Professional. Auctioneer.
Jake is the founder and president of the California Youth Ag Expo, a nonprofit 501c3 aimed at promoting and developing youth Agriculture and ultimately rewarding them with scholarships to attend California higher education institutions. He currently serves as a director of the Livestock Marketing Associations and the California FFA Foundation.
One of Jake’s true passions is consulting and working with organizations to raise money locally and nationwide. His current list of Auction clients includes the Tiger Woods Foundation, Napa Valley Grape Growers, Jesuit High School, Crocker Art Museum, Christian Brothers High School, Queen of the Valley Foundation, Cristo Rey, the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and many more.
Jake lives in Sacramento with his wife Molly and their three children, Jack (7) and twins Parker and Ben (6).
"The year Jake Parnell was retained as the auctioneer for Revelry, St. Francis High School's annual gala, the event increased fundraising totals by nearly 50% - incredible! Jake is a gifted, professional auctioneer who has an innate understanding of how far he can work items to reach maximum values, but he does so without putting off his audience. Remarkably, during "fund-a-need," he is able to simultaneously acknowledge bid numbers while keeping a running total of the funds raised. This is no easy task and it allows him to deftly update the audience which builds donor enthusiasm and momentum. All said, Jake and his crew are well worth the retainer."
Tracy Beckwith
Former Director of Advancement for St. Francis Catholic High School
Sacramento, CA
"We worked with Jake on our Giving Gala for the past two years. As, an auctioneer he brings an enthusiasm and an energy level that is contagious. Jake was willing to share ideas, selection of appropriate auction items and guidance regarding the order of the evening’s events. He is professional in every way and a joy to work with. Jake as our auctioneer significantly increased the bidding revenue in fact to double what we made the previous year. Jake is a superb auctioneer."
Stacie Thum
PTO President Jackson Elementary
El Dorado Hills, CA
"Jake has been instrumental in the success of our Silva Valley Green and Gold Gala. From giving advice during the planning process, selecting the order of events to bringing new ideas to our planning committee Jake's helpful in every way possible. Jake's charismatic with the crowd, exudes enthusiasm and energy. Jake's aggressive getting bids but never rude or insensitive to the bidders limits. Jake’s professional in every aspect, dependable and a pleasure to work with."
Rosealee Escobar
Event Planner, Silva Valley Elementary
El Dorado Hills, CA
"Jake Parnell was instrumental in bringing the fundraising at Harvest STOMP to a new level. His ability to clearly communicate our mission and the event's objectives was truly impressive. Jake studied our materials, asked us poignant questions, and helped us refine our approach. All of this resulted in greater contributions and a more exciting auction. We feel fortunate to have found him.
Jennifer Putnam
CEO and Executive Director of Napa Valley Grapegrowers
Napa, CA