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Bob Hale, Cleveland’s Most Sought After Benefit Auctioneer™ has been highlighted in countless articles throughout the years. Here are just a few samples of articles found in publications and on the web.
 
 
 
ALZ Cleveland
 
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
Local News Highlights
Excerpt from website
 
 
Our annual dinner, A Celebration of Hope, was a smashing success! Our staff and volunteers did an awesome job of creating a special evening that not only raised awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and the Alzheimer’s Association, but also raised more than $315,000.
 
 
We were moved by former caregiver, Harold Scott, who told his story of having taken care of his wife for 12 years before she passed away.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  After Mr. Scott spoke, auctioneer Bob Hale, worked his magic and raised $38,000 for our emergency respite fund which enables us to provide reimbursement to caregivers who have incurred unforeseen expenses.
 
 

Flats Oxbow Currents
 
 
 
  
 
Strongsville Rotary's Chili Open was well worth the effort to rise early: Scene at the Crossroads
 
By Mike Kezdi, Sun Star-Courier
March 13, 2010

What a terrific time I had participating once again at the Strongsville Rotary Club’s 19th annual Chili Open, even though I had to get out of bed a wee bit earlier than the three previous years!
 
 


Sharing the mics with super-auctioneer Bob Hale and celebrity guest Jim “Infoman” McIntyre from WDOK 102.1 FM was indeed oodles of fun. For the first time I discovered I could actually bid on the items I was announcing. Along with two Rotarians Darlene Figlioli and Jeanine Hammack, the younger gals holding up the items for everyone to see, we three agreed to split the price of the bid if we won the one without a value — and we did!
 

Now all we have to do is to figure out how to be downtown in WDOK’s studio, bright-eyed and well-groomed by the ridiculous hour of 4 a.m. to watch and to listen — and not utter a word — during The Morning Show with Trapper Jack, Jim and Terry Moir.
 

During my stint with the mic, I couldn’t resist asking one of the Hat Guys wearing a tam as his “hat” and dressed in the complete Scots’ outfit to come on stage. Thanks, Duke, for being such a good sport, turning on cue for everyone to admire your muscular legs below that fetching plaid kilt.
 

Pat yourselves on your backs, Rotarians, for the best Chili Open to date! I know how hard chairman Dave Riehl and his committee must have worked to pull this off with the tireless help of their fellow club members. All of the charities which Rotary supports will be very grateful, too! High fives from moi at your morning meeting tomorrow!
 
 
 
 
Emerald Auction
 
Lake Catholic High School
Events Calendar
 
Mark your calendar to join us on April 17, 2010 at Lake Catholic for the Emerald Auction themed Cirque de Cougar. This year's event promises to WOW you with entertainment provided by our many talented students and alums and of course our premier auctioneer Bob Hale. Spend the night bidding on silent auction items, try your luck at the Emerald Dig, sponsored by Emerald Glen Title, and of course join in the excitement of the Live Auction and Fund the Mission. Help us make this evening memorable by sponsoring a Corporate Table, placing an advertisement in the program or donating an item. Your support will help to enhance classroom technology and Lake Catholic as a whole so plan on joining us and our honorary chairs Tim and Lisa Cannon and Paul and Judi Maloney on April 17, 2010.
 
 
 
 
 
AUCTIONEER'S NOTE: Congratulations on another wonderful quilt auction presented by Flat Rock Homes. And good job for making the front page of the Monday October 26th edition of The Gazette in Medina County! It truly was a wonderful auction with 103 quilts sold in the live auction. Top Quilt $4,000 !!!!!! 
 
 
 
North Coast Community Homes
"Moonlight Over Lake Erie"
 
Currents
October 2009
 
Moonlight Over Lake Erie, the gorgeous party for North Coast Community Homes, took place at the former Hanna Mansion in Bratenahl, now the home of Judi and Tom Embrescia.
 
The couple has opened the grand old home to other groups, but "never," said Judi, "have we had this many." I think Tom greeted everyone of the 625 guests at the front door.
 
North Coast Homes has been successful at attracting a new generation of party chairmen for the events that benefit its cause - developing and maintaining homes in Northeast Ohio for people with mental retardation, mental illness and other disabilities.
 
This year's chairmen were Heidi and J.J. Scaravilli and Dr. Susan Stephens and her husband, attorney Ron Holman II. "Heidi and her committee were passionate about the details," said J.J.who told us the party would net $300,000.
 
There was large tent for the auction and a huge tent for dinner and dancing. Gavi's served a superb dinner which featured a file mignon and lobster cake with grilled polenta cake and a white chocolate/maple bread pudding for dessert.
 
