Meet Dan Campbell: Turning Tragedy into Triumph with Purposeful Service
Dan Campbell is a professional auctioneer who has dedicated his career to helping nonprofits and schools achieve their fundraising goals. Dan has been a Thornwood resident since September of 1999, in one of the original Cavalcade homes.
Dan’s auctioneering journey began in college when his father encouraged him to assist with auctions and attend the Missouri Auction School. After graduation, he worked for corporate giants like Hewlett Packard and Oracle. However, in 2015, tragedy struck when his daughter McKenna passed away unexpectedly. Driven by faith and a desire to honor her legacy of service, Dan and his family launched Raising Paddles, a business designed to serve multiple organizations rather than starting a single foundation.
Initially envisioned as a side project, Raising Paddles quickly grew, supporting 26 charities in its first year. By 2023, it had expanded so much that Dan left the corporate world to run the business full-time. In 2024, Raising Paddles helped nearly 300 organizations raise over $110 million. "Every event I lead stems from personal empathy," Dan explains. Causes related to special needs, mental health, and cancer resonate deeply with him due to his personal experiences.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan and his industry adapted rapidly to virtual fundraising events. Using green screens, teleprompters, and small production crews, they continued helping nonprofits meet their goals. He stays current with industry trends through mastermind groups, conferences, and online forums, collaborating with the close-knit community of fewer than 1,000 U.S. auctioneers specializing in fundraising. With over 40 years of experience, Dan holds the prestigious Benefit Auction Specialist designation, a credential earned by fewer than 400 auctioneers worldwide.
Dan’s long-term goal is to help organizations collectively raise $1 billion—he’s already halfway there. Over the years, he has stood on stage before nearly 150,000 donors, performing at prestigious Chicago venues like the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum. He describes the Shedd Aquarium gala, surrounded by dolphins and penguins, as one of his favorite experiences.
Dan emphasizes the importance of recognizing those who drive nonprofit initiatives. "Starting and sustaining a foundation is incredibly hard work," he says. “Show appreciation and lean into causes that resonate with you.” In Thornwood, organizations like Cal’s Angels serve as a reminder of the community’s generosity and potential to make an impact.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan and his industry adapted rapidly to virtual fundraising events. Using green screens, teleprompters, and small production crews, they continued helping nonprofits meet their goals. He stays current with industry trends through mastermind groups, conferences, and online forums, collaborating with the close-knit community of fewer than 1,000 U.S. auctioneers specializing in fundraising. With over 40 years of experience, Dan holds the prestigious Benefit Auction Specialist designation, a credential earned by fewer than 400 auctioneers worldwide.
Dan’s long-term goal is to help organizations collectively raise $1 billion—he’s already halfway there. Over the years, he has stood on stage before nearly 150,000 donors, performing at prestigious Chicago venues like the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum. He describes the Shedd Aquarium gala, surrounded by dolphins and penguins, as one of his favorite experiences.
Dan emphasizes the importance of recognizing those who drive nonprofit initiatives. "Starting and sustaining a foundation is incredibly hard work," he says. “Show appreciation and lean into causes that resonate with you.” In Thornwood, organizations like Cal’s Angels serve as a reminder of the community’s generosity and potential to make an impact.
Dan lives by the mantra, “People will forget what you say, forget what you do, but never forget how you make them feel.” This philosophy drives his mission to help others while honoring his daughter’s legacy.
To support Dan’s efforts or explore his services, visit www.raisingpaddles.com.
To support Dan’s efforts or explore his services, visit www.raisingpaddles.com.
We are grateful to Jay Janese State Farm Insurance Agency, a long-time Stroll partner and supporter of the Thornwood Community. We thank Jay for his generous sponsorship of our Good Neighbor Expert Feature article where we highlight Thornwood's resident business owners. Jay Janese and his team at State Farm have exemplified what it truly means to be a good neighbor.