As an experienced auctioneer, Bryce Gibson (pictured), principal of LJ Hooker Cessnock, knows how to command a crowd and read the body language of potential buyers.
But there is one group of bidders that has continued to surprise and delight throughout his career: the generosity of those raising paddles at fundraising events.
Every year, Mr Gibson donates his time as an auctioneer for charities close to his heart. Instead of a property being auctioned, items such as overseas trips, concert tickets and jewellery go under the hammer ‘once, twice, three times’ and all for a good cause.
“For me, I just love them, charity auctions are much more relaxed, and people are so giving,” Mr Gibson said.
“Occasionally, there has been a tough crowd, but then there have been some serious bidders, who have gone out big early or dug deep. My job is to engage with the crowd — you can’t be too boisterous or aggressive — instead, it needs to be light and airy.”
At the start of his career, Mr Gibson accepted charity auctions to give back to the community while refining his skills. Now, almost two decades and thousands of dollars later, he continues to take on the challenge, believing it is a great way for real estate professionals to lend a hand to those in need.
His next scheduled charity auction is also for the Ronald McDonald House Charities event on 20 November at the Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club.
With charity fundraisers attracting as many as 600 people at some events, it is also a fun way to put a spotlight on the auction process while showcasing skills and increasing brand awareness.
LJ Hooker Head of Network Australia, Chris Keating, said the real estate industry plays a large role in supporting fundraising throughout the country.
“Right throughout our network, we hear inspiring stories of agents making a difference in other people’s lives and giving back to their community,” he said.
“Charity auctions are great fun, even if you are not bidding; everyone gets into the spirit. And for many people in the audience, it may be their first experience of an actual auction, so it can also be educational, too.
“Real estate businesses are often asked for donations, but what a lot of these charities need is time; they need volunteers like Bryce, who can utilise their skills for great causes.”
The most unusual thing Mr Gibson has been asked to auction was a brick collected from a local Cessnock pub, which, between sponsoring a fundraiser and the event, was destroyed by fire. The relic fetched several hundred dollars for a cystic fibrosis charity golf game earlier this year.
At a Ronald McDonald House Charities event held in July, an incredible $57,000 from auction items was raised to support sick youngsters and their families.
“It is very hard not to put my own hand up for some of the items that come up,” Mr Gibson said.
“At the last event, I told my wife not to bid on anything, but she knew I would love to see Oasis, and when some tickets went under the hammer, she put her hand up and made the highest offer. I made sure the crowd knew they were bidding against my wife – it was a bit of fun. I’m glad she did, as it helped a great charity, and now we are going to the concert.”
For more information on the RMHC Northern Hunter Charity Golf Club Hub, go to https://rmhcnnsw.org.au/support-us/events/event-hub-hunter-golf-day/.
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