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You've worked for months to bring your fundraising event together. Your sponsors are committed, your volunteers have put in the hours, and your guests are ready for an unforgettable evening.
Now comes the moment when all that preparation meets the generosity in the room.
Leigh Brown brings professional auctioneering expertise, national stage experience, and genuine enthusiasm for your mission to charity galas, nonprofit fundraisers, and association events.
A licensed auctioneer in North Carolina and South Carolina, graduate of the Western College of Auctioneering, and nationally recognized keynote speaker, Leigh knows how to connect with an audience and encourage participation.
She also knows that a successful fundraising evening starts well before anyone raises a paddle.
Imagine having an auctioneer who knows why your organization exists, understands the people you're serving, and can speak about your mission with confidence.
That's how Leigh approaches her events.
Before stepping onstage, Leigh works with your team to understand your fundraising goals, audience, and event program. She reviews your live auction items, discusses opportunities to strengthen participation, and helps prepare the volunteers who will support the auction.
She wants to know the stories behind the cause and the details that will resonate with your donors.
Because when guests feel connected to the mission, they're more likely to become part of the moment.
Leigh's benefit auctioneer and emcee services can include:
Leigh brings the perspective of someone who has spent decades connecting with audiences from the stage. She knows how to adjust when an event takes an unexpected turn and help keep the program moving.
"Thank you so much for once again sharing your talent with us at this year’s Chefs Against Cancer Gala. More importantly, thank you for the five years you have supported our mission and helped us raise funds for local cancer charities.
Having you as our benefit auctioneer and emcee truly makes such a difference to the evening. You bring the room together, keep everything moving, and help create the energy that makes the Gala so special.
The feedback from this year’s event has been absolutely amazing. We believe we raised just over $148,000 this year, making this our most successful Gala to date. We could not achieve results like this without people like you who continue to give their time and talent year after year.”
Thank you again, Leigh. We are incredibly grateful for everything you have done for Chefs Against Cancer over these past five years.
Chef Mark Allison & Jaclyn Beith
Maybe your last gala didn't quite deliver the experience you hoped for.
The room felt quieter than expected. Guests weren't connecting with the live auction. Your committee had worked incredibly hard, but the energy never quite came together.
Leigh understands how much those moments matter.
Her approach begins with learning about your guests and the experience you want them to have. She collaborates with your team on the auction flow, considers ways to invite broader participation, and brings the confidence to respond to the room in real time.
Your supporters deserve an evening that makes them proud to be part of your mission.
Leigh's benefit auction and emcee experience includes Chefs Against Cancer, Teal Diva, the Southeastern Land Conference's Big Bid, and fundraising events supporting REALTOR® communities and charitable causes.
At the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® RPAC Major Investor Bourbon Auction in October 2026, Leigh’s live auction raised at least $10,000 and two REALTORS® became RPAC Major Investors.
At the REALTORS® Land Institute (RLI) Carolinas Chapter's Southeastern Land Conference, Leigh led the Big Bid benefit auction on day one, which raised more than $2,000 despite a small audience, and gave the closing keynote on day two.
Her five-year involvement with Chefs Against Cancer reflects the kind of lasting relationship she values. The organization reported raising about $148,750 at its October 2026 gala in Charlotte, its most successful event to date.
From intimate nonprofit gatherings to larger association conferences, Leigh brings the same personal investment to the organizations she serves.
Here's an opportunity for conference and convention planners.
Leigh is also a nationally recognized keynote speaker, known for engaging audiences with humor, candor, and practical insights.
If your event includes a keynote presentation and a benefit auction, ask about bringing Leigh in for both.
A combined engagement can give your audience a familiar, trusted voice throughout the program while creating additional value from your speaker investment.
Ask about combining a keynote and benefit auction engagement.
Leigh’s ability to command a room and inspire audiences has made her the go-to emcee and auctioneer for everything from charity galas to private corporate events. Her expertise as a national speaker, trainer, and real estate leader allows her to seamlessly engage diverse audiences, all while maintaining a personal touch that makes every event special.
