Professional benefit auctioneer enjoys giving back

CHARITIES are among the many organisations that benefit from Stef Olivier’s passion for conducting auctions. Working with fund- raisers, the Woodstock-based auctioneer has helped to raise more than R2 million for charities in 2017 alone, despite channeling a lot of energy into establishing his new auction house, Bidway, earlier this year.

Olivier, who has been in the auction industry for more than 14 years, is so committed to “giving back to society” by doing what he loves and thereby helping to make a difference in South Africa that he travelled to the US last year to qualify as a Professional Benefit Auctioneer.

Since then, he has auctioned goods from children’s artwork to sports memorabilia, wine, jewellery, excursions, overseas trips and even a donated vehicle at more than 100 functions to raise funds for local nonprofit Organisations (NPOs)

“These functions have ranged from golf days and school fund-raisers to big corporate events. The beneficiaries included Cansa, Rock Community Care, the NSRI, the Guide Dog Association, the Institute for the Blind, Rotary clubs, schools, churches and individuals nominated by charities,” he says.

A recent event at which he wielded the gavel was the Iris House Ball, a highlight on Cape Town’s annual events calendar. Funds raised go the Iris House Children’s Hospice.

“The ball is held at the Table Bay Hotel, with more and more people attending. This year the winners of the Mr and Mrs South Africa competition were among some of the 300 people who attended. Auction items sold included South African artwork, jewellery, watches and selected wines, and the event raised more than R400 000 on the night.”

Olivier says it is rewarding to see the outcome and response from organisations on the receiving end of the auctions. “There are smiles and tears.” He says he feels blessed to be able to use his skill not only in business, but also to make a difference in other’s lives.

For more details or to arrange a charity event, see www.charityauctioneer.co.za.