Meet Theresa Farrell | Benefit Auctioneer, Fundraising Host and Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Farrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was a professional ballerina for 17 years, and after a career-ending injury, I had to step away from performing. About a year earlier, I had resigned from American Contemporary Ballet—the professional company I co-founded, built from the ground up over more than a decade, and led as Executive Director. I was deeply disillusioned by the misogyny and abuse I had experienced in the dance world and knew it was time for a change.

While running ACB, I produced the company’s annual gala and led the fundraising appeal on stage. One year, Dita Von Teese joined me onstage, and I auctioned off the martini glass earrings she was wearing to raise funds. A patron later commented, “You should be an auctioneer,” and I replied, “You’re right.” And that was it.

I launched my own company, BoldWave Fundraising, instead of joining an existing firm because I knew I had a unique approach—one rooted in performance, strategy, and connection. I also plan to one day train and build a roster of female auctioneers. It’s a male-dominated industry, and it’s time for that to change.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a benefit auctioneer, fundraising host, and strategist. I help nonprofit organizations raise more money by creating high-impact live events. I bring together performance, intentionality, and heart—so donors feel inspired and excited to give.

What sets me apart is my background as a professional ballerina and former executive director. I understand how to command a stage and how crucial timing is, but I also deeply understand the behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep a mission-driven organization thriving. I’ve sat in the boardrooms, delivered the appeals, and made the budgets work. That perspective allows me to show up as more than just a voice on the mic—I’m thinking strategically beyond the night of giving.

I’m most proud of the energy I bring into every room. Giving should feel invigorating, and that’s what I aim to spark every time I step onstage. Watching people light up and lean in—that never gets old.

The journey here wasn’t easy. I’ve had to rebuild—after abuse, injury, and burnout. But I’ve learned that starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. The discipline I developed as a ballerina shows up in everything I do. So do the leadership and entrepreneurial skills I gained from building a performing arts company from the ground up and running it for over a decade—raising money, managing a team, directing programming, and representing the organization on national platforms. Even memorizing ballets prepared me for the kind of precision I bring to my work now.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about BoldWave Fundraising, it’s that we don’t do cookie-cutter. Every event, every appeal, every moment is intentional. We’re here to help nonprofits not just meet their goals—but surpass them—with joy, connection, and a shared commitment to building a more equitable world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town, I’d plan a week that blends beachy mornings, amazing food, a little day-tripping, and a mix of quirky, iconic LA experiences.

Day 1 – Settle In with a View
We’d start with a walk on Zuma Beach, then grab breakfast on the Malibu Pier—coffee, ocean breeze, and catching up. Maybe dip our toes in at low tide and unwind into vacation mode.

Day 2 – LA Nostalgia Night
Morning beach walk again. Then sushi at Sea Butter—tiny spot, but some of the best around. At night, we’d hit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for an outdoor movie—it’s weird, it’s wonderful, and very LA.

Day 3 – Santa Barbara Escape
Day trip to Santa Barbara Zoo—my favorite, and surprisingly charming. Then we’d treat ourselves to lunch at San Ysidro Ranch. It’s peaceful, elegant, and feels like a little secret garden tucked into the hills.

Day 4 – Vintage LA
Bob Baker Marionette Theater—it’s whimsical and nostalgic in the best way. Dinner after at Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City. Cool vibe, great cocktails.

Day 5 – Shop + Show Day
Furniture shopping in West Hollywood (because even browsing is inspiring), then dinner and a concert at the Troubadour. Iconic venue, always a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Alex, my life partner. He stood by me when my dreams were shattered and believed I could rebuild something even more beautiful.

Website: https://boldwavefundraising.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/imtheresafarrell

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresajfarrell/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theresafarrell

Image Credits
Jordan Strauss Photography, Trish Tunny, BAMPFA, Equal Rights Advocates, McGougan, Girls Inc LA