I am your best provider of auctioneer/emcee services! When you’re selecting talent for your event, whether it is a benefit auction, gathering of celebrities, or motor sports competition, there are some essential skills that need to be considered:
The first thing to know is that a “free” auctioneer is never free. To get a professional, experienced, and effective fundraising auctioneer on stage at your next event, expect to pay a fee. If your local dentist offered free dental work to anyone, wouldn’t you be a little suspicious? Hiring a professional non-profit fundraiser auctioneer can definitely be worth it. A professional fundraiser auctioneer can facilitate higher bids in a live auction, and generate big donations during the special appeal, easily making back his or her fee and much more. So, what makes a great non-profit fundraiser auctioneer?
Specialization – Non-profit fundraising using a live auctioneer is a very niche profession, and requires a specific skill set. Choosing a professional auctioneer who specializes in non-profit auctions ensures your charity auctioneer knows what questions to ask you what advice to offer, and is experienced in driving bids during a special appeal—programming that’s unique to non-profit events. Mike Kinney is a CERTIFIED Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS).
Experience – How long has your potential benefit auctioneer been working non-profit auctions? Like specialization, you want someone that knows the industry and has worked many events like yours in the past. Mike Kinney has been providing non-profit fundraising auctioneering services for over 30+ years.
Certification – Certification can be somewhat ambiguous terms in terms of being a non-profit fundraising auctioneer. It is recommended that you choose a member of a state or national auctioneering association and be able to show credentials of training. Mike Kinney is a Certified Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) from the National Auctioneers Association.
Referrals – Don’t just ask for the fundraising auctioneer’s experience working with non-profit auctions, but also request the names and contact information of a few organizations they have worked with in the past. The provided online media kit includes multiple client testimonials that have utilized his auctioneering services.
Call the reference organizations! Ask questions about the Benefit Auctioneer like: What was the ROI on live auction items? How did your special appeal compare to other years? How was the fundraising auctioneer’s energy on stage? Professionalism? Dress? Mike Kinney brings his many years of professionalism working in corporate America to the stage and for his non-profit fundraising clients!
Talks your Talk – Your benefit auctioneer should be familiar with your organization’s mission, or ask you detailed questions about it, in order to talk your talk and reflect your image onstage. A great charity auctioneer reads your audience to encourage and inspire high bids and high donations. Mike Kinney can encourage and inspire active bidding, resulting in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals. He excels in adapting his skillset to reach any audience with the highest degree of rapport!
Energy and personality – Meet them in person! Is he or she likable? Confident? Dressed to impress? Energetic? Overbearing? Monotone? After about 5-minutes with Mike Kinney, you quickly appreciate his many years of experience working with people, as well as his unbridled passion and enthusiasm that helps, facilitate success for any organization.
Pre-event consulting – A professional auctioneer will generally offer consulting services to help you order the packages in your live auction, organize your silent auction for maximum bidding potential, and advise on your schedule of events. Use this service! Mike Kinney has a plethora of experienced solutions to maximize your fundraising event!
Did you realize that, while there are numerous auctioneers, less than 1% of them have chosen to undergo the rigorous process required to receive NAA designation as a Certified Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS)? Mike Kinney is committed to bring exceptional experience and professionalism to your fundraiser/benefit auction. Chances are that you have experienced your event not meeting expectations or even seen some sponsors no longer wanting to support you. Mike Kinney brings an energy and interactivity to the audience that always seems to generate greater revenue and produce the most positive memories.
Mike Kinney fundraising venues include: formal and informal charity fundraising galas for 501 (c3) non-profits, formal and informal charity fundraising galas for registered non-profits without 501 (c3) status, formal and informal fundraising events for profit corporations, local charities and private fundraising venues.
A NAA designated Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) has successfully completed multiple charity events and has a motivational passion for the work we do. In some instances, Board Members make the mistake of trying to find the cheapest auctioneer, or even worse, someone who just “wants to try it”, rather than selecting the best professional auctioneer who can potentially make them generate the maximum amount of revenue and not “leave money on the floor.”
Mike Kinney consistently brings the right tools, and expertise, to help you meet your fundraising goals.
Do you have an upcoming Gala or Special Event that requires an Emcee, or a strong vocal presence, to ensure event success? Have you ever been to an event where maybe the emcee was boring and monotone, or maybe had too many alcoholic drinks, or was not really informed about your cause or event? Maybe it is time to hire a professional? Maybe it is time to hire Mike Kinney! Whether it is the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills or a high-stakes poker party at a Las Vegas Casino, Mike Kinney comes prepared with a commanding voice and phenomenal energy. His ability to learn about your cause and the important constituents that might be attending, along with being punctual, professional and the ability either to dress formally or casually and still deliver the equal amount of enthusiasm and professionalism sets him apart.
Mike Kinney takes pride in his work and always prepares in advance for your event, he does not “do what everyone else does” – He brings unique branding to your event, and with your assistance can create specific emcee material for your event, while also ensuring attire and etiquette required specific to your event are met.
Do you have the need for speed? Well, Mike Kinney DOES! With a lifelong interest in motorsports, hot rods, custom cars and anything that goes VROOOOOOM, Mike brings that extra horsepower to your motorsports race, car show or similar venue. Well known in the NHRA and NASCAR circles along with automobile manufactures, Mike Kinney brings a wealth of quality experience to delivery your message in a professional and enthusiastic manner.
