing, full of great ideas and keeps me connected with YOU! Thank you for doing those! Thank you!”

Dominique Mouthon

Head of School,

Follow the Child Montessori School, Raleigh, NC

“Kathy’s seminar was the best seminar I’ve ever been to. Very informative and fun – I learned a lot!”

Andrena Gagliardi

The Michael Bolton Charities, Inc., Connecticut

“We raised more than double what we raised last year after attending Kathy’s seminar.”

Ariel Wortzman

Teen Voices – Boston, MA

“This is the third time I’ve attended one of Kathy Kingston’s seminars and again, I’ve added to the wealth of exciting and useful auction tips she’s shared before. For anyone involved with non profit auctions, this is a ‘must attend’ event for a successful event.”

Brigette Siff Holmes

Pierce Law Center, NH

“Our Fund a Need was an overwhelming success – above and beyond the Live and Silent Auction. We followed all your tips as your seminar. It was great.”

Carol Gayman, Director of Special Events

Manchester YMCA, NH

“I have never been so mesmerized by any public speaker who could hold my attention for over 7 hours — Kathy never stopped and her energy level never waived.”

Liz Crowley

Ludlow Streetscapes, Vermont

Excellent presentation; it’s obvious you love what you do!”

Carol Sullivan

Latham Centers, Inc.

Seminar participant, Shannon Malone talks about the insightful, wonderful ideas she took back to the Jordan Hospital auction, from Kathy Kingston’s and Sharon Dansosky’s workshop: Integrate Special Events into your Dynamic Fundraising Plan.More Testimonials

“If you hold auctions, do not miss this seminar!”

Liz Warner, President

MARC Community Resources, CT

“An outstanding presentation – Kathy makes it fun to learn new, different

ideas for good/easy fundraising auctions.”

Cindy Mazar

Star Boosters, Indiana

“It was a pleasure to attend your seminar on successful auctions this past weekend at the GALA Choruses Leadership Conference. You certainly offered some terrific insight, and then you practiced what you preached later in the day (with great success I might add).”

Cliff Schiappa, Development Director

Heartland Men’s Chorus, KS

“This is a great seminar for the first time auction volunteer or for someone who needs a refresher.”

Deb Gingras

St. Anthony School

“This seminar packed an amazing amount of useful information into a profitable and fun program. Seasoned professionals and beginners alike gain a trove of ideas.”

Deborah Barackman

Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, CT

“Kathy’s seminar was absolutely fabulous! This is probably THE best eight hours I have spent at any workshop. We all felt the valuable information that Kathy shared will help make our future fundraisers a success – and let’s face it, we need all the help we can get in today’s economy.”

Diane Cummings, Executive Director

St. Luke’s Eldercare Solutions of Central Connecticut

Kingston Auction Client and seminar attendee Stan Griffith tells how Kathy Kingston provided level of expertise so Greater Boston PFLAG created a culture of giving by getting their board of directors and committee focused on productive fundraising techniques and ways to build donor relationships for the future.More Testimonials

“The day was fabulous. I learned a great deal, many ways to improve our next event. You are a great presenter and made the day fun and informative.

Joan Lawrence, Director of Development

girls inc., Lynn, MA

“Thank you. I got a lot of useful information from today’s seminar. I attended one of your seminars two years ago and implemented many of the ideas I took away.”

Paula Coyne, Director of Development

Cold Spring School, CT

“We really enjoyed the auction workshop. My gang thought it was great and it lived up to the rave reviews I have always given. Now I think they will play heads or tails!! Our best for the holiday season!!”

Jane Carroll

“It was absolutely the best seminar I have ever attended. I have been raising funds and planning special events for over 10 years. Kathy gave me some wonderful insight on how to raise more funds during an event and ways to keep your audience captivated. I will certainly use what I’ve learned with others in my organization. Thank you again!”

Sharon Pelkey, Director of Development

Special Olympics Connecticut

Your Teleseminar … it was wonderful! I was writing fast and furious. I had to step out for 5 minutes and I came rushing back in so I didn’t miss too much!!”

Lana Wescott, Development Director

Mercy Hospital, Portland, ME

“Thank you very much for inviting us to participate in the Fundraising Auction workshop. Kathy Kingston was dynamic, informative and entertaining. I walked away with many new ideas and strategies.”

Kimberly Margolis, Director of Corporate Sponsorship

Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, CT

“Thank you so much for the outstanding information, motivation and “auction-tainment” you shared at yesterday’s workshop. What a blessing it was to learn best practices from a professional team.”

