HOST • EMCEE • AUCTIONEER

“We couldn’t have asked for a better host to lead such a meaningful evening.”

— Sydney Delago, Insprica CT

It’S Go Time.

You’ve planned your event meticulously.
The tickets are sold.
The catering is set.
The auction is strong.

Your audience is in the room.

So… what’s next?

I’M Philip Callen.

I’m the first person on stage— welcoming your audience and setting the tone. I connect every moment you’ve carefully planned, making sure your story is heard, felt, and remembered.

I’m here to connect the heart of your audience to the heart of your mission.

For more than 30 years, I’ve served as a host, emcee, and benefit auctioneer for nonprofit fundraising events.

When it’s time to raise money— whether through a live auction, fund-a-need, or paddle raise— I’ve already built a relationship with your audience that’s unique to that evening. That trust, energy, and momentum are what turn generosity into action.

and kept the audience smiling with every dollar they donated!”

— Eric Mische, Spare Key (MN)

“Phil is funny, charming, professional.

Phil helped us raise a record amount

Our audience connected with him early and he kept their attention throughout the night.

How can Phil Help You?

From planning to execution, my role is simple:

Help you raise more money and create an unforgettable experience for your supporters.

Wherever you are in the process, we’ll work together to determine the right level of planning assistance to support your goals, your team, and your timeline.

I work alongside nonprofit teams from the very first planning meetings, helping shape an event that aligns with your mission, your audience, and your fundraising goals. Whether you need a sounding board or a hands-on partner, I meet you where you are.

I can assist with:

EVENT FLOW AND RUN OF SHOW. Crafting a program that builds energy, clarity, and momentum.
THEMES & STORYTELLING. Helping your message resonate emotionally and authentically.
FUNDRAISING STRATEGY. Live auctions, fund-a-need, paddle raises, and creative revenue ideas.
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT. Keeping guests involved, informed, and inspired into action.
EVENT FUNDRAISING SOFTWARE. Offering guidance, ideas, and feedback on platforms that best support your goals.

On event night, I serve as your host, emcee, and benefit auctioneer, maintaining the run of show, managing transitions, and making sure every moment lands as intended— so you can stay focused on your guests and your mission.

A few of the Fine organizations Phil’s Worked with

• Christodora - New York, NY

• Urban Stages - New York, NY

• The Workshop Theater - New York, NY

• Darien Nature Center - Darien, CT

• InTempo - Stamford, CT

• Norwalk Symphony - Norwalk, CT

• Seven Acres Montessori - Wilton, CT

• Inspirica - Stamford, CT

• The Arc of Minnesota - St Paul, MN

• Spare Key - St Paul, MN

• Neighbors Inc. - West St Paul, MN

• PGA Reach Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

• Tapemark Charity Pro-Am - St Paul, MN

Personal references available on request.

— Lou Chen, InTempo

We hired him one month prior to our biggest-ever fundraiser and he completely transformed our vision for the better. He was so generous with his advice leading up to the event that he started to feel like an official member of the team. Not only did our fundraiser raise a historic amount of money — $100,000, when previous years had never crossed $50,000! — but

our audience also singled him out as the highlight of the evening!”

“I Cannot recommend Philip enough.

Philip Callen

Phil has headlined gala events for social service agencies, schools, and theatres. He has an extensive background in fundraising and special events in the nonprofit world, and a strong commitment to connect the mission of critical non-profits to their audiences and supporters, helping them achieve fundraising success.

Also an actor, Philip has appeared on stages across the country, and for 19 years, has starred as George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the historic Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Philip lives in Norwalk with his wife Laurie, and their two children, Alice and Abraham.

Phil is a turkey for Neighbors Inc of Minnesota.

I recommend him highly to any organization looking for a professional who will bring energy and entertainment to their event!

“Phil has been a phenomenal EMCEE and auctioneer for the past several years at our fundraiser.

He readily made himself available for planning meetings and was a wonderful partner to our event committee.

— Alexis Donnerstag, Seven Acres Montessori

Help You?

How can Phil

With Phil’s help, we have been able to increase our auction donation levels every year.”

“He is an extremely warm and caring person with a passion for nonprofit work. His on-stage charisma and ability to improvise (read the room) is phenomenal.

— Heidi Satre, Neighbors, Inc (MN)

Thanks to his presence, we raised more than we ever have before, including record-breaking results in our paddle raise.”

— Sydney Delago, Insprica CT

Phil’s enthusiasm, humor, and knack for keeping the program engaging not only made the night unforgettable but also directly contributed to its success.

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