Just because the event might be more casual in nature, Mike still brings a level of professionalism to motorsports’ events that be viewed by some as going over the top. Mike makes no apologies for his passion, because he wants your patrons to feel relaxed and enjoy the event, and that success is delivered with preparation, experience and relationships.
Mike’s journey through the demanding landscape of television, he has developed the skills that a successful broadcaster hinges on mastering a particular set of skills that go far beyond just reading a Teleprompter. He quickly learned the paramount importance of articulate delivery, where every word resonates with purpose and clarity, ensuring the message is not just heard, but understood. A genuine connection with the audience is forged through authentic presence and the ability to convey empathy, making viewers feel seen and heard, rather than just spoken to. He can recall countless moments where quick thinking and the ability to improvise were absolutely crucial, navigating unexpected technical glitches or sudden shifts in live interviews with seamless grace.
Ultimately, what Mike Kinney’s experience has underscored is that success in this field is a continuous cultivation of these diverse talents, all working in concert to inform, engage, and inspire.
With over 30 years’ experience, Mike Kinney is a highly sought after provider of services in the auctioneering, motorsports, emcee, and lifestyle event realms. With his unique bass-baritone voice, commanding room presence, and long flowing mane of snow-white hair, Mike always conveys a memorial impression.
From humble beginnings serving as an announcer for “local” racetracks in Southern Iowa, Mike’s career has expanded to becoming the face, and the voice, for numerous events on the Las Vegas Strip and beyond.
Mike has had the pleasure of working with, and learning from, some the best in the business. Examples include Dave McClelland (the voice of NHRA and SEMA); Paul C. Behr, World Wide College of Auctioneering; George Barris, Barris Kustom Industries; Stacey David, Rattletrap Productions; Tom “Spanky” and Amy Assiter, Assiter Auctioneers; John Nicholls, Nicholls Auction Market Marking Group; Jill Marie Wiles, Benefit Auctions 360; Shannon K. Mays, Shannon and Associates; Brian Rigby, Professional Ringmen’s Institute; Tim Kruse, Reppert School of Auctioneering; and Brent Earlywine, Earlywine Auctions.
Mike recently shared the following thoughts: “As I reflect on my time on this big blue marble we call Earth, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of resiliency, courage, and perseverance. This became of paramount importance after losing Mary Elizabeth, my wife and best friend of 36 years, to Stage 4 Cancer on March 20th, 2024. I can hear her saying “Michael Dean, you go out there and do what you do best.””
With that perspective, I continue my commitment to being my best in all endeavors, whether on stage, volunteering at my church, or helping children’s charities.
I spent a lot of time with Dave McCleean (lead NHRA Announcer) prior to his passing, and I was always struck with his ability to entertain and inform, regardless of the copy placed in front of him.
Similarly, I’ve always been fascinated with the unconditional love Sherri Belafonte, and her husband Sam have for each other, as well as her passion for life. She is definitely one of my favorite people.
I’m also checking off some bucket list items. This includes attending the Inaugural F1 race in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as races in Mexico City, Mexico, and Imola, Italy. During December of 2025, I spent almost two weeks in Japan. Cities included Tokyo, Kiyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and Yokohama. Can’t wait to go back.
On the home front in 2026, looking forward to adopting a pair of Maine Coon kittens from a breeder in Colorado. It will be great to have fur babies under foot. The life journey continues…
After extensive vetting, Mike was selected to serve as the Auctioneer for their annual fundraiser held at Caeser’s Palance Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV. The Partners Foundation provides financial assistance to franchise and corporate team members around the world. Collectively, the Live Auction and associated Paddle Raise generated in excess of $1,670,000 dollars.
Mike has served in numerous capacities for this local chapter Speedway Children’s Charities, including Lead Ringman as well as Benefit Chairity Auctioneer for the Annual NASCAR Live Auction. Over the years, this has proven to be one of his favorite events, with over $450,000 being raised each year to support children’s charities throughout Southern Nevada.
Mike was selected to serve as the show commentator and charity auctioneer for the Inaugural Concours DeVou, held at DeVou Park, Covington, KY. This event proved to be a big hit with attendees and has firmly cemented itself as a must attend event in the future for all aficionados of the automotive realm. Mike’s unique skill set regarding knowledge of classic vehicles and charity auctioneer proved to help the event committee exceed their fundraising goals and he has already been approached to support future events.
Mike hosts this video podcast focused on the automotive experience. Featured guests have included numerous celebrities as well as builders and media. Examples including Antron Brown, NHRA Top Fuel; Wings Kalahan, Hot Rod Radio; Mark Betty, Red Line Oil; and Craig Maiorana, Classic Industries.
Mike has served as announcer for numerous events at this highly regarded racing facility. Examples include NACAR competitions, NHRA races, and numerous track rentals, including Muscle Cars at the Strip.
Thank you in advance for considering Mike Kinney for your next charity fundraiser, auction, celebrity gala or motorsports event. To expedite our reply, please tell us a little bit about your event in the smart form below. Some responses are required.