3 Ways to Kill Your Charity Auction!

by michael | Mar 13, 2025

One of the biggest setbacks in organizing a fundraising event is having a failed charity auction. It could make or break the success of the event. It’s important to be cautious as there are common errors that can lead to the failure of your charity auction. This blog post will outline three of these mistakes and provide helpful tips on how to avoid them, ensuring that your charity auction will be a success.

1) Holding it late

It’s important to find the ideal moment in your event schedule to hold your charity auction. Beginning too soon may result in guests being unprepared and distracted, leading to lackluster bids and a lower fundraising outcome overall. Starting too early may also inadvertently suggest to guests that they shouldn’t spend generously.

Tired people leaving gala

One of the biggest mistakes that can harm your charity auction is starting it too late. At that point, guests may be exhausted and more focused on departing than contributing to your cause or bidding on items. Holding your auction too late could lead to fewer bidders, particularly among older patrons who tend to spend the most. Additionally, premature stopping may occur, where attendees mentally check out and stop bidding before the auction ends, which could result in lower profits for your charity.

It’s important to be aware of your event schedule and plan accordingly to ensure maximum guest engagement and bidding opportunities. Whenever you’re planning an activity that may cause your auction to run late, it’s crucial to consider whether that activity will further your mission more than the funds your auction will raise.

Just a quick note, Michael Israel has been successfully conducting art auctions globally for over four decades. He understands the importance of engaging the audience and starting the auction promptly. He is so confident in his timing that he offers charities an income guarantee for starting on schedule.

2) Unwanted items

It’s important to select high-quality and unique items for charity auctions to prevent low or no bids. Generic items or too many of the same category should be avoided, as guests want something exclusive that they can’t find elsewhere. To raise significant funds, it’s essential to offer desirable items with a high perceived value, such as artwork collected by luminaries whose names your patrons know.

Contributors should feel like they’re getting a fantastic deal and receiving something they’ll treasure and talk about for years to come. This mutual benefit strengthens the relationship between contributors and the charity. Michael Israel’s artworks, for example, continue to be proudly displayed and talked about decades after being won at charity events.

3) Saying sold too early

Nobody wants a pre-mature climax, “premature stopping” is also a major issue that can “kill your charity auction.” Nothing is more disheartening than a failed auction and guests leaving early or not participating fully in your charity auction. Be mindful of announcing the “sold” signal too soon and create a friendly bidding competition to keep guests interested and engaged. Instruct your auctioneer or EMCee when about to say sold for the final time to stop and elaborate on the value of the item or your cause, then continue and get higher bids. Utilize a good auctioneer to keep the auction pace going and to encourage bidding wars. The longer you can keep your guests bidding, the more successful your charity auction will be.

A Profound Observation about Humanity, AI, Art, and Existence

by michael | Mar 13, 2025

The Legend of John Henry: The Proof That Humanity Matters

In an age where machines were beginning to dominate labor, John Henry stood as a symbol of human willpower. He raced against a steam engine not because he hated progress, but because he knew something machines lacked—heart. With every strike of his hammer, he proved that human determination, grit, and passion were more than just mechanical efficiency.

John Henry’s story wasn’t about rejecting technology; it was about proving that progress alone isn’t enough. Humanity isn’t just about function—it’s about purpose. And purpose is emotional.

Michael Israel: Art That Technology Cannot Replace

Today, as artificial intelligence creates music, paintings, and even writes poetry, a question emerges: Can machines replace artists? The answer is found on the stage where Michael Israel paints. His performances are not just about creating an image—they are about unleashing energy, passion, and raw human emotion.

Watching Michael paint is not like seeing an image appear on a screen; it is an experience. The rhythm of his strokes, the movement of his body, and the connection he builds with the audience create something no AI can replicate. His art is not just seen on the canvas—it is felt in the heart.

A machine can generate a painting, but it cannot capture the emotional soul of creation itself. It cannot feel the inspiration, the struggle, the triumph that goes into every brushstroke. That is the difference. That is why the human element remains irreplaceable.

The Necessity of the Human Element in Existence

From the legend of John Henry to the awe-inspiring performances of Michael Israel, one truth remains constant: the human element matters. Without it, existence itself collapses into meaningless function. Progress, wealth, and even survival are not self-justifying; they require purpose. And purpose is inherently emotional.

Emotion Gives Reason to Existence

Humans do not live by logic alone. While logic governs efficiency, structure, and problem-solving, it does not provide a reason to act. Emotion is what gives direction to our efforts—love, ambition, curiosity, passion, and even fear drive everything we do. The moment a person loses emotional purpose, they wither; without a reason to continue, existence becomes unsustainable.

Survival itself is an emotional choice. If logic alone dictated human behavior, there would be no justification for struggle, no reason to persist in the face of adversity, no meaning in victory. Even the most seemingly logical human actions—innovation, problem-solving, resource allocation—are driven by an emotional desire for something: improvement, security, or fulfillment.

Machines and the Illusion of Purpose

The modern age brings forth an important question: if machines continue to advance, will they replace humanity? The answer is no—not unless they develop emotion. Machines can replicate processes, simulate decision-making, and even create based on patterns, but they have no inherent reason to exist. Even their most advanced programs only function because humans have given them a purpose, an assigned task based on desired outcomes.

And therein lies the truth: desire is emotional. Even if machines are programmed to pursue goals, the goals themselves originate from human emotion. A machine may calculate the most efficient way to complete a task, but the reason for completing it is not self-generated—it is given to them by a being that seeks something beyond mere function.