Music was provided by the Straight Six Dixie Group and the TCB Band which played for dancing. Lou Maglio of WJW and Dick Russ of WKYC were celebrity hosts and auctioneer Bob Hale  worked mightily to pull bids from a very chatty crowd.
 
It was such a gorgeous  night that no one even minded waiting to get their car. It will be hard for anyone to top this party. STORY BY MARTHA TOWNS
 
Dress for Success Cleveland
"A Denim Affair"
 
Currents
September 2009
 
A Denim Affair benefited Dress for Success Cleveland and celebrated it's 11th year of empowering women. The organization's mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantages women by providing professional attire and a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and life.
 
The event took place at the Cleveland Marriott East, and began with a VIP reception. During the program portion of the evening, there were remarks from chairwoman, Diane Nowak, and executive director, Traci Felder. Afterwards, Andrea Cody, a Dress for Success "alum," gave a moving account of the role the organization played in her personal success story. She recounted how as a young divorcee with only a high school diploma, she was living on welfare with seemingly little prospects for a better life. Years later, she has a fulfilling job and is studying for her master's degree in social work at CWRU. "We feel good about what we do every day," said Ms. Felder.
 
Maureen Kyle from WKYC TV3 served as emcee. Veteran benefit auctioneer, Bob Hale, did a great job of stimulating bidding during the live auction. When Hipnotic Dog began to play, guests could barely sit still.
 
The benefit netted $25,000 for Dress for Success, exceeding last year's proceeds. To make a monetary contribution, to donate updated ladies clothing or to volunteer, call 216.881.6048. STORY BY CAROLINE R. MERK
 

Rose-Mary Center
"14th Annual Enchanted Garden"
 
Excerpt from The Rose Garden
Summer 2009
 
The 14th Annual Enchanted Garden was held May 1 at the Van Sweringen Arcade in the Historic Landmark Office Towers in Cleveland.
 
This year's celebration was hosted by honorary chairs Linda and Blair LaCour. Over 200 guests has an opportunity to stroll through the beautiful arcade, bid on 38 silent auction items, including golf packages, art work by local artists and one of a kid jewelry, while enjoying the music performed by Mary Beth Ions, Callista Koh and Linda Atherton of the Amethyst String Trio. Hyde Park Prime Steak House catered the affair with interesting displays of antipasto, seasonal fresh fruit, as well as hors d'oeuvres such as seafood salad on brioche, mini kobe burgers and lobster cones. Guests had the opportunity to participate in the Enchanted Treasure Chest 50/50 raffle.
 
The program began with as invocation by Deacon Ray Daull, followed by a welcome from Blair LaCour. Patricia Colombo, Executive Director, presented the 2009 Angel to the Honorable Bill Cervenik, Mayor of Euclid. Each year, the Angel Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the mission of Rose-Mary Center in his/her professional work or services to the Center. This individual models Christ's teaching in words and works, recognizes the unique gifts of all individuals, and promotes advocacy and/or shaping of policy/professional standards. Past recipients have graced the Center with time, talent and treasure in ways which excel the scope of their positions, advocating on behalf of persons with intellectual disabilities, recognizing individual dignity and value of human life.
 
Patti and Christopher Della Corte were this year's parent speakers. Patti gave a moving speech about what Rose-Mary Center has meant to thier entire family. She received a heartfelt, standing ovation.
 
The evening ended with a fast-paced , spirited live auction emceed by the enthusiastic Bob Hale from Benefit Auction Services.
 
Live items included tickets to round 2 Cavs Play-off game, Cal Ripken Jr. autographed Jersey, Cleveland Indians Loge and travel packages. Fund a Need "send a child to camp" raised nearly $10,000.
 
 
 
The Mad Hatter Goes The Distance…
It was game time – and everyone came “suited up” to go the distance at
the 18th annual Mad Hatter Benefit on Saturday, March 28th, 2009.
 
Beaumont News
Spring 2009
 
Under the direction of Team Captains (or Co-Chairs) John & Lorene Bastulli and Dennis & Maureen McDevitt Monroe ‘70, it was a glorious evening under the Cleveland Browns Stadium lights to benefit Beaumont School. There was an abundance of good food and great company as funds were raised to bridge the gap between the tuition and the actual cost of educating a student, making it possible for Beaumont to continue to offer an accessible high-caliber college preparatory curriculum to as many girls as possible.

