The first two methods that I think of for finding an auctioneer are (1) your area telephone yellow pages under auctioneer, and (2) internet search on auctioneer association Massachusetts (or whateer state.
That will give you a list to start with. You mentioned two other factors (1) "Animated" and (2) "Charity", which I take that you want the auctioneer to do your auction for free. You should add a thrid factor, (3) "Is the auctioneer experienced in conducting fund raising auctions for organizations like schools, churches, etc?"
Your list of auctioneers will probably be narrowed down considerably with factor #2, and then narrowed even more by #3, so then you can evaluate #1.
A few words about #3 "Experience" in more detail - Many auctioneers will specialize in certain type auctions, i.e., construction equipment, real estate, agriculture/livestock, antiques/estates, etc. These auctioneers have a keen sense of knowledge of the values of these specialized items to be sold at auction, as well as knowing what speed or pace to sell the items.One might take 15-30 minutes to sell a piece of real estate, while other types of auctions they will sell up to 150-180 items per hour. You would want your school auction to fall in the middle of this pace range.
Most importantly, you should seek an auctioneer who has the experience to know the values of the things that are commonly sold at school/benefit auctions.
Now a word about #2 Charity or getting the auctioneer to do your auction for free. If you needed a doctor, lawyer or accountant, would you look for one for "frre" I wonder what level of service you would get if they did provide you with their seervices for free?
Yes, I charge a small fee, but for that fee, I go to the auction planning meetings with the auction committee to help them with the planning and organizing, such as providing guidance about auction catalogs, how many people will be needed as cashiers, check out, etc., I help them determine what items to go in the live or silent auctions, on auction day, I help promote the silent auction items and even manage the closing of the silent auction categories, and of course conduct the live auction. I have yet to see any auction where that small fee is not gained by multifold by higher prices and more income.
Plus I have fun doing it.
Norman O'Neal
President, Auctioneers of Maryland