Veterans of Valor holds online auction for Bon Jovi Chicago concert package
July 12, 2010
July 11, 6:56 PM
Bon Jovi ExaminerGlenn Osrin
In the Bon Jovi video ‘Superman Tonight’, Jon Bon Jovi and his band celebrate the Angels among us here on earth; the police, firemen, advocates for the homeless, teachers of troubled youth, volunteers who support the terminally ill, and of course, the country’s first line of defense for all things we cherish that are independent and free: America’s men and women in the military.
Himself a child of a Mother and Father who met and fell in love while serving in the Marines, Bon Jovi has been an advocate for the nation’s men and women in uniform, raising money through his charity—the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation—to help homeless Veteran’s, to playing concerts in appreciation and support of America’s soldier-hero’s like his ‘Celebration of Service’ concert outside the ‘TodayShow’ studios in 2009.
So it’s not surprising then that in the ‘Superman Tonight’ video, Bon Jovi honored Sgt. Klay South (USMC, Ret.) by featuring him as one of the heros who work so hard to help others at great sacrifice to themselves. Bon Jovi fans around the world will remember Klay from the video; he was the soldier holding the sign that read, “I help other wounded soldiers”.
And indeed Klay does.
While serving America in the Iraq War, Cpl. South was clearing homes in Fallujah—the site of one of the most horrific firefights in the war—when he pushed through a door and was met by a chain-saw volley of enemy gunfire that tore through the right side of his face, and another round to his foot.
Since 2004, Klay has had 40 operations to repair his wounds; and because of his personal journey of service, injury and recovery, has been uniquely positioned to help others just like him in the military.
Thus was born Veterans of Valor.
Sgt. South founded the charity as a service to soldier’s and their families, assisting combat-wounded Vet
erans and their families by providing “unique items, services, and programs to meet their specific mental and physical needs throughout the entire healing process”.
Veterans of Valor: founded by a solder, for soldiers
Hear what the Center Co Op Preschool has to say about their online auction experience!
July 8, 2010
We are a small school with modest goals in our fundraising efforts. Utilizing Auction Frogs to raise funds for our school playground turned out to be an unexpected blessing. With excellent step by step instruction, a little work, unparalleled site support, our auction efforts more than tripled our expectations. Thank you so much to all of the staff at Auction Frogs. Our playground will be up and going in time for the 2010 new year!
-Lori Kim Fundraising Chairman
Hear what the Dulin Preschool has to say about their online auction experience!
July 8, 2010
We had a great experience with Auction Frogs from start to finish. It was the first time our school did an on-line auction and it was a great success, and a ton of fun! The staff support was excellent, the site was easy to navigate for our bidders and it was easy to manage the site as the administrator. Thanks!
-Laura Englander Dulin Cooperative Preschool Falls Church, VA
Hear what the Rotary Club of Nampa has to say about their online auction experience!
July 8, 2010
I think the auction is going well and am excited to see how we finish! I wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your proactive contact of donors on our behalf – The quantity and quality of items has helped our auction significantly. Thanks again, Darren Collom Rotary Club of Nampa
Kristi Saucerman: NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer 2010 Awardee
June 28, 2010
Idaho-Based Entrepreneurs Auction Frogs Receives the NAWBO Trailblazer Reward For Their Philanthropic Deeds (or Business Model)
Kristi Saucerman: NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer 2010 Awardee
Auction Frogs’ Kristi Saucerman continues to “do well by doing good.” She has volunteered for more than 15 years and measures her success by the success of her fundraising organizations. Her fundraising efforts began with the Junior League of Boise and Hidden Springs Charter School in Idaho, where she served a two-year term on the Parent Teacher Association Board. A philanthropist at heart, Kristi is involved with community organizations like Kickstand, Chamber of Commerce, NAWBO, Idaho Nonprofit Center and Ada County’s Boys and Girls Club. Kristi is a “stay at home” mom with two young girls, but her passion for children’s advocacy doesn’t stop there. In 1995, she created Through Their Eyes, Inc., a nationally recognized special needs children’s foundation. Kristi’s innate drive to care for others is evident in her latest entrepreneurial fundraising website Auction Frogs.
Designed as a tool to better conduct fundraising silent auctions, Auction Frogs integrates technology to extend auction periods, reach greater audiences and simplify bidding. According to Kristi, Auction Frogs faced its share of difficulties and unknowns prior to its 2007 launch. “Fortunately, I recognized early on that it was not just me but also a strong team and advisory board that would make this a success. From that point on, I surrounded myself with skilled like-minded people I trusted to build on my knowledge of fundraising and silent auction processes,” and the rest is history. Innovative technology and extensive experience has formed a virtual fundraising community that brings both corporate and individual donors and nonprofit organizations together to raise money for philanthropic causes. Auction Frogs’ online forum enables organizations to reach a greater audience of bidders rather than solely those who attend their gala. In addition to generous donations from featured organizations, they accrue “Frog Pond Donations” from a wide-ranging scope of trusted individual donors.