Through the live auction antics of auctioneer Bob Hale, event attendees rose to the occasion and drove the score up to unbelievable heights through contributions to the Tuition Touchdown portion of the evening. Attendees were asked to help bridge the tuition gap by scoring a touchdown for Beaumont. Over 40 guests raised their bid paddles high and donated over $15,000 to keep tuition affordable for Beaumont students and their families.

It was a win well-worth fighting for – and a game well-worth playing. Our sincere thanks to all who stepped up and went the distance for Beaumont School. What a great team effort!
 
 
 
The Agnon School
"Mission: Possible"
20th Annual Benefit Auction
 
Currents
June 18, 2009
 
In May, The Agnon School gave everyone a lesson in fundraising. Start with an auction committee that comes up with incredible donations and supporters; add an enthusiastic crowd, most of whom have children attending Agnon or who are themselves alumni; throw in plenty of good food and friendly people...and you end up with a whopping $97,000 - plus to support on of the area's most dynamic private schools.
 
Shopping for unique items is just part of it. The 20th Annual Benefit Auction was also a chance to schmooze, nosh and have fun. Cafe 56 served latkes and hummus during the cocktail hour when serious bidding was going on for jewelry, dining certificates, HDTVs, dinners with teachers, cleaning services, even a hot air balloon ride!After the buffet supper came the big ticket items including Cavs playoff tickets, a Hawaiian vacation and a chance to let your child spray-dye Head of School Jerry Isaak-Shapiro's hair (good sport that he is, Jerry let the winner give him a quick spritz of bright green right on the spot!).
 
It did indeed prove to be a Mission: Possible," particularly when auctioneer Bob Hale nudged the 260 guests to ante up for the scholarship fund. The goal was $30,000, and $40,000 was raised in just under 15 minutes to help youngsters up through eighth grade attend a school devoted to a positive, pluralistic experience in ethics and academic excellence. STORY BY LINDA McMULLEN
 

 
Autism Speaks
"Rock 'til it Stops"
Currents
May 28, 2009
 
It was time to get down, get funky as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum became party central for the “Rock ’til it Stops” fundraiser for the Cleveland chapter of Autism Speaks.

Sponsors had a preview party then supper on the third level overlooking the R&R Hall’s lobby. Co-chair Shari Goldberg introduced the evening’s honorees – Dr. Bernadine Healy, former head of the NIH; Bess and Ron Richard, parents of a daughter with Autism; and TV personality Monica Robins — and spoke of their wonderful work in support of Autism awareness.
 
Downstairs, the event was in full swing with lots of great food, a 50/50 raffle, t-shirt sales and plenty of partying by more than 500 people enjoying the warm spring night. Cleveland Indians and Browns tickets, a round of golf at Firestone Country Club and an autographed bottle of Dan Aykroyd wine were part of the silent auction.
 
For the live auction, auctioneer Bob Hale charmed plenty of dollars for autographed guitars (for example, the one signed by Crosby, Still and Nash went for $1,400). Then the Hall really rocked when The Funk Brothers put on an hour-long Motown show.
 
The odds of a child being born with autism now are one in 150. Autism Speaks is dedicated to raising much-needed funds for research and community programs. Another big event is the Cleveland Walk Now for Autism to be held on October 10, 2009. STORY BY LINDA McMULLEN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN BASHIAN
 
 
 
Beaumont School
"The Mad Hatter"
 
Currents
April 2009
 
Beaumont School scored a touchdown when the Mad Hatter went the distance at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Among the many wonderful donations, the silent auction featured Adirondack chairs stylized and decorated by Beaumont students. Auctioneer Bob Hale hosted the spirited live auction and ran with the ball for the Tuition Touchdown which raised scholarship funds for deserving young women. The Beaumont Award, honoring leadership, service and / or philanthropy, was presented to Sister Martha Mooney, OSU '58, and Robert M. and Mary Lee Julian Rhodes, '70. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH SUBMITTED BY JANICE BROOKS
 
 
 
COSI - Columbus - Vegas
 
Posted at Look Photography
http://lookphotography.blogspot.com


Energy and excitement filled the air at COSI's Imagination Celebration Gala.
VEGAS was the theme but it was generosity that took the party over - especially during the wild and fun live auction!

For the third year, Look was there to document the event and it proved to be the best year yet. In addition to the tireless staff at COSI, here are some of the companies and people who added to the enjoyment:

EventCo - words cannot describe the amazing productions of EventCo
Sodexo - beautiful and delicious food - super staff
Bob Hale Auctioneer - can we say ENERGY!
Andrea Cambern - as always Andrea knows how to get host an event with style and a whole bunch of fun

Speaking of the Auctioneer - this year's live auction was the most exciting. People were reaching deep into their pockets and having fun outbidding their friends and colleagues for some fabulous packages.
The great deal (and enormous generosity) came from NetJets. They donated a package where 2 couples fly in one of their planes out to NYC, enjoy a night at a fabulous hotel and a Broadway play. When the bidding got to 7.5K - they stepped in an offered the package to ALL 3 bidders for that price!! Fantastic!

