Going, Going, but not Gone
Toco Hills resident Seth Weiner “rocks” as auctioneer and consultant for nonprofits.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Seth Weiner describes himself as a producer/auctioneer combined to form “Your Rocktioneer.” Beyond auctions, he creates corporate social responsibility programs, conference game shows, and interactive fundraisers. From entertainment to team building, he designs high-energy experiences that drive long-term donor and corporate partner growth — with his charisma- making “giving” fun.
Weiner explained his mojo. “My talent goes beyond energy and excitement — it’s in the strategy, planning, and donor development that drive success. Fundraising isn’t just talking fast; it’s about the consulting (revenue strategies, auction lineup, paddle raises) to maximize impact.
Hailing from Tamarac, Fla., Weiner, while at Florida State University, started “Shimon Presents,” promoting concerts and events. He then moved to Atlanta, where he expanded into booking, marketing festivals, managing staff and volunteers for high-profile events like Coachella and Bonnaroo. During winters hosted activities for Cloud 9 Adventures at resort events with Avett Brothers, Widespread Panic, and Jam Cruise, curating fan and artist experiences known as LL Pool J.
“It was on Jam Cruise,” he recalled, “I grabbed the mic for a nonprofit, and ran their auction — raising big money. That moment sparked my path to becoming a fundraising auctioneer.”
His initial auctioneer training was an 80-hour program, covering estate sales, car auctions, and real estate — but not so much fundraising. That he had to learn through experience and specialized education from the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), earning his Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation, attending the Certified Auctioneers Institute, and completing Benefit Auctioneer Bootcamp. These helped him adapt traditional techniques to engage donors and maximize nonprofit revenue. He also now serves as a trustee on the NAA’s Education Institute and sits on the board of the Georgia Auctioneers Association
One event he is especially proud of is Camp Kudzu. They sponsor a premium bourbon collection (Pappy Van Winkle), typically raising $3,000 to $5,000 in an auction. Instead, Seth ran the high-energy “All Or Nothing” game. He stated, “They initially had concerns … but with trust and coordination, we raised $14,000! I love working with causes that matter to me, particularly those supporting children, medical research, mental health, and animal welfare. Helping nonprofits raise more than they ever thought possible is always the most rewarding part.”
Recently, Weiner conducted an auction for Atlanta’s ORT women wearing his trademark “flashy” jacket. Known for his Hollywood/Vegas-inspired wardrobe, Weiner said, “I have my jackets custom-made by a designer in Los Angeles. They’ve become part of my signature style at events.”
He is known to sell them off his back, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the organization. One of his favorite moments was selling a jacket for $9,000.
Weiner offers free brainstorming sessions to uncover new revenue streams. One group relied heavily on ticket sales, but he suggested a Golden Ticket with exclusive experiences that doubled their pre-event revenue. He explained, “They didn’t even have to hire me. It’s my way of giving back and helping nonprofits succeed. Often, just one conversation can lead to thousands of extra dollars in fundraising!”
Part of his process is establishing realistic goals. Success isn’t just about the dollars raised — it’s about donor development, building community, educating people on the mission, and celebrating achievements. He claimed, “A truly successful event creates long-term impact, creates new donors, and spreads their mission further. I help organizations turn a $100 donor today into a $1,000 donor next year.”
Ladies, alert! Weiner is single and “ready for the love of my life, whoever she may be!” He lives in Toco Hills and has an 11-year-old son (part-time). He’s into running, swimming, and hot yoga. He joked, “As for music, I play the trumpet … and the steering wheel of my car, which doubles as my personal drum kit in Atlanta traffic!”
Weiner’s Tips for Successful Auctions
• When you’re at a gala for a cause you care about, don’t bid to buy something — bid to give something.
• A live auction isn’t about scoring a deal; it’s about supporting the mission. You may win an incredible vacation, but the real reward is knowing your generosity made an impact.
• Bid big and early — it sets the tone and inspires others to give from the heart.
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