Louis Murad Raises Record Funds for Cancer Research at Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball Live Auction

Oct. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- (Dallas, Texas) October 17, 2011 – Last year, local certified auctioneer Louis Murad raised more than $700,000 for cancer research at the annual Cattle Baron’s Ball live auction. This year, he raised 500, 600, 700—can I hear 770—yes! Seven hundred and seventy thousand dollars, sold and donated to the American Cancer Society.

The Cattle Baron’s ball is the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for cancer research through the American Cancer Society. The event has raised $43 million in just 37 years and has become a landmark of Texas history and culture.

But despite that, the live auction wasn’t raising as much as desired. The Ball enlisted Murad to overhaul the event in 2010, and in his very first year on the job, he raked in more than $700,000. That amount shattered records from previous years.

This year, Murad got his bidding poetry rolling again and raised $770,000.

Top sellers were an all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, which sold for $220,000. The winning bidder will already be driving theirs next spring while the rest of the world watches from the confines of a two year waiting list. Another top seller was an exclusive tour of Napa Valley with Dallas’ finest celebrity chefs, which sold for $57,000.

The Paris package, which included a diamond watch and rare tour of Coco Chanel’s infamous apartment at 31 Rue Cambon, went for $37,500. A trip to New York City for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and After Party sold for $30,000.

“This year’s ball was a fantastic event, and I’m proud to help raise so much money for cancer research,” says Murad. “Most of all, though, I had a heck of a lot of fun.”

Murad was born in Dallas and knows he was meant to be a live auctioneer. After graduating from Jesuit College Preparatory School and then Southern Methodist University, Murad went into sales with his father. It wasn’t long before he fell into commercial and industrial auctioneering and was selling million dollar equipment.

“They didn’t have an auctioneer, so they asked me to do it. Once I got up there and the words started going and I felt that auctioneer’s fever, I knew this was what I was going to be really great at,” says Murad.

He got his Texas Auctioneer’s license in Dallas in 2000 and has been running fundraising auctions for charities ever since.

“It takes a certain talent to stand up on stage and get the bids rolling, but running a successful event takes a lot more than that,” says Murad. “What sets me apart from most auctioneers is that I offer a full range of consulting services to make every auction a hit.”

Running an auction that results in big funds for charities requires more than words rolling off the tongue; it also demands a lot of leg work. Murad takes the time to go over every inch of each auction, researching who the buyers are and helping the auction chairs put together packages that will get them excited to bid.

To further support these events, Murad developed a full range of auction services from consulting and auctioneering to silent auction support, computerized and phone bidding. Murad’s team is also deploying cutting edge technology to streamline the bidding processes as well as check-in and check-out.

His approach also involves educating his audience about the cause they’re raising money for even while he entertains them. “When people know not just what they’re buying but the good cause they’re supporting when they do, they’re a lot more inspired to give back to these great charitable causes,” says Murad.


About Murad Auctions
Louis Murad is a Dallas native and specialized full-time charity auctioneer. Licensed by the State of Texas in 2000, Murad has been raising funds for local and national charities ever since. Murad’s live auctioneering talents are famous for keeping people entertained and bidding, and his consulting services ensure that every auction is a success from beginning to end. From package development to comprehensive event planning, Murad knows how to strategize each auction so charities can raise the most money possible.

To learn more about Murad Auctions’ services, please visit http://www.muradauctions.com.  You can also connect with Murad Auctions on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MuradAuction and on Twitter @MuradAuctions.