But the real excitement comes from all the good work that COSI does with this money to help and encourage kids.

Thank you!
 
 
 
 
 
Excerpt of 2009 Chili Open Golf Classic Request: 



2009 Chili Open Golf Classic 

Celebrity Auction Request 


Dear Community Partner, 


The Rotary Club of Strongsville is hosting the 18th Annual Chili Open Golf 

Classic on Saturday, February 28, 2009 where we are expecting nearly 1,000 golfers.  To date, the Chili Open has raised more than $1.1 million for charity.  The Chili Open is a once-a-year special opportunity to play outdoor golf in February at the Berea Fairgrounds where we set up three nine-hole courses with 65-yard fairways, Astroturf greens, and hopefully, snow to add a special challenge.  But it’s not just golf!  There is also a live auction conducted by sports and media celebrities from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm hosted by Bob Hale, Auctioneer Extraordinaire. 



 

 

Excerpt of 2009 Chili Open article found online, Sun Star: 



Strongsville Rotary to host Chili Open golf tournament Feb. 28 at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds


Posted February 26, 2009

 

Featuring frigid February golf, a high-energy celebrity auction, raffles and all the food you can eat, the Chili Open Golf Classic, hosted by the Rotary Club of Strongsville, is a Northeast Ohio winter tradition.

 

The 18th Annual B'laster Chili Open, presented by Radius Communication, will be held Saturday, February 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, in Berea. Proceeds will benefit 10 local charities as well as other Rotary projects.

 

The Chili Open gives golfers a chance to shake the cobwebs from their clubs with some brisk, challenging outdoor golf on three frosty nine-hole courses set up in the fairgrounds. A lively, heated clubhouse gives players a place to thaw out and enjoy all the beer, soft drinks and food they want - like hot Wendy's chili.

 

You don't have to golf to have a B'last at the Chili Open.

 

"The Chili Open is the best kept secret in Northeast Ohio," says Bob Hale, Cleveland's most sought-after benefit auctioneer. "It is truly a great event."

 

Bob, owner of Benefit Auction Services, peddles tens of thousands of dollars worth of donated items every year at the Chili Open celebrity auction. Each year, the celebrity auction features some of some of Cleveland's top radio and television personalities and athletes, who help Bob raise money for local charities and humanitarian Rotary projects.

 

Among the celebrity auctioneers at this year's Chili Open are WTAM 1100 AM's Mike Snyder, of the Wills & Snyder morning show; Jimmy Malone, of WMJI 105.7 FM's Lanigan and Malone Show; Harry Boomer and Tiffani Tucker, of WOIO, Channel 19; Bruce Kalinowski and Betsy Kling, of WKYC, Channel 3; and former Browns quarterback Mike Pagel.

 

Thank You Found Online:

 

Cassidy’s Hope Foundation

2nd Annual "AUCTION OF HOPE"

Friday - November 7, 2008 at Medina Eagle's Hall.

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL & AMAZING YEAR!

 

Thank you to all our Table Sponsors: Precision Straightening Co., Marc & Janice Baumann, Columbia Chemical, Vista Tire Center, and Executive Legal Services

 

Thank you to all our Volunteers, all the businesses that donated, all the family and friends that donated items, and all of our guests for supporting Cassidy's Hope Foundation. Thanks to Bob Hale - our wonderful auctioneer who is so amazing - he really made the difference this year!



Lake Catholic High School Magazine

 

70,000 Thank You’s! 

 

Lake Catholic would like to thank all who made the 24th annual Grand Auction a success. This year’s event raised over $70,000 which will help enrich student life on campus by enabling needed renovations in the library and auditorium over the next couple months.

 

The auction was held on Friday, April 18 at the elegant Holiday Inn and Suites LaMalfa Centre. Guests were treated to a fabulous dinner buffet, impressive dessert spread and coffee bar while being entertained by a magician. Attendees enjoyed taking a chance at the Balloon Bonanza where everyone was a winner, and Cougar Squares to try your luck at a lottery ticket filled Christmas tree or flat screen television. 

 

Highlights included welcoming back auctioneer Bob Hale who filled the room with excitement during the live auction and the new “Fund the Mission” part of our evening which raised an additional $8000 plus for financial aid for the Lake Catholic Cougar family.


