TESTIMONIALS

we raised 3X more money than in previous years

We hired Geoff two years ago as the auctioneer and emcee of our big annual fundraising gala, the Bowtie Ball. It would be an understatement to say that Geoff’s expertise radically transformed our annual gala in the very best ways.

Geoff worked with us as a partner throughout the entire event. He adapts very well to change and is professional and dependable.

He engages very well with the crowd. So much so that one of the most impressive things to watch is how Geoff navigates the different emotions and energy produced by the program that evening and is incredibly adept at navigating through that. Example – parts of the live auction were lively, the energy was high, people were having fun. However, our “Mission Moment” video is quite emotional and often times leaves our guests in tears or very moved leading right into when Geoff starts the bid from the heart (the biggest fundraising of the evening). Geoff is an absolute rock star in this category. He is so sensitive to the vibe in the room and is highly adept in his tone and approach to respect the guests and still get them to raise their paddles.

With Geoff’s help, we raised 3X more money than in previous years.

We would, and do, hire him again! I honestly cannot imagine doing this event without him.

Tina Dyakon
Director of Marketing
The Poynter Institute

You are the absolute best

Geoff you are truly the best! My dear friend and former colleague, News Anchor Linda Hurtado from FOX 13, agrees! She’s seen you in action before and says the same thing! I have worked alongside auctioneers for the past 10 years and YOU are the absolute best. Thank you for using your talent to help others. The seed of curiosity was planted last night and there are people reaching out for more information. And finally, you have energized survivors to become warriors in this battle! The heartfelt “thank you’s” and extra tight hugs from make up artists, some of the event guests, and models revealed there are more people touched by these terrible issues than we realize.

Lissette Campos
Former News Anchor & Communications Consultant
Heels to Heal

Brought our ability to fundraise to a new level

So many thanks for such a successful night of fundraising for RMH Jax! You have brought our ability to fundraise to a new level. Your presence and professional engagement in that room was superb and every one responded! Last night’s McGala raised $450,000 all in, which is quite an exceptional night!

Thank you again for making this important night such a success!!

Diane Boyle
Chief Executive Officer
Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville

Flawless execution and pure passion

I had the pleasure of getting to know Geoff Cowan through the Orlando Chapter of Best Buddies International. From Day 1, I was both impressed and inspired by Geoff and the support and encouragement he offered me.

As a seasoned sales professional and relationship manager, I fully understand the importance of understanding my clients and tailoring solutions that are specific to their needs and expectations. Geoff took this kind of support to another level. He made himself fully available via email, one-on-one calls, and conference calls to help me and my co-champions come up with creative tools to exceed our goals.

Over a period of two months, he repeatedly made himself available and helped me to identify fresh avenues to increase donations and craft experiences that excited our gala guests. He tapped into what each of us was able to bring to the table and gave me specific, actionable insights to increase my contributions.

On the night of our gala, Geoff encouraged us to be active, excited and engaged champions to generate bigger energy with measurable results. With Geoff’s prior planning, superb organization, trusted consultation and showmanship, I can honestly say it was the most successful event we’d ever had—full of laughs, surprises and people giving much more than they likely planned. (The Australian accent is an added bonus!)

I have certainly walked away from this experience feeling more connected to my community and a better professional—most of which is due to Geoff’s generosity, flawless execution and pure passion for what he does. Any organization willing to engage Geoff’s services would be making a worthwhile investment.

Misty Heath
2020 Gala Co-chair
Best Buddies Central Florida

You are much appreciated!

Thank you so much for helping us deliver our very first virtual event. You are much appreciated! We are truly grateful for all of your support and insight. You are so much more than a live auctioneer. In this COVID-19 atmosphere you remained positive and always had a smile….You were our cheerleader, strategist, coach, encourager, and friend. Thank you for being there for us every step of the way.

Tamra Boone
Development and Donor Relations
Early Learning Coalition of Orange County

Professional, entertaining and thoughtful

What a wonderful host you were this week for our program!! I am so grateful! I know I was as nervous as a mother handing over her child to a stranger, and oh boy, did you show me what an amazing caregiver you are ;). You were just fantastic.

Thank you for guiding us through this virtual experience and for representing our museum so well during his event. I am grateful.

Laura Hine
Executive Director
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

Remarkable success of this year

Words elude me to thank you properly for your spectacular contributions to the remarkable success of this year’s 26th The Florida Orchestra/NSA Bravura Brunch.

Your guidance is so enormously helpful prior to the event in order to stay on target. When we first sat down and planned our week-to-week meetings, I couldn’t imagine WHY that was necessary. It soon became apparent.

You are not only smart and a real professional in what you do, you are also a sheer delight to work with. Your easygoing manner and affable personality, coupled with your penchant for excellence is amazing.

Your suggestions along the way were warmly received and your idea to put the case of French Bordeaux as the “tickler” for the “Heads or Tails” game netted us $2150 instead of a possible $300. Your ability to bring the crowd to a pique when raising the “Bid From The Heart” monies is extraordinary.

I am so grateful to you for all that you did to help me and to make this year’s Brunch the MOST successful in our history. We netted an unbelievable $105,000.

We, The Florida Orchestra’s North Suncoast Associates thank you for partnering with us over these last several years. We look forward to next year’s 27th Bravura Brunch and your return as part of our team.

With gratitude and my sincerest wishes for the continued success of your business,

Joan Kline
Event Chair
Bravura Brunch
The Florida Orchestra/North Suncoast Associates

We are so lucky to have you

We are so lucky to have you as part of our Second Harvest Food Bank Family. Thank you for all you do to ensure that our events not only succeed, but absolutely kill it every single time. We are so grateful for your support over the years with Wine Women and Shoes. It wouldn’t have nearly grown to what it has in the past 10 years if we didn’t have you along the way. Can’t wait to do big things with you and the new event starting in 2021. We appreciate you.

Maureen Mikel
Development Manager
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

You were able to keep everything on track

On behalf of the TGH Foundation and our golf committee, I wanted to THANK YOU so much for everything you did to make our tournament a HUGE success. You were able to keep everything on track and ultimately helped us raise more in our bid from the heart with 92 golfers then we do at our gala (750 people). You are worth your weight in gold.

Thank you so much for your partnership!

Jamie R. Powell, M.B.A.
Sr. Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships
Tampa General Hospital Foundation

2020 was certainly a hard year for everyone!

2020 was certainly a hard year for everyone! I had a very difficult time wrapping my head around doing a virtual gala when so much of our money we raise for the year comes through this important event. Enter Alpert Enterprises. Vallye Adams brought such life, fun and professionalism to this virtual event! She is an expert fundraiser (add that to her long skill set) so she knew exactly how to get the energy moving in the right direction! Under Vallye’s support, we exceeded our fundraising goal during an international pandemic by $40,000! We will always use Alpert Enterprises!

SARRA DENNEHY
State Director, New Hampshire
Best Buddies in New Hampshire

Let's have a successful event

We believe the little things are the big things.