HUNT was born October 6, 2016 on Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park overlooking the East River and Manhattan. Our professional auctioneers host live fundraising for non-profit organizations, and consult on ways to maximize fundraising at their events. Our philosophy is value driven, mission based, and donor centric. HUNT believes in making a difference. We donate a percentage of yearly revenue to organizations that are meaningful to our team.
LUCAS HUNT is our President, lead consultant, and a celebrated American poet. He graduated from World Wide College of Auctioneering, has a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation from the National Auctioneer’s Association, and has helped raise hundreds of millions for hundreds of organizations since 2011. Lucas loves velvet.
ANNIE PHAOSAWASDI is our Creative Director, a fundraising host, and Harvard graduate with rigorous training in design, landscape, and architecture. She handles business development, marketing and visuals, virtual and hybrid productions. She serves on the board of a non-profit that promotes design and environmental awareness through mentorship and outreach. Annie is our Vanna.
PAUL FLOREZ-TAYLOR is our Head Auctioneer,
a consultant, and a graduate of World Wide College of Auctioneering. His affable and extroverted personality creates an authentic and exciting atmosphere—which helps shatter fundraising goals at galas. Paul is a widely published author, and has held sales and editorial positions at Marvel, Alyson Books, Hachette and HarperCollins. Paul enjoys fencing.
RASHAD SMITH is a fundraising host and Brooklyn native, who recognizes the power of community, and wants to share it with his generation. He serves as Vice President of his block association. Rashad’s community building has extended to non-profit work in Harlem. His fondest role was mentoring high school students on the intricacies of finance and entrepreneurship through the NASP-NY Fast Track program. Rashad spots celebrities.
JOE FORISH is a fundraising host who played sports and went to summer camp thanks to non-profit organizations. Joe serves on the board of a non-profit that gives children the opportunity to experience teamwork, leadership, and
nature through sports. He likes to work with organizations that give disadvantaged children a better opportunity to create lifelong memories. Joe knows finance.
RACHEL STERNLICHT is a fundraising host, and New York transplant from a small New England fishing town. Her background spans both Renaissance dramaturgy and wealth management operations, with many archipelagos in between. She is passionate about nonprofit fundraising, especially in education and the arts, and approaches all causes in need with curiosity, compassion, and conviction. Rachel runs the room.