Kristi strives to leave the next generation with the belief that finding a genuine passion in something is worth the time it takes to develop a successful organization or business model. According to Boise State University Technology and Entrepreneurial Center Executive Director John Glerum, she has done just that. “Kristi leads by example and has a growing following of women who have gained excitement and confidence in making a difference for others!” Kristi strives to continue this mission as the latest recipient of the NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award. Auction Frogs has helped hundreds of organizations increase revenue by hosting silent auctions with an easy to use format and straightforward bidding. With the $5,000 grant, Kristi plans to fund necessary enhancements and incorporate supplemental features to improve the online auction platform and overall visitor experience.
For more information about Auction Frogs, visit www.auctionfrogs.org.
For this story and more on the NAWBO, visit www.nawbo.org.
Listen: Auction Frogs Featured on Wright Stuff Radio
June 21, 2010
LISTEN NOW ONLINE: http://www.wrightstuffradio.com/listen-now/
Wright Stuff Radio -The Voice of Small Businesses
June 19, 2010
Guests:
Authentinc, LLC – Lisa Fisher
Auction Frogs – Kristi Saucerman
Arc Advisers – Kathy Stearns
Start Up:
Girls in Tech
Auction Frogs founder recognized with NAWBO/Wells Fargo Award
June 4, 2010
Award recognizes three women business owners for innovation, growth and community service
Washington, D.C., June 3, 2010 – Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) will recognize three women-owned businesses with the 9th annual NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award at NAWBO’s 2010 Women’s Business Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 10. The award demonstrates the two organizations’ long-standing commitment to the success of women-owned businesses. Each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
The winners were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants and evaluated on their business performance, innovation, growth, and service to the community.
“It is a privilege to recognize these outstanding entrepreneurs for their leadership and distinction in the business community,” said Joy Ott, regional president for Wells Fargo in Montana and national spokesperson for the company’s Women’s Business Services program. “These women have truly embraced the spirit of the Trailblazer Award by building successful businesses while devoting time and resources to their communities. We’re pleased to highlight their vision and commitment to excellence.”
This year’s winners are:
- Boise, ID – based Auction Frogs, LLC – President and CEO Kristi Saucerman
- Chandler, AZ – based Precious Treasures Childcare – Founder & CEO Kay Woods
- Chatsworth, CA – based UltraGlas, Inc. – Founder & CEO Jane A. Skeeter
The Trailblazer Award is one component of Wells Fargo’s Women’s Business Services program. Established in 1995, the program provides outreach and education to help women business owners increase their access to capital and other financial services. The program sponsors primary research, builds alliances with women’s organizations, and provides financial information and resources to support the success of women-owned businesses. Since 1995, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $35 billion to women business owners nationwide
Auction Frogs LLC, based in Boise, ID, is a virtual fundraising community that brings charitable organizations, donors (businesses and individuals), and bidders together to simplify the silent auction fundraising experience. Auction Frogs is a web-based application designed to host silent auction items online, making them available to audiences beyond the organization’s membership database. President and CEO Kristi Saucerman developed the company to help the many organizations for which she has volunteered raise money.
Precious Treasures Childcare, based in Chandler, AZ, provides 24/7 childcare to assist with the safety and welfare of children. The company also operates a family resource center that offers various services including seminars, where experts from various fields provide valuable information to staff and parents. Founder & CEO Kay Woods adopted the vision of her company from her mother, who wished for a safe and supportive place for children in her community.
UltraGlas, Inc., based in Chatsworth, CA, specializes in artistic glass products. The company designs, manufactures and distributes decorative architectural glass, glass tile and artifacts. The company is a leader in the development of architectural products and components made from recycled architectural glass. Ultraglas’ recent projects include the Quill Bar at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. and the 10,000 square foot barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Palazzo Casino in Las Vegas. Founder & CEO Jane A. Skeeter has been an entrepreneur in various trades since the age of 12. Today she shares her experiences by promoting entrepreneurship to young women.
“This is the 9th consecutive year that we have shared the honor with Wells Fargo of presenting the Trailblazer Award and I am continually impressed by the talent and dedication of the awardees,” said Helen Han, NAWBO executive director. “It is a tremendous accomplishment to own a successful business while also making an impact in one’s community. These women demonstrate what can be achieved – even in challenging economic times.”
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.2 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 10,000 stores and 12,000 ATMs and the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com) across North America and internationally.
