Sarah Barnet is a Nonprofit Coordinator at Gulf Coast Bank, where she helps lead Auctions in August, a unique fundraising initiative that has raised nearly $1.7 million for nonprofits across the Gulf South. We sat down with Sarah to talk about how the program works, why it was created, and how it helps organizations raise funds without taking on the burden of running their own auction. She shares how businesses, community members, and nonprofits come together each year to turn donated items and experiences into meaningful support for local causes.

We also discuss what makes a successful auction item, the creative donations that have stood out over the years, and how smaller nonprofits can use the program to increase both funding and visibility. Sarah gives us an inside look at the logistics behind managing hundreds of auction items, the impact Auctions in August has had on participating organizations, and Gulf Coast Bank’s broader commitment to strengthening communities through nonprofit partnerships, financial literacy, and community engagement.

Missions Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. Missions Bayou is hosted by Maya McGee and Brenna Gourgeot. Maya McGee is the Senior Director of Operations at Comfy Stone, where she helps nonprofits clarify and elevate their storytelling to better reflect their mission and impact. Brenna Gourgeot is a community organizer and data analyst focused on socioeconomic and environmental justice in Southeast Louisiana. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

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