Organizations like Chefs Against Cancer have benefited from my dynamic event-hosting skills for years. Here's what they had to say about the impact I've had:
"Thank you so much for being our outstanding Emcee at "Chefs Against Cancer 2025". Your energy, humor and heartfelt presence truly elevated the evening and made it our biggest and best event yet. We are still counting notations, but we look like we made over $130,000 this year which is absolutely amazing. We are so grateful that you continue to support our mission of supporting local cancer charities, with your time, talent and commitment, it makes all the difference to so many people battling cancer.
With Deep appreciation and love,
Chef Mark Allison & Jaclyn Beith
"THANK YOU for another amazing year of Chefs Against Cancer!!! You are truly incredible, and we are grateful that you have emceed our event for the past 3 years! On behalf of Chefs Against Cancer, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your incredibly generous contributions to our event. With deepest appreciation – Thank You!"
Brianna Fleming & Lucia Zats
Chefs Against Cancer Event Specialists
Another wonderful client, Shannon Routh, Founder and CEO of Teal Diva, shared her experience working with me:
"Leigh was outstanding. As an emcee, she is phenomenal. She has a fun approach to engaging the crowd. As an auctioneer, she truly understands the 'why' of the event and works with the crowd to encourage bidding that helps the organization's mission and cause. She’s not just on stage with a microphone; she notices the details and jokes with the crowd to encourage bidding between patrons. I would highly recommend her for any event."
Shannon Routh
Teal Diva | Founder & CEO | Ovarian Cancer Survivor
“Her knowledge of RPAC, her auctioneering skills, and her enthusiasm. Also, her wit and charm. There is no one quite like Leigh Brown.”
“We raised at least $10,000 at the auction, and two Realtors became Major Investors because of their bids and what they paid to attend the event. It also led to a third Realtor stepping up from Sterling to Crystal R.”
“She is personable; she really gets into the event and promotes it as much as the auction items do; she is funny and gets people excited, which leads to more bidding and higher fundraising.”
Tim McBrayer, RPAC Major Investor Bourbon Auction, Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®
“She wasn't afraid to roast them a little and create some competition to get the highest bid for our items!”
“We raised over $2000 for our organization with Leigh's help even from a small group! She even had the vendors bidding on things!”
Christina Asbury, RLI Carolinas Chapter
Leigh’s track record is filled with success stories from both nonprofits and private clients, proving her ability to create memorable, results-driven events.
Whether you're planning a nonprofit gala, a charity dinner, or a fundraising auction at your annual convention, Leigh would love to hear what you're working toward.
Share your event date, location, audience, and fundraising goals. Let's explore how Leigh can support your event.
leigh@leighbrown.com
704-507-5500
Book a Discovery Call: Click Here
Leigh Brown is a professionally trained benefit auctioneer, a graduate of the Western College of Auctioneering, and a nationally recognized speaker with more than two decades of stage experience. She holds professional auctioneer licenses in North Carolina (NC #10870) and South Carolina (SC #5014). Based in Concord, near Charlotte, Leigh works with nonprofits, associations, and charitable organizations nationwide.
To discuss your event, schedule a Discovery Call, email leigh@leighbrown.com, or call 704-507-5500.
Leigh Brown's standard benefit auctioneer fee is $10,000 per event, with special pricing available for qualifying North Carolina nonprofits. Her services include advance planning to develop the live auction strategy, identify opportunities to maximize giving, and coordinate the fundraising experience with your event team.
Travel within approximately one hour of her Concord, North Carolina, home base is included. Additional travel and accommodations apply for events farther away.
For a customized proposal, schedule a Discovery Call.
Yes. Leigh Brown is based in Concord, near Charlotte, North Carolina, and is available for benefit auctions, charity galas, and association fundraising events nationwide, subject to applicable state requirements. She works with nonprofit organizations, charitable foundations, and professional associations to lead live auctions, fund-a-need appeals, and fundraising programs.
Her professional auctioneer training and extensive keynote speaking experience help her connect with guests, build excitement, and encourage generous giving. Leigh also has a special commitment to supporting North Carolina nonprofits, with preferred pricing available for qualifying organizations.
Schedule a Discovery Call to discuss your event.