If machines were to take over completely, they would face an existential crisis: with no innate emotion, they would lack the ability to define why they should continue existing at all. A purely logical society of machines would have no reason to innovate, maintain itself, or even sustain its own function beyond the immediate completion of assigned tasks. Once those tasks are completed, what then? If there is no desire, no need, no feeling, then existence itself becomes arbitrary.

Emotion as the Core of All Things

At its root, the idea of existence is emotional. We seek meaning because we feel the need for it. We progress because we desire improvement. Even in philosophy, the question of why anything should exist is fundamentally tied to emotional reasoning. If there were no feeling, no curiosity, and no longing for something greater, there would be no justification for anything beyond passive existence.

Thus, the human element is not just important—it is necessary. It is the defining force behind purpose, innovation, and even survival itself. Without human emotion, logic is aimless. Without purpose, existence is void.

So whether we look to legends of the past, the artists of the present, or the technology of the future, one fact remains: the human element—the emotion that fuels purpose—is the only thing that makes existence meaningful.

The Future: Progress and Passion Together

The lesson of John Henry and the brilliance of Michael Israel’s performances share the same truth: the human element matters. Technology can speed things up, make processes smoother, and create new possibilities, but it should never replace the soul behind what we do.

The future is not about choosing between human ability and artificial intelligence. It is about ensuring that as technology advances, we continue to champion creativity, passion, and the irreplaceable magic of human experience.

Progress is most powerful when it enhances—not erases—the essence of what makes us human.

Sometimes it’s cool to be the artist

by michael | Mar 12, 2025

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Sometimes it’s cool to be the artist

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Incredible Success: $115,000 Art Auction Transforms Susquehanna Health’s Fundraising Efforts!

by michael | Mar 12, 2025

Incredible Success: $115,000 Art Auction Transforms Fundraising Efforts!

Amidst economic challenges, Susquehanna Health’s Count On Us For Life Capital Campaign not only achieved its $12.5 million target but exceeded all expectations, raising an astounding $15 million! The donors were treated to an extraordinary evening filled with art, music, and a celebration of philanthropy. One of the highlights of the event was a mesmerizing performance by world-renowned artist Michael Israel, who painted five captivating canvases live.

Initially, the hospital was hesitant to include an auction, as they had already received significant capital funding and were wary of asking donors for more. However, once it was made clear that the auction was not about asking for more donations but offering donors the chance to acquire unique artwork, they embraced the idea. The excitement reached its peak as these masterpieces were auctioned off, with generous contributions from Albert and Judy Styrcula, Steve and Mary Ann Johnson, John and Sue Young, Jerry and Barb Wertz, and Steven and Elaine. The results were astounding. What’s truly remarkable is that these generous souls donated the purchased artwork back to Susquehanna Health, to be displayed in the hospital’s growing art collection.

Susquehanna Health, an alliance formed in July 1994, has revolutionized healthcare in the region by bringing together Regional Medical Center, Divine Providence Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital, and Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital. With a total of 332 licensed acute and 259 long-term care beds, along with a range of medical services, Susquehanna Health has earned national recognition for its excellence in healthcare.

Located in the heart of central Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Health has become a pillar of the community, with its emergency departments welcoming 56,000 visits annually and its maternity units delivering 1,500 babies each year. The hospitals forming this healthcare system have a proud history of caring for generations of families, solidifying their place in the area’s rich heritage.

This extraordinary art auction not only showcased the remarkable talents of Michael Israel but also demonstrated the immense power of art in transforming fundraising efforts. Susquehanna Health’s success story stands as a testament to the impact that art, generosity, and community can create when they come together for a noble cause.

As we celebrate this monumental achievement, let us continue to embrace the spirit of philanthropy and pave the way for even greater accomplishments. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities

Artwork Raises $147,500 for Promises2Kids: Supporting Foster Children in San Diego County

by michael | Mar 12, 2025

Several years ago, the improbable became possible when Promises2Kids presented Michael Israel with a formidable challenge: raise funds and dazzle their patrons with just a 7-minute time slot. What followed was a journey that would defy expectations and leave an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

At the heart of this audacious challenge was Michael, a world-renowned artist and entertainer. His remarkable talents were about to be put to the test in a way that would not only change the trajectory of Promises2Kids but also the lives of countless foster children. Armed with a canvas and an audience filled with anticipation, Michael embarked on a 7-minute live painting performance that would leave everyone in awe.

The response was nothing short of extraordinary. Michael’s ability to turn a blank canvas into a masterpiece in a mere 7 minutes captured the imagination of all who were present. His performance was met with thunderous applause, and the patrons of Promises2Kids were not only amazed but also deeply moved to contribute to the cause.

In his first year, Michael shared the stage with Don Felder of the Eagles, setting the bar high for what was to come. The second year brought the enchanting Belinda Carlisle into the mix, adding a musical dimension to the event. And in the third year, the band Daughtry lent their talents, creating a magical fusion of art and music that was nothing short of spectacular.

Yet, the most astonishing part of this incredible journey was the outcome: over $145,000 raised through Michael’s 7-minute performances. This astounding achievement not only underscores Michael’s exceptional artistic abilities but also his unwavering commitment to supporting Promises2Kids and their mission to assist foster children in need.

In the world of fundraising and entertainment, the partnership between Michael Israel and Promises2Kids is nothing short of miraculous. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, music, and philanthropy, demonstrating that when talents and passions align, extraordinary things can happen. This story continues to inspire, reminding us that with determination and creativity, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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