auctioneerWith over $335 billion raised worldwide through charity-benefit auctions in 2013, more and more non-profits and charities are turning to professional auctioneers to help them raise donations in support of their causes. Charities average 30% to 40% greater proceeds when they engage a professional benefit auctioneer for their event.

New Orleans area businessman and auctioneer, Chuck Mutz, recently earned the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation. The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) Education Institute coordinates the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation program. The BAS program trains auctioneers to enhance their benefit auction services. Coursework focuses on the fundraising components of the benefit auction event, item acquisition, audience development, contractual agreements, and public relations. A newly developed designation, there are less than 200 auctioneers across the country who have acquired the BAS professional designation. Mr. Mutz is currently the only auctioneer in the State of Louisiana with this specific designation.

Mr. Mutz has been a licensed auctioneer since 1986, is a member of the Louisiana Auctioneers Association and the National Auctioneers Association. He sits on the Executive Board for the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and The East Jefferson Business Association. He has been fundraising with several non-profit organizations, including the George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts, The American Cancer Society, The Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and several other Non-Profit agencies across Louisiana. He has assisted in raising Millions of Dollars for these and other Non-Profit Organizations. To learn more about The Black Tie Auctioneer, visit www.theblacktieauctioneer.com. For additional information on the auction industry and its professional designations visit www.auctioneers.org.