About us
CharityBids was founded in 2008 by three longtime fundraising volunteers who had collectively raised over $50 million for charities they personally supported. Today, that passion, experience and industry know-how helps thousands of non-profits around the world exceed their fundraising goals.
CharityBids turns dreams into reality by evoking human connection through its virtual events and curated consignment packages. From procuring and booking talent to writing and producing high-quality shows and events, CharityBids continues to do what it’s always done best: Create unique opportunities to help charities grow and thrive.
Our long-standing success is attributed to our reputation as industry experts, our extensive network, our client-focused approach, and our ability to deliver time and time again. We’ve become the go-to team for virtual event production and unique consignment package options. We are proud of what we’ve built and accomplished, and we will continue to support our clients as we innovate and grow in the fundraising and event space.
the Team
CEO
For over twenty years, Israel Schachter has leveraged his gift for building relationships to precipitate exponential growth for corporations, charities, and careers. As a master of connecting people with mission-driven business ventures and purposeful nonprofit organizations, Israel has guided thousands of clients through uniquely creative fundraising, marketing, and social media campaigns. Having raised over $100 million for philanthropic institutions around the world, Israel has dedicated his life and career to promoting projects and people that spark meaningful and lasting change.
A quote or mantra I live by: My integrity is my currency.
Operations
Carly’s first career goal was to join her family business at the Roots, a prominent Canadian clothing retailer. From there, Carly completed four years abroad, serving as a customer service, risk, & compliance manager for a financial institution. She oversaw dozens of employees, thousands of customers, and moved between three international offices (Israel, Cyprus, and South Africa). As VP of Operations at CharityBids, she manages everything from accounting to overseeing the Reservations Department. Carly is the go-to person for getting answers, and she loves that every day with CharityBids feels new and different.
Carly enjoys spending quality time with family, flooding her pets with affection, burying herself in books, and planning her next Sephora purchase. As a Type-1 Diabetic, Carly has served as an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and has raised over $150,000 for diabetes research with her family. Carly was also involved in The Yellow Rose Project, a prom for Holocaust survivors who never had the chance to experience this life milestone.
My personality in three words: Honest, easy-going, empathetic
At CharityBids, I am the go-to person for: Processes, spreadsheet magic, anything accounting, and celebrity gossip.
My favourite events involve: Musical performances and lots of passion!
Causes I care about: The Equal Justice Initiative, sexual violence against women, animal abuse
A quote or mantra I live by: “When life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles.” – Winnie the Pooh
Reservations
Shannon is an experienced hospitality and tourism professional with a demonstrated history of working in the customer service industry. Shannon has over five years in the travel & tourism industry and over five years in the customer service industry; she is a force when it comes to hospitality management, relationship-building and project management. At CharityBids, she knows the ins and outs of booking reservations, consignment package inclusions, and entertainment package details.
When not on the job, you’ll find Shannon cuddling with her cats, working her way through every recipe in her favourite cookbook and exploring the world! She volunteers every holiday season by organizing and delivering care packages and gifts to less fortunate families, especially underprivileged single mothers, throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Shannon holds a diploma from George Brown College’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program.
My personality in three words: Adventurous, cheerful, creative
At CharityBids, I am the go-to person for All things travel-related
My favourite events involve: Good food, good people, and good music
Causes I care about: Human and animal rights
A quote or mantra I live by: “What might this life be like if we put our pride to the side and let love lead the way.”
Creative
Daniel started his career in the music business, where he quickly became adept at the inner workings of marketing, talent representation and public relations. Daniel has always sought out projects that align with his core values: Family, Connection and Change. Daniel feels most free when he’s drumming; it’s where he can express himself without limitation or boundaries.
Daniel produced the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, and the 2013 MTV Movie Awards. He consulted on several film and television projects including Get Him To The Greek, Funny People, and Pitch Perfect. He also orchestrated the marketing direction for Rebel Wilson x Angels plus-size clothing line launch that aimed to help plus-size girls feel empowered in their own skin. After spending 18-years in Los Angeles, Daniel returned to Toronto in February 2020, where he currently resides.
My personality in three words: Loving, compassionate, creative
At CharityBids, I am the go-to person for: seeing a vision through, creative direction & empathy
My favourite events involve: human connection, yoga and music
Causes I care about: Anything that helps children and mental health
A quote or mantra I live by: Have patience and trust in the process.
Virtual Production
Born and raised in South Africa, Gabi has always held a special place in his heart for wildlife and the beauty of the African Bush. At the age of 19, he bravely moved across the world to North America, where he earned his degree in Marketing, got married, and settled into the busy day-to-day life of work and family.
In 2018, Gabi launched a luxury travel company specializing in the African market. When COVID hit and all travel came to a sudden halt, Gabi joined the CharityBids team to bring his creativity, attention to detail, and passion for helping others to the world of virtual events.
Since joining, Gabi has been involved in the production of dozens of virtual fundraisers, and is personally responsible for raising over $15M for the various charities he has worked with. He approaches each project with excitement and diligence, and takes tremendous pride in his work.
My personality in three words: Passionate, creative, dedicated
At CharityBids, I am the go-to person for out-of-the-box ideas, creative direction, and a good laugh.
My favourite events involve: Music, comedy, and human interaction.
Causes I care about: Mental health, education, and wildlife conservation
A quote or mantra I live by: Everyone appreciates your honesty until you are honest with them.
Marketing
My personality in three words: Bold, creative, empathetic
At CharityBids, I am the go-to person for digital strategy, creative design, and endless coffee shop recommendations.
My favourite events involve: Jaw-dropping moments, genuine joy, and an impactful cause
Causes I care about: Equal opportunity and access to resources, mental health, and environmental preservation
A quote or mantra I live by: There’s no ceiling to growth, and to inspiring that of others.
Sales & Account Management
Patrick joins us with over 19 years of experience within the hospitality industry. He has worked for various hospitality brands, including Expedia, Fairmont, Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Best Western, and the Chelsea Hotel. He has held the Director of Sales and Marketing, Assistant Director of Sales, Regional Account Director, and General Manager positions. Patrick is passionate about sales and thrives on working with new and exciting clients. Prior to sales, Patrick completed the Fairmont Management trainee program that taught him the importance of customer service and putting forth his best effort with every task. Patrick looks forward to continuing the outstanding success of CharityBids.
In Patrick’s spare time, you will find him on walks and adventures in Toronto with his 165-pound dog, Lloyd. Patrick enjoys the outdoors and participates in beach volleyball, snowboarding/skiing, and golf. If Patrick is not outdoors, you will find him in his garage working on some project, whether it be mechanical or repurposing old furniture.
My personality in three words: Hardworking, sociable, polite
At CharityBids, I am the go-to person for sales and account management.
My favourite events involve: Being with family and friends around a big table with delicious food and drink
Causes I care about: Fight Against Breast Cancer, Violence Against Women, and Toronto Humane Society
A quote or mantra I live by: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