Wells Fargo is America’s #1 small business lender (2008 Community Reinvestment Act government data) and a leading lender to women- and diverse-owned businesses. Through its award-winning online advice library of business resources, including topical videos and webcasts, Wells Fargo provides business owners with timely advice and information to help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo has loaned more than $40 billion to women, African American, Latino and Asian business owners since 1995. For more information, speak with a Wells Fargo banker, visit wellsfargo.com/biz or call the National Business Banking Center at 1-800-CALL-WELLS.
About NAWBO
Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. Thirty years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; to create innovative and effective change in the business culture; to build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and to transform public policy and influence opinion makers. Visit www.nawbo.org for more information.
Auction Frogs is announced as one of Idaho Business Reviews Honorees
February 19, 2010
The Idaho Business Review has announced its 2010 Idaho Women of the Year honorees. The 50 women will be featured in a glossy magazine publishing in the IBR on March 22, and honored at an awards dinner, beginning with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, on March 18 at the Boise Centre on the Grove in downtown Boise.
Recipients this year come from a variety of professions and walks of life statewide, each embarked on her own exceptional journey to personal and professional accomplishment, simultaneously motivating those around them to strive for success as well.
The awards dinner is open to the public. Individual tickets are $60. Table sponsorships are also available. Reservations can be made by calling Megan Wood at 208-639-3520 or e-mailing her at megan.wood@idahobusinessreview.com. More information about the Idaho Women of the Year program can be found on the Idaho Business Review Web site here.
Here’s the list of this year’s recipients:
• Lisa Ikeda Bain, business strategist, TitleOne Corp., Nampa
• Brooke Baldwin, attorney, Wright Brothers Law Office, Twin Falls
• Diane Bawcom, program director Baby Steps & Children’s Formation, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Boise
• Alisa Bondurant, senior work force consultant, Idaho Department of Labor, Boise
• Susie Boring-Headlee, ADR and pro bono coordinator, U.S. District and Bankruptcy Court, Boise
• Joyce Brewer, vice president and senior relationship manager, U.S. Bank – Boise Metro Commercial Banking, Boise
• Hollis Brookover, president, Morningside LLC, Garden City
• Janie Burns, owner, Meadowlark Farm; co-owner, HomeGrown Poultry, Nampa
• Tammy de Weerd, mayor, City of Meridian, Meridian
• Jennifer Deroin, vice president and senior relationship services officer, Intermountain Community Bank, Nampa
• Dr. Margaret Doucette, medical director, St. Luke’s – Elks Wound Center; wound care program director, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise
• Debi Drake, emergency management coordinator, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise
• Megan Egbert, library assistant, Boise Public Library; volunteer, Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho, Boise
• Patti Everill, systems trainer, Office of the Idaho State Controller, Boise
• Stacy Freeburn Falkner, public affairs field organizer, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, Boise.
• Janet Gallimore, executive director, Idaho State Historical Society, Boise
• Becky Gates, vice president & general manager, OCM-Idaho, Boise
• Beth Geagan, owner and founder, Balance Business and Sustainable Community Connections of Idaho, Boise
• Theresa Grant, founder and executive director, Make a Difference Now, Hailey
• Margaret Wainwright Henbest, executive director, Idaho Alliance of Leaders in Nursing, Boise
• Shiloh Holmes, account executive, Clear Voice Telecom, Meridian
• Carol Jenkins, president, Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society; vice-chair and Idaho director, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Sagle
• Donna Jones, state controller, Office of the Idaho State Controller, Boise
• Tracy Kasper, Realtor, associate broker, part-owner, Silverhawk Realty, Caldwell
• Mandy Kayler, president, Junior League of Boise, Boise
• Nancy Wonderlich Koonce, CPA, Ataraxis Accounting & Advisory Services, Twin Falls
• Kari Korell, HR team leader, TitleOne Corp., Boise
• Dr. Camille LaCroix, president, Idaho Psychiatric Association; staff psychiatrist, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise
• Elaine Ladd, owner and pharmacist, Ladd Family Pharmacy, Boise
• Molly Lenty, manager of Idaho Region community relations, Wells Fargo, Boise
• Kim Lewis, owner, Idaho Bag Lady; CEO and founder, Idaho Business Women’s Network, and the Empowering Women Conference, Nampa
• Jean Lockhart, director of City Light, Boise Rescue Mission, Boise
• Rebecca Lovelace, executive director, Nampa Family Justice Center, Nampa
• Cynthia Melillo, partner and attorney, Givens Pursley, Boise
• Connie Miller, president and CEO, Icon Credit Union, Boise
• Jennifer Poole, compensation consultant and benefits administration supervisor, Idaho Industrial Commission, Boise
• Shelli Rambo Roberson, chief executive officer, Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council, Boise
• Jima Rice, president, Jigsaw Inc., Ketchum
• Betty Hansen Richardson, of counsel, Richardson & O’Leary; campaign manager, Allred for Idaho, Boise
• Lisa Rodriguez, attorney, Wright Brothers Law Office, Twin Falls
• Michelle Ross, manager of patient access service, St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Boise
• Erica Sarrazolla, financial advisor, Edward Jones Investments, Boise
• Kristi Saucerman, founder and CEO, Auction Frogs, Nampa
• Shawn Ann Shepherd, head of school, Foothills School of Arts & Sciences, Boise
• Tonya Smith, vice president and branch manager, D.L. Evans Bank, Meridian
• Andrea Tuning, urban and regional planner, City of Boise, Boise
• Luci Willits, chief of staff, Idaho Department of Education, Boise
• Robin Woods, president, Alturas Analytics Inc., Moscow
• Irene Woodworth, creator and manager, Redesign Boise LLC & Color & Redesign Academy, Boise
• Aimee Wyatt, owner, Amaru Confections; critical care nurse, St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Boise
Live and Online Auction Technologies Integrate to Fund Great Causes
February 15, 2010
Northwest Software Technologies, Inc. and Auction Frogs, Inc. partner to combine event management software with an online auction application to simplify benefit auction event fundraising.