This event would not have been a success without the help of a group of very dedicated volunteers including Beth and Dave Rossetti, the acquisition team, and the Lake Catholic Development Team. Save-the-date for Friday, March 13, 2009, next year’s silver anniversary auction!

 

 

Black-Tie Cleveland


University Hospitals' Wolstein Research Center's

5th Annual Bert L. Wolstein Legacy Golf Tournament

     
Beautiful August skies and warm temperatures made for a perfect day for friends of Bart and Iris Wolstein and their son, Scott to compete in the 5th Annual Bert L. “Bart” Legacy Golf Tournament at Glenmoor Country Club in North Canton. There was maybe a bit too much wind for those golf enthusiasts who were concerned about bragging rights but not enough to keep everyone from enjoying a great day of golf for one of Bart and Iris’s favorite charities and their legacy, the Iris S. and Bert L. Wolstein Research Building at University Hospitals. Friends, old and new, of Iris and Bart enjoyed the full amenities of Glenmoor, including golf, tennis, the pool and spa services. Iris was joined by her son Scott, President of the presenting sponsor, Developers Diversified Realty, in greeting guests to the tournament.
 

20 foursomes in the morning and 36 foursomes in the afternoon participated in a shamble format tournament. Colleen Kimson, wife of this year’s tournament chair, George Kimson, accepted the signed score cards as they exited the course and maintained the score board. Shawn Grimes, Director of Golf at Glenmoor oversaw the tournament. Committee members, Glenmoor staff, University Hospitals staff and volunteers could be seen pitching in to see that the day’s activities were flawless. Golfers were given goody bags that included a sleeveless vest, golf balls, gifts certificates and other great items.

 

“It’s considered on of Cleveland’s premier golf tournaments. This year we will surpass the half a million dollar mark in our contributions to University Hospitals’ biomedical research,” said Iris Wolstein, co-founder of the event.

 

The day continued with a cocktail reception followed by the Awards dinner and live and silent charity auctions. Several notables including Barbara Snyder (President of Case Western Reserve University), Thomas Zenty, III (CEO of University Hospitals), Iris Wolstein, Scott Wolstein, and representatives from the many sponsors that made the golf tournament possible attended the dinner.

 

Bob Hale, auctioneer for the evening auctioned 6 packages, including Bart’s favorite exercise equipment, his Carbon Trek 2300 Road Racer. Heaviest bidding was for the four forty-yard line seats to the Michigan State at The Ohio State University game on November 22. One of the nation’s biggest rivalries, winners also got nearly impossible to get passes to the pre-game activities. This lively auction guaranteed a healthy donation to biomedical research.

 

Built in 2003, the Iris S. & Bert L. Wolstein Research Building encompasses 320,000 square feet and is home to some of the world’s leading research initiatives. The facility, born from a $25 million gift from Mr. & Mrs. Wolstein, is a shared resource for Case Western reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center in addition to other clinical science and business affiliates.

 

The building is designed to accommodate 900 researchers and a 28,000 cage “mouse house” with a focus on translational collaboration. Housed in the building are the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the National Center for Regenerative Medicine, the Center for Global Health, the Department of Pathology, the Cardiovascular Research Institute, and research into pediatric oncology, neonatology, and cardiology.

Montefiore
“A Noteworthy Evening”

 

Currents
July 2008

 

Montefiore, providing comprehensive healthcare and services for the elderly in Cleveland’s jewish community, celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary at A Noteworthy Evening.

 

Susan Hurwitz and Margaret Singerman were chairmen of the benefit held at executive Caterers at Landerhaven where more than 425 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with music by pianist Rock Wehrman and bassist Dave Morgan, members of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. In homage to Montefiore’s signature colors, purple cloths covered the dinner tables with crystal trumpet vases filled with irises and yellow roses as the centerpieces.

 

`25th Anniversary chairmen Elaine Rocker and, in absentia Lois Goodman were acknowledged during welcoming remarks offered by Montefiore President and CEO Lauren Rock and Board Chairman Donald Scherzer. The event helped raise $250,000 and will establish the 125th Anniversary Fund of the Montefiore Foundation. 

 

After dinner, Andy Hoffmann, board chairman elect, assisted Bob Hale of Benefit Auction Services, who conducted a dazzling live auction before the featured entertainment underwritten by Irving and Gloria Fine. With great pride, Mr. Fine as master of ceremonies announced celebrated vocalist Helen Welch and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. The show was fabulous, a truly noteworthy tribute to this venerable organization!