Karen Lee Sorbo
Karen Sorbo is a globally recognized Benefit Auctioneer, Fundraising Consultant, and Philanthropist with more than three decades of experience transforming generosity into measurable impact. As the Founder and President of Karen Sorbo Ventures LLC, she has orchestrated over 3,000 benefit auctions, raising nearly $1 billion to support nonprofit causes worldwide. Her dynamic stage presence, strategic donor engagement, and motivational storytelling have made her one of the most sought-after professionals in benefit auctioneering. Karen’s background in music, combined with her natural charisma, enables her to bring warmth, authenticity, and entertainment to every event, turning moments of giving into unforgettable experiences.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Karen leads the Karen Sorbo Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing critical global issues such as homelessness, orphanhood, and human/sex trafficking. Through her foundation, she has directed impactful initiatives and produced the documentary “The Invisible Ones,” which shines a light on the lives of South African street children. Her deep compassion and hands-on approach to philanthropy reflect her unwavering belief in the power of collective action to create lasting change. Recognized as a Woman You Need to Know by the Women’s Speakers Association, honored in Minnesota Monthly Magazine’s "Women of Influence" Speaker Series and selected as one of the "TCB Top 100" Innovators, Leaders, Trailblazers and people you need to watch by the Twin Cities Business Magazine. Karen’s work continues to inspire generosity and hope worldwide.
Beyond the auction stage, Karen is a motivational speaker, ordained minister, and mentor to women navigating career and life transitions. She actively supports organizations combatting human trafficking, such as Dahlia’s Hope and Saprea, and continues to advocate for empowerment and resilience.
A former Mrs. Minnesota International (1991) and author of “Your Inner Butterfly,” Karen blends her entrepreneurial spirit with her philanthropic heart. Whether mentoring emerging auctioneers, empowering women, or leading global fundraising efforts, she remains dedicated to her lifelong mission—elevating lives through compassion, connection, and purposeful giving.
• Licensed/Certified Auctioneer
• Ordained Minister
• Licensed/Cerified Resilience Coach
• Azusa Pacific University - BA
• Mrs. Minnesota International
• International Who's Who of Entrepreneurs
• Woman of Note
• Women of Influence Speaker Series
• Women You Need to Know
• Paul Harris Fellow Award
• TCB Top 100 Innovators, Leaders, Trailblazers and People you need to watch in 2025
• Karen Sorbo Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
Entrepreneurship is a journey of constant adaptation, and I've learned that staying purpose-driven is what keeps you moving forward. I attribute my success to resilience and a strong sense of purpose. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, but I've learned to see setbacks as lessons rather than failures. At the end of the day, my focus has always been on creating value and making a positive impact- that's what keeps me driven.
I attribute my success as a Benefit Auctioneer to a genuine passion for helping nonprofits make a greater impact. Every event is about connecting people to a cause they care about, and I never lose sight of that purpose. I’ve learned that success in benefit auctions isn’t just about selling items — it’s about storytelling, reading the room, and creating energy that inspires generosity. My background in public speaking, fundraising and entertainment, really helps me do that.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to ‘build relationships before you need them.’ It taught me that success isn’t just about performance — it’s about connection, trust, and collaboration.
A mentor once told me, ‘Energy is contagious — make sure you’re the spark in the room. As a benefit auctioneer, that advice stuck with me. People don’t just respond to numbers; they respond to passion. When I bring energy, enthusiasm, and heart to the stage, others follow — and that’s when the magic happens.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering benefit auctioneering is to embrace your voice—literally and figuratively. This career thrives on energy, connection, and authenticity. Don’t feel like you have to sound or perform like anyone else. Learn the craft, practice your chant, study your audiences, and bring your own personality to the stage. Benefit auctions are about impact and community, so lead with heart and professionalism. Finally, surround yourself with mentors, and remember that confidence grows with every auction you call.
When I started, I thought I had to fit a mold of what an auctioneer ‘should’ sound like. I quickly learned that what donors respond to most is authenticity. So, my advice is: use your natural style. Learn from others, but don’t copy them. Build relationships, prepare meticulously, and never forget that every bid you call is helping a cause make a difference. And for women especially—own your space. Your voice deserves to be heard.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges of being a Benefit Auctioneer is balancing the art of entertainment with the heart of philanthropy. Every event, every audience, and every cause is different. You have only moments to connect people emotionally to the mission and inspire them to give generously. It takes preparation, intuition, and the ability to read a room in real time.
The opportunity, however, is remarkable. Few professions allow you to witness the power of generosity so directly. Each event is a chance to elevate a cause, energize a community, and help organizations fund life-changing work. It’s an incredible privilege to combine purpose, passion, and performance — all in the service of making a difference.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and my personal life, integrity, gratitude, and service are at the core of everything I do. I believe deeply in showing up with authenticity and professionalism, whether I’m on stage helping an organization raise vital funds or connecting with people one-on-one.
As a Benefit Auctioneer, I’m entrusted with the responsibility to not only inspire generosity but also to honor the mission of each nonprofit I represent. That requires trust, empathy, and genuine connection — values that guide me in every interaction.
In my personal life, those same values carry over. I strive to live with gratitude, to lift others up, and to use my gifts to make a positive impact. For me, it’s all about purpose — aligning my work and my life with something bigger than myself.”