Danielle Withroder

East Catholic High School, CT

“You were simply outstanding last night. Your skill and professionalism are only surpassed by your authenticity. We are so grateful for your continued support and love for Share Our Strength and we look forward to next year with you.”

Rosemary Shore

Share Our Strength

“You are concise, informative and know how to drive a crowd like no other. I learned so much. I am excited to put your methods in our fundraising endeavors.”

Jenna Trembly

Long Wharf Theatre, CT

“I thought your seminar was excellent, one of the best I’ve attended in a long time. You covered a lot of material, but you covered it well, especially for an audience made up of people with all levels of auction experience. Having auctioneers there to help demonstrate was great – lots of energy! Thank you!”

Marianne M. Jones, Executive Director

Women’s Fund of New Hampshire

“The seminar was wonderful both in terms of content and context. Kathy truly ‘demonstrated’ the techniques (she was) teaching and involved her audience to an amazing degree. You can bet that I will be recommending that we use the services of a professional like her.”

Fred Souza

Stonington Community Center, CT

This is the best seminar I have ever been to!”

Dianne Timmerman, Events Coordinator

California Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association

“Thank you for yesterday’s incredibly energizing and thought provoking “Auction Success in a Down Economy” seminar. Kathy Kingston was absolutely terrific, and the entire day was packed with great ideas, directions, and fun.”

Karen Breehey, Marketing, PR and Development

Visiting Nurse and Community Health, Arlington, MA

“You are a genius. We just had our auction and used some of the things we learned from your seminar. It was hugely successful! Everybody was totally amazed.”

Sydney Voghel Ochs, Development Director

Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury, CT

We just held our auction … what a success! I used just about every technique I learned at your “Auction Success in a Down Economy” seminar. Our final tally exceeded last year’s amount. Who would have thought that in this economy that could happen? I really owe it to you. What I learned in your seminar was well received by the museum’s executive staff, the committee, and by the attendees.”

Mary O’Coin

Old Sturbridge Village, MA

Kingston Auction Client and seminar participant, Kristin Wright shares how Auctioneer Kathy Kingston doubled Children’s Trust Fund auction revenue in ten minutes with the inspirational Fund A Need and continues to raise their auction to a new level each year.More Testimonials

Kathy gave an excellent presentation. Having never held an auction before, after listening to her, I feel much more confident about beginning our auction preparation.”

Sasha VanDerzee

Company One

“Your presentation was my favorite, and I had some really good ones! It was lively, entertaining, and NEVER boring! Thanks again for putting so much into it. I learned a great deal!”

Pat Munoz

River Network, Washington, D.C.

“The combination of presenters Kathy Kingston and Sharon Danosky is spontaneous combustion!”

Donna Goldsmith, Gala Co-Chair

Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, NY

“Once again, Kathy’s auction seminar was superb! This year was my 14th Annual Auction, however I still learned a great deal and got many good ideas. Thank you!”

Joan Redden, President/CEO

Milford Area Chamber of Commerce

“I truly enjoyed participating in Kathy’s teleseminar today. Probably the best half hour I have spent this week! Thank you for all the helpful and practical information.”

May Balsama, Executive Director

Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce

“Kathy’s seminar was incredible. I learned so much and have been putting much of it to practice with my upcoming auctions.”

Erika Byrne

March of Dimes

“I was most impressed with Kathy’s practical strategies to improve our next auction. I learned a LOT watching these videos.”

James W. Ryan, Board President

Dot Art

“Kathy’s workshops have given our non-profit clients hope and profit making methods in an economy that can only be described as dismal. They’re fun, interactive and filled with ideas that can easily raise thousands of new dollars, year after year.

Gail Feinstein, Vice President, Community Relations

USI New England

“Thanks to Kathy’s seminar I took a different approach and our auction was a huge success.”

Lynn Kish

St. Thomas Aquinas School, Derry

“Thank you so much for the fantastic presentation to our Women in Non Profits Group. It really helped to change my thinking about how I communicate to potential donors about City Year. I’m sure my fellow members are having similar ‘AHA moments’ themselves. Thanks again!”

Sarah Schnable

City Year, Boston, MA

“I have attended many seminars and haven’t gotten the amount of information that I received today... Lots of practical advice and suggestions.

Kathleen Norwood

United Way of Greater New Haven, CT

“Thank You!! This was well worth the trip across the country. I can’t wait to share and implement what I have learned.”

Leslie Nalley, Board of Directors

Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence

“Energetic, stimulating, engaging and informative.”

Frank Juliano

The Hudson Valley Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY

I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. The synergy between Kathy Kingston and Sharon Danosky is electric and motivates the audience. WOW!”

Lucille Greaci-Miranda, Faculty

Pace University, NY