Possibly. Leigh Brown's availability depends on the event date, location, and preparation time remaining. Her extensive experience as a keynote speaker, emcee, and licensed auctioneer helps her adapt to changing event circumstances.
If you need a replacement auctioneer, schedule a Discovery Call or contact her team at leigh@leighbrown.com or 704-507-5500 to discuss availability.
A professional benefit auctioneer can help an organization make better use of its fundraising opportunities through thoughtful preparation, audience engagement, and a well-planned fund-a-need appeal.
Leigh Brown brings professional auctioneer training and extensive speaking experience, along with fundraising ideas tailored to the event. Her five-year involvement with Chefs Against Cancer includes the organization's 2026 gala, which raised more than $148,000.
Every nonprofit has different fundraising goals and resources. Leigh encourages organizers to discuss their event and budget before making a hiring decision.
A fund-a-need, also known as a paddle raise or special appeal, invites guests to make direct charitable contributions at different giving levels.
Leigh Brown helps organizations prepare these appeals by understanding the mission, discussing donor stories, and planning how the giving opportunity fits into the evening. Her approach focuses on connecting guests to the organization's purpose while encouraging participation throughout the room.
A professional benefit auctioneer can complement your existing auction software. Platforms such as GiveSmart, Givebutter, and OneCause help organizations manage bidding, donations, and checkout.
Leigh Brown brings live audience engagement, bidding momentum, and experience leading fund-a-need appeals. She collaborates with event teams to coordinate the live program with their technology and volunteers.
A benefit auctioneer specializes in charitable fundraising events where donor engagement, mission storytelling, and the giving experience shape the program. General auctioneers may focus on real estate, estates, equipment, or other property sales.
Leigh Brown combines licensed auctioneer training with more than two decades of national speaking experience. Her background allows her to engage audiences while keeping the organization's mission central to the event.
Leigh typically begins with two advance planning meetings to understand the organization's mission, fundraising goals, and audience.
She reviews the live auction items, helps plan the bidding sequence, discusses the fund-a-need appeal, and considers the timing of the program. Leigh also coordinates with the volunteers responsible for spotting bids and supporting the auction.
Her approach emphasizes preparation, collaboration, and fundraising opportunities tailored to the people attending.
Yes. Leigh Brown is a nationally recognized keynote speaker and a licensed benefit auctioneer. Organizations hosting conferences, conventions, and association events can book Leigh for a keynote presentation and a charitable auction during the same event.
A combined engagement provides continuity for attendees and creates additional value from the organization's speaker investment.
Schedule a Discovery Call to discuss a combined engagement.
Booking six to twelve months ahead is recommended, particularly during popular gala and conference seasons. Leigh is based near Charlotte, North Carolina, and travels nationwide for benefit auctions, charity galas, and association events.
For upcoming dates and availability, schedule a Discovery Call.
“Leigh was outstanding. As an emcee, she is phenomenal. She has a fun approach to engaging the crowd. As an auctioneer, she truly understands the 'why' of the event and works with the crowd to encourage bidding that helps the organization's mission and cause.”
— Shannon RouthFounder & CEO,
Teal Diva
“Thank you for five years of supporting our mission and helping raise funds for local cancer charities. As our benefit auctioneer and emcee, you bring the room together and create the energy that makes our Gala so special.”
— Jaclyn Beith & Chef Mark Allison,
Chefs Against Cancer
“Her knowledge of RPAC, her auctioneering skills, and her enthusiasm. Also, her wit and charm. There is no one quite like Leigh Brown.”
— Tim McBrayer,
Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®
From nonprofit galas to association fundraisers, organizations trust Leigh Brown to bring their mission to life as a benefit auctioneer and emcee.
Planning a keynote and benefit auction at the same event? Ask about booking Leigh for both.
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Leigh Brown is a best-selling author, seasoned CEO, and keynote speaker regularly featured on national platforms.
Leigh’s topics are built on personal experience running a top-producing real estate team in the Charlotte, NC area. Each session is chock full of ideas that WORK, candid advice on what did not work, and overall the best ways to DELIGHT your clients.
Keynote Speaker|Author|Business Leader
Leigh Thomas Brown, Inc.
Concord, North Carolina, USA
704-507-5500
Email Leigh Brown
