General Info

Elite Auctions & Fundraising Services specializes in charity/benefit auctions and large ballroom auctions. Our professional fundraising consultants have have been trained to master the fund-a-need, develop live and silent auctions that generate the best possible outcome, the art of fundraising, incorporate revenue enhancers, and to assist organizations with their client retention. Our Chief Auctioneer, Mike Grigg, graduated from the prestigious "World Champion College of Auctioneers" and is a published author of the book: "Maximizing Your Charity Event's Bottom Line." He began his auction career in 2002 and has participated in several charity, benefit and fundraising auctions as an auctioneer and fundraising consultant. He has a Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing and completed the Fundraising Auction Academy. Mike serves as Past President and current member of the California State Auctioneers Association (CSAA), and is a current member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA). He has mastered the fund a need and has developed many revenue enhancers to help boost his clients' proceeds to record breaking numbers. Mike has "gone the extra mile" to offer the highest level of professionalism and the most up-to-date information by earning the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation. Offered through the National Auctioneers Association Education Institute, the BAS course covers topics such as the fundraising components of the auction event, item aquisition, audience development, contractual agreements, and public relations. Less than 1% of Auctioneers throughout North America hold the BAS designation. Mike knows what it takes to get the attendees to competitively bid and drive the prices up while delivering a clear message about each organizations' cause. His attention to detail and heart for each organization makes him one of the best in the business. He was the 2004 California State Auctioneers Association Rookie Bid Calling Champion and was crowned the 2009 California State Auctioneer Champion. Hiring a professional auctioneer with years of experience can maximize your event's profit and leave your attendees coming back for years to come! If you want a professional auctioneer that knows how to keep your audience entertained and coming back for more, contact Mike Grigg, AARE, BAS at (661) 477-2287 or email him at Mike@EliteFundraisingAuctions.com. Connie Waddell is Co-Founder and CEO of Elite Auctions with specific responsibilities overseeing the general operations and marketing department. She has over 25 years experience in marketing. Her success comes from utilizing her experience and skills to zero in on the exact objective of any marketing campaign and the precise market to target. She was recently awarded first place for brochure design by the California State Auctioneers Association. She has been recognized throughout her career as an accomplished business professional with an entrepreneurial spirit, outgoing personality, and with excellent communication and leadership skills. Connie has "gone the extra mile" to offer the highest level of professionalism and the most up-to-date information by earning the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation. Offered through the National Auctioneers Association Education Institute, the BAS course covers topics such as the fundraising components of the auction event, item aquisition, audience development, contractual agreements, and public relations. Less than 1% of Auctioneers throughout North America hold the BAS designation. Ms. Waddell graduated from the Professional Ringmen's Institute (PRI) and is the 2013 California State Auctioneers Association Ringman Champion. The Ringman (professional bid spotter) is a very important member of every live auction team whose contributions and responsibilities include an accurate interpretation of the bidder’s interest and effective communication of each bidder’s participation to her auctioneer. While involved with several charitable organizations, two very dear to her heart are Autism Speaks and Kern Autism Network in an effort to aid her grandson, Adam, and other children on the autism spectrum.