Fun In Fundraising

How can a nonprofit effectively create a unique signature fundraising event that attracts young professionals and engages the next generation of community leaders? Today, I talk with Shelby Scharnberg and Courtney Freels, co-chairs for the 2026 Shuck Cancer benefiting the Houston Chapter of the American Cancer Society .  Over the past several years, Shuck Cancer has emerged as one of Texas' best-r...

How does a nonprofit successfully structure a signature fundraising event so that both nonprofits and business sponsors both benefit? Today, I talk with Houston Ballet Executive Director Sonja Kostich as well as Michelle Jeffery, co-chair for Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market® , one of the organization's signature fundraising events. For over 40 years, the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market® has been...

How can a nonprofit with chapters around the country create a successful gala that both connects to the organization's mission and has a local feel? Today, I talk with Folds of Honor North Texas Chapter Executive Director Sarah Elliott to talk about the chapter's largest signature fundraising event, the Folds of Honor North Texas Gala . In 2007, Folds of Honor was founded by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney to...

How does a nonprofit successfully host a gala or signature fundraising event on their campus or headquarters? Today, I talk with Houston SPCA VP of Marketing and Communications Julie Kuenstle and VP of Philanthropy Patrick Plunk to discuss the organization's signature fundraising event: the 2026 Howl-O-Ween Ball . One of the most fun and financially successful animal welfare galas in Texas, Housto...

What is the key to hosting a themed event that allows every guest to feel comfortable and ready to participate? Today, I talk with Jessica Bertuccio, James Flavin, and Bahareh Flavin, three of the co-chairs for the One Upon A Time: A Fairy Tale Fashion Ball benefiting Children's Museum Houston . For many years, the Children's Museum Houston's annual gala has been a highly successful annual signatu...

How can a nonprofit effectively use a gala to increase, revenue, visibility, and impact. Today, I talk with Foster Village Founder & CEO Chrystal Smith about the Austin Chapters Grow the Village Gala , the organization's largest annual signature fundraising event. Ten years ago, Chrystal founded Foster Village to provide support to families who foster children as well as services for children...

What is the key to hosting a successful annual gala? Run it like a business. No one is better suited to discuss this important, yet underdiscussed topic than Houston Children's Charity President & CEO Laura Ward and her enormously successful Houston Children's Charity Gala. This year, Houston's most anticipated and successful fundraising gala turns 30 this year. Laura has been able to grow the...

How does a nonprofit successfully host an annual gala at a unique space that also has the capacity to host a large number of guests? Today, I talk with Cynthia Everitt and Paige Westhoff, co-chairs of the 2026 Cattle Baron's Ball Dallas , benefiting the American Cancer Society . For over 50 years, Cattle Baron's Ball has been one of Texas' most successful fundraising events. Over the past several...

How does a nonprofit successfully use a gala to showcase the progress of a transformative project that an entire community can use year-round? Today, I talk with Dr. Colette Pierce-Burnette, CEO of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy , to talk about the upcoming Glow in the Park Gala.  Held on the world-class grounds of the Moody Amphitheater on part of the Waterloo Greenway's city greenscape, Glow in t...

How does a nonprofit steadily grow its annual fundraising gala so it becomes one of the most successful galas in your area? Today, I talk with Sneha Merchant, co-Chair of the Operation Smile Houston Gala , to talk about its 10th anniversary gala. Over the past decade, Operation Smile's Houston Gala has grown in scope and impact. Beginning as a smaller 100-person event, the event has grown in size...

How can a nonprofit executive leader effectively collaborate with an outgoing senior leader transitioning into an emeritus role to ensure knowledge, fundraising, and impact seamlessly continue? Today, I talk with Alistine Turnbull-Blackshear, Market President of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Greater Houston Chapter , and Pierce Bush, President Emeritus of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star to...

How does a nonprofit successfully create donor engagement opportunities that are galas for all donor levels that are fun and exciting? Today, I talk with Debbie Tate, Chief Development Officer of Texas Advocacy Project , to discuss the Black and White Ball , the organization's largest annual signature fundraising event. Over the years, Black & White Ball has steadily grown and become one of Au...

