The key to a successful live fundraising auction is to have a good auctioneer, preferably one willing to donate their services.  He/she does not need to be a professional or a fast talker, like at a tobacco or car auction.  The Auctioneer should have a sense of fun,  knowledge of the expected audience and possibly of the donors, as well, can be very successful.  A good auctioneer can generate bids for even the most unlovable object, and foster bidding wars for the popular items.  It is important to let the auctioneer know the number and character of the items to be auctioned so ample time is allowed for the big ticket items, and everything is auctioned within the allotted time span.  The auctioneer should be given a complete description of each item as it is presented for auction. (Small typed index cards are suitable for this purpose.  Be sure to include the item number for easy reference.)  Several helpers are needed to move items to and from the 'stage' or from where ever the items are auctioned.

Helpers are needed to register bidders and assign bid numbers at the start of the event.  Card fans or large index cards can be used as bid numbers.  Just be sure the numbers will be clearly legible to the auctioneer or helper.  Each bidder (or couple, if desired) should be given their bid number and a listing of all items to be auctioned.  Additional helpers are needed during the auction to record the winning bid number and amount on the master list of items; and to collect the bid amounts and distribute the items at the end.  It can be helpful to prepare a separate index card for each successful bidder and maintain a running list of purchased items, identified by number and bid amount.  These cards can be quickly totaled for easy checkout, with method of payment (cash or check), and delivery of auctioned items noted.  The card totals should be balanced against the annotated master list and any discrepancies  reconciled, hopefully before bidders 'check out'.