We absolutely loved Richard. He is wonderfully thorough. He met with us
before the auction to discuss auction order strategies and training for our
spotters and models. Richard also met with our volunteers right before the
gala started which really helped us all to get on the same page. He had
obviously familiarized himself with each of the items and was able to
enthusiastically speak about them. He won over the guests at our gala
immediately. The live auction portion of this event is either the longest
45 minutes of my year or the most fun of the evening. Richard made it fun
and I had many positive and enthusiastic comments from attendees.
Lara Lockwood
Special Events Director
Ballet West
We are still in awe as we reflect on the miraculous event featuring Richard O'Keef as our
auctioneer. His awesome talent and ability to inspire an audience was the key ingredient we
needed to far exceed our goal for our fund raiser. Every individual in attendance was caught
up in the momentum of his perfect pace. His humor and excellent timing permeated the room,
creating an atmosphere of memories and excitement people are still talking about. Where
we once feared the thought of pursuing an auction to support our cause, we now find great
joy and amazing success because of Richard's audience appeal. Richard O'Keef is the
best of the best!!
Debi Gilmore
Member of the West Ridge Academy Board of Trustees (Formerly Utah Boy's Ranch)
President of the West Ridge Academy Guild
I've worked with Richard on at least a dozen fundraisers over the past 10 years and he always
manages to meet the financial goals of the organization trying to raise money. He inspires the
crowd, is witty , and has a way of pushing people into bidding more without being obnoxious. If
you need an auctioneer for a fundraiser, Richard is your man.
Randall Carlisle
News Anchor
KTVX TV, News4Utah
Everyone leaving, after our auction, is talking about how much fun they had and what a wonderful job
Richard O'Keef does as an auctioneer. They also say that they spent more than they had planned to
because they were having so much fun bidding! Richard really does a great job.
Paula Houston
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
South Valley Sanctuary
Richard O'Keef has been instrumental in nearly quadrupling our annual gala's
auction over the past two years. He has brought experience that has enabled
the committee to excel!
Robert Higgins
Director of Development
The Boys and Girls Club of Murray and Midvale
It's rare to meet someone you not only enjoy working
with but with whom you feel very effective. I have very much enjoyed the events I have
emceed where Richard was the auctioneer. His chemistry with the audience, his sense of
timing and humor, puts everyone at ease (including me) and has everyone upping their
bids (including me). Richard is a true auctioneer - part entertainer, part businessman,
part ring master, pure fun!
Amanda Dixon
Morning Host
KSL Radio 1160
Richard O'Keef is the best auctioneer we have ever used. He is funny but
effective and our audiences have loved him. We have held eight very successful
fund raisers for our Caring Foundation for Children and Richard has made sure we
made the most amount of money we could. He always ensures that our auction runs
on time while still having a lot of fun. We certainly plan to use him again
this year.
Kevin Bischoff
Vice President, Public and Corporate Affairs
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
Richard was terrific at energizing the audience with humor and useful
information about the auction items. He was very good at pacing the program
and he helped us exceed our goals for the auction.
Jeff Garets
Executive Director
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Utah
Richard makes an auction better. He is effective at getting guests to give
and is entertaining in the process. As the coordinator of several auctions
over the past six years, I have been delighted with Richard's expert guidance
prior to the events as well as the peace-of-mind he provided at the
fundraisers. When Richard took the stage at each auction, I knew everything
was going to go well--I had hired a professional and I could relax, enjoy and
bid!
Lisa Himonas
Kostopulos Dream Foundation, President (2000-2001)
Saint Sophia School, Board Member and Event Coordinator
Richard is an outstanding auctioneer. We will be pleased to use him in our future auction
events. He is not only a darn good auctioneer, but his suggestions during the planning stage
helped in making our auction even more successful.
Paul Tikalsky
Director of Finance and Marketing
Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America
Working with Richard O'Keef was a great experience – personally and financially.
Due in large part to Richard's professionalism and showmanship, the Salt Lake Art Center's 2006 event was
the most successful in the eighth incarnation of our annual fundraising events. His dedication to making our
fundraiser the best was incredible. Richard really knows how to make your guests have a great time while making
your event successful, fun and memorable. And before our event was over this year, I contracted him for our 2007
event. Now that's an endorsement!
Roni Thomas
Communications Manager
Salt Lake Art Center