How does a community successfully host an online fundraiser that raises a large amount of money for a wide range of nonprofits in your area? Today, I talk with Calvert Collins-Bratton, former Chief Relationship Officer of Communities Foundation of Texas , to discuss their annual signature fundraising event, North Texas Giving Day .  The most successful and highest revenue online fundraising day in...

How does a nonprofit successfully curate a cohesive silent and live auction for their annual gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Ashley Nowak and Laura McCallan, two of the co-chairs for the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center's largest annual signature fundraising event, Art for Advocacy . If you think successful art auctions are limited to only visual arts organizations, it is...

How does a nonprofit successfully host an event in a unique, highly coveted space in a way that inspires giving and grows your fundraising total each year? Today, I talk with Melissa Keller, President and Co-Founder of the Abigail E. Keller Foundation to talk about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, Abbey Lights Up COTA . Held each year at the Circuit of the Americas racetrac...

How does a nonprofit find keynote speakers that both move the audience and compel them to give to your cause? Today, I talk with former Sr. Director of Special Events & Operations of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Nate Ferguson, as well as acclaimed speaker and cancer thriver Jamie Valvano, daughter of legendary North Carolina State Basketball Coach, the late Jim Valvano, the namesake o...

How does a nonprofit effectively create relationships with talented artists to compel them to provide works that drive event awareness and fundraising? Today, I talk with world-renowned photographer and author David Yarrow to talk about how philanthropy has been a part of his business model, as well as sharing amazing tidbits on his book David Yarrow: The Collection . This includes the late movie...

How do you create amazing tablescapes and décor that both wow your guests and foster connection? Today, I talk with best-selling entertaining author Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Founder of Trunk Curated , to discuss this important and often underutilized event topic. Tablescapes and décor are the one thing that can seamlessly highlight the theme of the event and create the environment to build long-...

What are the keys to effectively utilizing an event photographer so they can seamlessly capture the essence of your gala or event? Today, I talk with Priscilla Dickson, Founder of PPD Photography to discuss this vital and important topic. I often state that the one item no nonprofit can afford to cut from their event budget is a quality photographer, and Priscilla is living proof of that. For over...

What are the keys to creating an effective event publicity strategy that promotes both a nonprofit's signature fundraising event and its mission? Today, I talk with Jenny Selber Gustafson, Founder & CEO of Like Minds Communications , to discuss this critical topic. For nearly a decade, Like Minds Communications has successfully created mission-driven publicity and marketing strategies for many...

What are the keys to creating strong, impactful videos at galas and signature fundraising events that both move donors and inspire financial generosity? Today, I talk with Kwami Ngaojia, Chief Relationships Officer of Beard and Bowler , to discuss this critical topic. Kwami has developed relationships with nonprofits all around the country, creating impactful program videos. Kwami & Beard and...

What are the keys to creating a strong relationship with an auctioneer to drive revenue and impact at your annual gala? Today, I talk with Carrie Frugé, Founder of Biddy Up Auctioneer , to discuss this critical topic. A sales executive, turned auctioneer, Carrie has spent a career developing strong relationships with clients to ensure customers are happy and remain loyal. All skills that are criti...

How do nonprofits effectively engage a Chief of Staff to build deeper relationships with top donors and family offices that ultimately drive revenue growth? There is no better person to discuss this topic than the founder of Next Level Coaching , Emily Sander. A member of the team that created the original Amazon Kindle, Emily has experienced firsthand what it is like to field inquiry after inquir...

What are the keys to creating unforgettable al fresco events that wow donors, increase fundraising, and leave a lasting impact? There is no better person to discuss this topic than Panacea Collective Founder Autumn Rich. Over the years, this legendary event producer has created unforgettable experiences both indoors and outdoors that have guests talking long after the last song spins at the after-...

How does an organization effectively incorporate a successful event and donor entertainment that produces financial results for a capital campaign? Today, I talk with Ali Flanders Dodson, Chief Advancement Officer for Kids' Meals , to discuss this important, yet often overlooked aspect as a key component to raise the necessary capital to create organization and community transformation. Kid's Meal...