To kick off this electrifying episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with a force in the philanthropic world - Layne The Auctionista (they/them), one of North America’s most sought-after fundraising auctioneers and a bold advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector.
With over $70 million raised for charities, Layne has built a reputation for transforming galas from predictable programs into emotionally charged, high-impact experiences that move people to give - generously and unapologetically.
But their journey into auctioneering didn’t begin with a microphone. It began with a deeply personal moment - sitting in a ballroom, watching an auction that missed the emotional mark, while knowing firsthand what it meant for their family to rely on community support. Six months later, Layne was in auction school. The rest? Record-breaking history.
In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Layne spills the tea on:
We also dive into Layne’s advocacy for equity in the charitable sector, their bold critiques of outdated fundraising models, and why they believe the future of philanthropy demands courage, transparency, and better storytelling.
This episode is a masterclass in impact, inclusion, and raising both money and standards. If you care about nonprofit leadership, community change, or doing good without playing by broken rules - this one is required listening.
Season 2 – Episode 8 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Layne The Auctionista on Instagram @theauctionista
Learn more about their work and booking information at https://layneofficial.com/
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