Boise, ID (February 16, 2010) – 
“Our focus has always been to help non-profits increase revenues through our online auction platform. Our relationship with Northwest allows us to expand our core offering to those customers who want expanded fundraising options while enabling users of Auction Tracker to add online capability to their already robust software package says Kristi Saucerman, Auction Frogs CEO. “We are constantly looking for ways to simplify the fundraising experience and raise more money. This partnership provides both through the ability to manage live and online auctions from a single solution.”
By integrating Northwest Software’s Auction-Tracker® and Auction Frog’s Online Auction engine, non-profits hosting gala events are able to host both live and online auctions and easily manage all aspects of their benefit auctions from one suite of management tools. This integration enables both traditional live gala events and online auctions to be created from the same information in a single data source. Each event is performed in their own venue, post-event reconciliation, billing, receipting and constituent relationship management are made easy and analysis for all aspects of the event more meaningful and easy to understand. This gives the fundraising staff more time to focus its efforts on soliciting donations and marketing the events – creating a higher return for the organization.
“As multi-vendor technology continues to enhance the benefit auction experience, data management has become fragmented, leaving non-profit organizations with the daunting task of maintaining multiple data sources,” commented Jack Wilson, Jr., President and CEO of Northwest Software Technologies. “Auction-Tracker is specifically designed to pull these multiple data sources together, incorporating them into a “single” point of entry. Auction-Tracker Live!, our new online benefit auction interface, integrates the Auction Frogs online auction engine to Auction-Tracker, simplifying the end-to-end data management process. We look forward to providing even more value to our clients through this partnership.”
About Auction Frogs
Auction Frogs is a leader in online fundraising for charitable causes bringing businesses, fundraising organizations, and bidders together online in order to fund great causes. Auction Frogs provides an unmatched marketing opportunity for businesses, a simplified fundraising experience for organizations, with easy to use and easy to bid features for supporters of the cause. Since its launch in 2007, Auction Frogs has helped hundreds of organizations increase revenue by hosting online silent auctions.
About Northwest Software Technologies®
Northwest Software Technologies, Inc. is the pioneering and leading provider of fundraising event software to the non-profit sector in North America. More than 2,000 organizations worldwide use Tracker-Series applications to manage fundraising events. Northwest Software offers four unique software applications for fundraising event management. Founded in 1985, Northwest Software is headquartered in Everett, Washington.
Kristi Saucerman
President & CEO
Auction Frogs, LLC
Tel: 208-407-2404
kristi@auctionfrogs.org
www.auctionfrogs.org
Jack Wilson
President & CEO
Northwest Software Technologies, Inc.
Tel: 425-252-7287
jwilson@nwsoftware.com
www.nwsoftware.com
Big Auction Success with Ronald McDonald House Online Auction
January 30, 2010
Auction Frogs is really so much more than online auctions. We were looking for a tool to help market the online giving and social media avenues for the annual ‘Share A Night’ fundraising campaign at the Ronald McDonald House. Kristi had the answer! Her ability to think outside the box led to a page tailored to our needs and allowed supporters to sponsor a family for just $10. It was a very low cost, focused effort that highlighted Ronald McDonald House families and made it easy for our staff, volunteers, and supporters to promote “Share A Night” through e-mail and on Facebook and Twitter. We saw great success thanks to Kristi and Auction Frogs.
Mindy Plumlee, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, Inc.