Who Are We?
Years of experience.
Millions of dollars raised for charities.
Powerhouse performance-based appearances across North America.
The Auctionista brings the power of philanthropy, humanity, energy, and entertainment to every event. We are bold and innovative subject matter experts in Event Revenue Strategy, Event Ideation and Performance. Dedicated to exercising creative instincts and proven strategies that inspire charitable giving, we deliver intuitive and entertaining live fundraising experiences that produce results.
CEO/Founder, Layne, is “The Auctionista,” a fundraising powerhouse devoted to “moving the dial on philanthropy.” Layne’s distinct value is loyalty, determination, and desire to bring best practices and proven strategies of the Benefit Auction world to clients and business partners.
The Auctionista Difference
We create a unique, cause-connect experience that empowers your guests to make a difference. By the end of the night, your supporters know they are critical to your organization’s success.
Move the dial on philanthropy.
Raise the
fund factor.
Make our communities stronger!
Meet The Auctionista Team
Layne
The Auctionista
Layne, The Auctionista is not your average auctioneer! Layne ignites the power of philanthropy with their signature high-octane, live fundraising style. A bold and entertaining “Philanthro-tainer”, Layne’s performance combines philanthropy with entertainment, equaling full-on engagement as a Live Auction Performer and Emcee at every event. To standing ovations and wild applause, Layne never disappoints a room!
Trained at World Wide College of Auctioneering and a former Director of Development in the charitable sector, Layne applies their experience and profound niche knowledge to every aspect of fundraising planning and performance. As a top Benefit Auction Specialist with over 1,000 events under their belt, Layne raises millions of dollars for charities every year and believes that “by inspiring giving, we make communities stronger,” which is why they have made a career of fundraising for over a decade..
Through the development of The Auctionista Fundraising Techniques, Layne travels across the country educating non-profit staff and volunteers; giving them a step by step breakdown on how to move the dial on philanthropy and make the most of their fundraising events. Layne also acts as a keynote speaker; engaging various audiences about the importance of breaking down barriers and the power of finding your voice.
Alanna Memme-Di Mauro
Director, Talent & Operations
With years of talent and client management in her back pocket, Alanna brings her passion for both entertainment and philanthropy to Team Auctionista! Alanna is responsible for client relations and growing partnerships; tracking, booking and taking care of any client needs, even after the event concludes. Alanna makes sure Layne is in the right place at the right time and has all the information about the event so The Auctionista can deliver a record-breaking night!
Lauren Drambis
Benefit Auction Specialist,
Fundraising Consultant
Lauren is a second-generation Auctionista, trained and groomed by her mother and mentor, Layne. Lauren was formally educated at the World Wide College of Auctioneering and the National Auctioneer’s Association as a Benefit Auction Specialist (less than 1% of North American Auctioneers hold this designation). Lauren is an innovative fundraising consultant who works with our clients to ensure they reach their fundraising goal. Not only with her knowledge of fundraising components, but on topics such as item acquisition, public relations, and donor and audience development. You can also catch Lauren on the auction floor at our events, inspiring guests to go that one extra bid!
Our Clients
When you choose The Auctionista, we become a part of your team to lead you to success.
We’ve worked with charitable organizations in a variety of sectors and brought them incredible results!
CEO/Founder, Layne, is “The Auctionista,” a fundraising powerhouse devoted to “moving the dial on philanthropy.” Layne’s distinct value is loyalty, determination, and desire to bring best practices and proven strategies of the Benefit Auction world to clients and business partners.
Healthcare
Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce
Alzheimer Society of London
Alzheimer Society of Toronto
Alzheimer Society Thunder Bay
Comic Vision Calgary, London, GTA West, Toronto
Credit Valley Hospital Foundation, The
Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice
Durham and Community Health Care Foundation
Foundation Fighting Blindness, The
Georgetown Hospital Foundation, The
Grand River Hospital Foundation
Hats On For Awareness
Heart of Hastings Hospice, The
Homewood Health
Hospice Kingston
Hospice Peterborough
Hospice Prince Edward County
Hospice Toronto
Hospice Waterloo
Hospice Wellington
Hospice West Parry Sound
Humber River Hospital Foundation
Huron Hospice
Huron Shores Hospice
Interim Place
Jessica’s House
Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
Legate Personal Injury Lawyers, in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities
Lissard House
London Health Sciences Foundation
Medical Ministry International
Northwood Foundation
Pink Dress Society
Ronald McDonald House, South Central Ontario
Saakate House
Serenity House Hospice
Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation
St. Joseph’s Hospice
Stratford Perth Hospice
VON Durham
VON Hamilton
VON Oxford – Sakura Hospice
West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation
Bethany’s Hope Foundation
Bethell Hospice
Brant Community Healthcare System
Breast Cancer Society of Canada
Canadian Liver Foundation – Halifax
Canadian Liver Foundation – Toronto
Cancer Assistance Program
CNIB
Community Care Foundation – Lindsay Hospice
Social Justice & Activism
Beth Jacob Synagogue, in support of Empowerment Squared
ACCESS Employment
Action Against Hunger Canada
Anova
ArQuives, The
Caledon Community Services
Creating Alternatives
Daily Bread Food Bank
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Dare to Be You Foundation
Dress for Success Aurora
Dress for Success Barrie
Dress for Success Orillia
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, The – Canada,
Ontario
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter
Explorers Club, The – New York City
George Hull Foundation
Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis
Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph
Halton Women’s Place
Harmony House Women’s Shelter
Huron County Food Bank
Journalists for Human Rights
Kerr Street Mission
London Military Family Resource Centre
Nova Vita
Pinball Clemons Foundations
Rainbow Railroad
Rotary Norfolk Sunrise
Schools of Dreams
Sheena’s Place
Thames Talbot Land Trust
Ve’ahavta
Western Area Youth Services (WAYS)
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
Women’s Place of South Niagara
Yellow Brick House
Arts
Art Gallery of Guelph
Art Gallery of Thunder Bay
Arts Project, The
Canadian Stage
Elgin Theatre
Grand Theatre, The
Guelph Museums, City of Guelph
London Children’s Museum, The
London Lesbian Film Festival
Manitoba Children’s Museum
Museum London
Theatre Collingwood
Private Sector
Balpex Inc Tradeshow
Brands for Canada
REALTORS® Association of London and St. Thomas
REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington
Education & Employment
Hillfield Strathallan College
Science North
St. John’s Kilmarnock PSE
TMS School
“Layne captivated guests. The deep understanding of the cause, accompanied by wit and charm, and WOW energy! I sincerely write that NO other individual could have had the same terrific results at the end of the night.”
– Gabriella Catolino, Campaign Director at St. Joseph’s Hospice