In the world of nonprofit fundraising, few names resonate as powerfully as Bobby D. Ehlert. Known professionally as Bobby D., he’s not just an auctioneer – he’s a dynamic force in transforming how organizations fund their missions and inspire generosity.
As the founder of Call To Auction, a fundraising auction firm and the nation’s first certified B Corporation dedicated solely to nonprofit events, Bobby D. is redefining what it means to raise money with meaning.
With over two decades of experience under his belt, Bobby D. has made a name for himself across the country by infusing every event with energy, purpose, and performance. He’s as comfortable behind a microphone as he is coaching a nonprofit boardroom, bringing unmatched charisma to every gala, golf tournament, and giving moment. From his beginnings in Arizona to a nationwide expansion, Bobby D.’s vision for Call To Auction is rooted in one clear mission: to ignite generosity and maximize impact.
Founded in 2014, Call To Auction has become a trusted partner for hundreds of nonprofits, hosting events that have collectively raised over half a billion dollars. The firm’s reach extends beyond the Southwest, with a growing footprint and a team of fundraising professionals committed to equity, inclusivity, and excellence.
What sets Call To Auction apart is not just its record of results, but its philosophy. As a certified Public Benefit Corporation (B Corp), the company operates at the intersection of profit and purpose, holding itself accountable not only to clients, but to the broader goals of community impact, sustainability, and social equity. This business model makes Call To Auction a trailblazer in the world of fundraising, aligning its success with the success of every nonprofit it serves.
Bobby D.’s team is as diverse as the missions they support. Trained in donor psychology, live event strategy, and inclusive fundraising practices, each team member brings their unique background and passion to the table. This collaborative and inclusive approach ensures that every audience is engaged authentically and every event is tailored for maximum impact.
But Bobby D. is more than a fundraiser. He’s a sought-after emcee, a professional speaker, a fundraising event consultant, a performance coach, and the co-host of the popular “Heart of the Gala” podcast alongside his wife. Together, they also launched Inspire Hearts Fundraising in 2018, the only firm in the U.S. focused solely on Special Appeal Paddle Raises.
His leadership extends to the professional community, serving on the boards of the NYC Chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and the Long Island Association of Fundraising Professionals. In Bobby D., nonprofits find a partner and a visionary who brings heart, strategy, and spark to every stage.
“Event Fundraising is more than just an event – it’s a movement. At Call To Auction, we believe in creating spaces where generosity thrives and impact is multiplied,” Bobby D. said.
From local galas in the Valley to million-dollar moments on national stages, Bobby D. and Call To Auction are proving that when you combine experience, authenticity, and purpose-driven strategy, the sky’s the limit. To learn more about Bobby D. and the company, visit calltoauction.com.
