Kristi Saucerman: NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer 2010 Awardee

Idaho-Based Entrepreneurs Auction Frogs Receives the NAWBO Trailblazer Reward For Their Philanthropic Deeds (or Business Model)

Auction Frogs’ Kristi Saucerman continues to “do well by doing good.” She has volunteered for more than 15 years and measures her success by the success of her fundraising organizations. Her fundraising efforts began with the Junior League of Boise and Hidden Springs Charter School in Idaho, where she served a two-year term on the Parent Teacher Association Board. A philanthropist at heart, Kristi is involved with community organizations like Kickstand, Chamber of Commerce, NAWBO, Idaho Nonprofit Center and Ada County’s Boys and Girls Club. Kristi is a “stay at home” mom with two young girls, but her passion for children’s advocacy doesn’t stop there. In 1995, she created Through Their Eyes, Inc., a nationally recognized special needs children’s foundation. Kristi’s innate drive to care for others is evident in her latest entrepreneurial fundraising website Auction Frogs.

Designed as a tool to better conduct fundraising silent auctions, Auction Frogs integrates technology to extend auction periods, reach greater audiences and simplify bidding. According to Kristi, Auction Frogs faced its share of difficulties and unknowns prior to its 2007 launch. “Fortunately, I recognized early on that it was not just me but also a strong team and advisory board that would make this a success. From that point on, I surrounded myself with skilled like-minded people I trusted to build on my knowledge of fundraising and silent auction processes,” and the rest is history. Innovative technology and extensive experience has formed a virtual fundraising community that brings both corporate and individual donors and nonprofit organizations together to raise money for philanthropic causes. Auction Frogs’ online forum enables organizations to reach a greater audience of bidders rather than solely those who attend their gala. In addition to generous donations from featured organizations, they accrue “Frog Pond Donations” from a wide-ranging scope of trusted individual donors.

Kristi strives to leave the next generation with the belief that finding a genuine passion in something is worth the time it takes to develop a successful organization or business model. According to Boise State University Technology and Entrepreneurial Center Executive Director John Glerum, she has done just that. “Kristi leads by example and has a growing following of women who have gained excitement and confidence in making a difference for others!” Kristi strives to continue this mission as the latest recipient of the NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award. Auction Frogs has helped hundreds of organizations increase revenue by hosting silent auctions with an easy to use format and straightforward bidding. With the $5,000 grant, Kristi plans to fund necessary enhancements and incorporate supplemental features to improve the online auction platform and overall visitor experience.

For more information about Auction Frogs, visit www.auctionfrogs.org.