Meet Karen Wrege

We specialize in helping nonprofits raise more money through live auctions, paddle raises, and fund-a-need appeals—not simply by calling bids, but by partnering with organizations on the strategy behind the moment. Our team brings more than a decade of experience supporting nonprofit fundraising events in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including galas, school auctions, conservation events, community fundraisers, and mission-driven benefit auctions. We work closely with each organization to understand its mission, audience, donor base, event flow, revenue goals, and fundraising history so the live auction and fund-a-need are thoughtfully designed rather than treated as isolated stage segments. Our approach is highly consultative. We help clients think through live auction item selection and sequencing, paddle raise levels, match opportunities, donor engagement, room energy, timing, volunteer roles, and the messaging needed to connect generosity to mission. We are especially focused on fund-a-need strategy because we know that the paddle raise is often the most mission-centered and emotionally powerful revenue moment of the evening. Capital Benefit Auctions has supported a wide range of nonprofit clients and can provide references from organizations that have trusted us with their most important fundraising events. Clients value our professionalism, preparation, calm partnership, and ability to bring polished energy to the room while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the mission and the donors who make the work possible.