Testimonials

"Greetings! I just had to take a moment to praise Beth. From being part of an organization that uses Auction Shake Up, I have seen the commitment and professionalism she puts in behind the scenes to make sure each trip is amazing. Then, I personally took one of her trips myself. The experience was absolutely fantastic! Beth and I had several conversations prior to the trip to answer all my detailed questions. I am not sure if I talked to her an hour or five minutes. It was such a joy to converse with somebody so passionate about the product she was offering.  My only criticism, I don’t think it was possible for her to truly describe how awesome my trip was going to be!"

-Travis C., Treasurer of Mission Health Lexington, Lexington, KY and travelled to "Las Golondrinas", Cayuco Villa 33 Dominican Republic

“It has been a real pleasure working with Beth.  We are so happy she reached out to us to introduce her program.  “Auction Shake Up” is just that — a way to add  excitement to our annual Grand Gala.  The trip offerings have been tailored to the anticipated interests of our guests and have led to some spirited bidding.  Feedback from folks that have taken the trips has been excellent.  Beth is great to work with and helpful throughout the process.  She is always available for questions from the Gala organizers as well as for those taking the trips.  The Holy Family Academy Grand Gala team is so appreciative of Beth’s support of our fundraising goals.  Thanks!"

-Shirley Weis, Holy Family Academy Board of Directors Chair, AZ

Jambo from Tom & Loren!
Just a quick note to say thank you for our trip of a lifetime! Kosen Safari is elite! The tour was well managed, well planned and well executed. Gabriel, our private guide from pickup to drop off, was awesome. He was so attentive and patient with us. He is so informed and proud of his country and region. He is so knowledgeable on all aspects of our Kenyan tour from animals, plant life and birds and how the ecosystem works. A class act. The resorts were 5 stars and well attended and comfortable after a long day. Service was very accommodating. Highly recommend Eagle Nest restaurant in Ole Soreni Hotel and do the balloon ride especially for the champagne breakfast and loo with a view!

-Tom & Loren B, Winners of "Kenya Safari Extravaganza!" from Ronald McDonald House Charities, AR 

“Hi Beth ~

I must tell you that in all the years I have been doing fundraising and charity work, I truly have never met anyone like you. You are professional and incredibly prompt and where you get your energy is beyond me. There are not enough “thank you’s” for all that you do. I am going to digest all of these amazing trips and then send them on to my committee.

Thank you, thank you. And, try and sleep at least one night during the week !!!”

- Susan Martin, Vintage Affair and Menlo Charity Horse Show, CA

“Our Organization has used Beth’s African Safari packages, twice so far, to raise money for our two organizations, Rufus Rescue and Pig Sanctuary. Both organizations raise money to help abused and rescued animals. The first time we used Beth’s services, my wife and I actually purchased one of the South African Safari packages with some friends. I have to tell you, the trip was first class and one of the best trips we have ever taken. The photo safaris will be remembered as one of the highlights of my life. By coincidence, Beth happened to be at the safari lodge during the period we were there. So we got to meet Beth. Beth is wonderful; it was such a pleasure meeting her after talking to her on the phone so often.

We just completed our second auction last month and are sending several couples to the trip of their life on safari to South Africa. It has been such a pleasure working with Beth. We have heard nothing but rave reviews from the others that went on the trip. These trips are a very good value. As a side note on the trip we took, we used the travel agent, Vyvienne Stumbles, Beth recommended. Vyvienne was great and helped us plan out an 18-day trip throughout South Africa. We will be using Auction Shake Up in the future. Thank you, Beth, for making everything run so smooth.”

Regards,

- Steven H, Scher, Atlanta, GA

“I have had the pleasure to work with and know Beth personally for over six years! The auction items that she provides for my annual charity event are all first class. Beth takes the time to personally visit each location and performs the due diligence in person. The narrative and photos she provides about each trip are her own personal experiences about the package. In August of 2013, I had the pleasure of watching Beth on a site visit, and there is nothing but attention to every detail. She is proud of the items she has, and if you make them available at you event, you will be too.”

- Mike Estes, Chairman of Pat Summitt Foundation Golf Tournament, Nashville, TN

“I worked with Beth at two nonprofit organizations, where I used her trips in my live auctions. Beth was professional and extremely accessible. Beth took the time to make sure auction winners were 100% comfortable before purchasing the package. Beth spent hours on the phone making sure all the details of these international trips were understood by the auction winners. After using her at two organizations, I decided to purchase one of the trips myself. Beth was attentive to my questions and concerns about traveling abroad. I trusted her experience traveling to a camp in Africa and just returned from the trip of a lifetime. I would strongly encourage using Beth for your upcoming special events.”

- Nora Boswell, Director of Development at Sharp HealthCare Foundation CA

“Beth is a fantastic resource and provider of travel opportunities for our annual auction! We don’t have to worry about including trips she recommends in our auctions, as all of our buyers come back truly “winners” from their travels. She personally vets each opportunity, and the values she offers are incomparable. You will definitely enjoy working with her!”

- Brenda Burnette, President at Burnette and Associates FL

“Greetings! I am pleased to write a brief recommendation for Beth Hinkson and the services, expertise, and products she has provided. I am on the board of several children’s charities in the Lexington, Kentucky area and have used Beth’s services on many instances for fundraising initiatives. The services and products Beth has provided for the South African safari has been and continues to be one of our most successful auction items. In addition to being an outstanding value, Beth provides outstanding service, support and is incredibly knowledgeable. To date, we have used Beth and the South African safari for at least seven events and have auctioned this package to 13 different individuals. Each has raved about their experience, excellent service, and accommodations. Therefore, I heartily endorse Beth and the services she provides. I will gladly provide personal recommendations.”

Regards,

- David E. Fraley KY

“Beth Hinkson and her representation of the safari have proven to be exactly that. When we began our relationship two and a half years ago, Beth explained the procedure in detail (answering all questions completely), followed up directly with our safari winner, communicated with me about new ideas for this year’s event and proved herself to be helpful at every turn! Our event, “A Doggone Purrfect Night,” has benefitted greatly from the proceeds realized from offering the safari. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Beth.”

- Sheila Simpson, Chair of Doggone Purrfect Night to Benefit Geauga County’s Rescue Village, Russell, OH

“I have chaired numerous galas in Houston, Texas over the years and was first approached in 2008 by Beth Hinkson to offer the Ezulwini Game Lodges package in our auctions. After receiving detailed information, brochures, and a photo DVD from Beth, as well as reading testimonials from people who had been to Ezulwini, we offered the safari in several live auctions. Beth was a delight to work with and very knowledgeable about the lodges since she has visited there several times. She was also very helpful in directing us to a travel agent associate of hers in the U.S. who is from South Africa and assists with airline flights and reservations for the people who purchased the safari trip and want to extend their trip in South Africa and/or to other countries. The first time we offered the safari on our live auction for the 2008 Houston Humane Society Gala, we paired it with two business class tickets from Emirates Airlines and it sold for $20,000. On the 2009 HHS Gala auction, it sold for $7,000 without airfare. We had the trip on the live auction for the Crohns & Colitis Winter Ball which I chaired in January 2010 and we sold the trip twice for $5,000 each without airfare. I will be offering the trip again without airfare for the HHS Gala in October 2010. As of now, none of the winning bidders have taken the trip, but all are looking forward to it. One couple is taking the trip for their honeymoon in October 2010. I cannot recommend Beth highly enough. She is a total professional and willing to help in any way to make the trip more enjoyable for those taking it.”

- Connie Cooke, Houston Humane Society, Houston Children’s Charities, Houston Crohns & Colitis Foundation, Houston, TX