Meet our speakers

Jay Fiske | Auctioneer

Jay Fiske is the founder of Northwest Benefit Auctions, Inc., and co-founder and co-President, Chief Auctioneer for MaestroSoft, an Arreva Company.

As one of the premier benefit auction consultants in the country, Jay is regularly called upon to train both national organizations and local auction committees in the techniques that increase auction yields while maintaining the fun-filled environment required for a successful benefit auction.

Jay has worked with a wide variety of organizations nationwide, and beyond. His clients include health and research related organizations, numerous celebrity Gala’s and golf tournaments, social and service organizations, public elementary and high schools, professional sports teams, political action groups, Chambers of Commerce and numerous private schools.  Jay spends a good portion of his time working with auction committees as an auction consultant.  By providing ideas on procurement, audience development, decorating, lighting, sound, stage layout, silent and live auction display, and cashiering, he is able to ensure the success of the event.  Implementing Jay's techniques and his ready “revenue enhancers,”  clients routinely exceed their goals.

He is the author of The Big Book of Benefit Auctions (John Wiley & Sons, Pub), which is available wherever books are sold.  

Amanda Westbrooke | emcee

Master of Ceremonies Amanda Westbrooke has long been inspired by the gifts of storytelling. Her Virginia childhood, filled with lessons, colloquialisms and the tender stories of tradition exalted by her three Southern aunts Ramona, Faye and not least of all Winkie, have landed her smack dab in the middle of telling stories for purpose and progress throughout her entire life.

For the past decade, Westbrooke has served as host of Tacoma’s City Line Television’s weekly economic and cultural affairs program. As a natural educator, Westbrooke wafts and weaves local tradition with urban progress.  With vast experience in human resources — as a former teacher and curriculum development specialist, as director of education and outreach for Tacoma’s Little Theatre, strategic project manager for Metro Parks, and a former director of human resources for Microsoft — Westbrooke’s virtues were not lost on those who have either worked with her or been led by her.

Westbrooke, herself committed to peace, justice, fairness and progress of all types, was best shown this by her Southern grandmother Mary Laila Jones, who created a cooperative garden of mixed-race community members in 1966, for ALL people. “You don’t have anything until you give it away,” was her mantra.

As a mother to grown daughter Olivia, Westbrooke would be the first to admit that the lessons of life have only just begun to tell their story.

Her love of gardening, food, films, fashion, opera and classical music reflects Westbrooke’s style, grace and elegance that come naturally to her role as your host today.

To inquire about Westbrooke’s services, email amandawestbrook913@gmail.com.