Fun In Fundraising

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...

What is one often overlooked critical element to a successful gala or signature fundraising event? Engaging music. Today, I talk with acclaimed DJ Lance Avery Morgan to discuss the importance of music in creating an effective throughline for your event that makes it fun, engaging, and most importantly memorable. Over the past 25 years, Lance has attended thousands of galas, commercial events, bran...

How does a nonprofit expanding into a new community create a successful fundraising event to engage donors in a new market? Today, I talk with Michelle Frankfort, Lead Philanthropy Advisor, Special Events, and Julia TenHoeve, Ambassadors Manager of Texas Children's Hospital , to talk about one of their Austin-based signature fundraising events, the Legacy Golf Classic . Over the years, the Houston...

How does a nonprofit create multiple signature fundraising events that are each unique, impactful, and fun? Today, I talk with Divya Brown and Janae Tsai, co-chairs of Runway to Asia benefiting Asia Society Texas Center . Last year, Asia Society Texas Center launched Runway to Asia to serve as a complement to its highly impactful annual special event repertoire. The event immediately made a fundra...

How does an organization successfully cultivate a group of ambassadors to maximize attendance, revenue, and impact? Today, I talk with Rhiannon Bolen, Board Chair for DIFFA Dallas to talk about the organization's annual signature fundraising event, House of DIFFA . Texas's answer to the Met Gala, each year House of DIFFA is an evening of impact with a dash of fantasty, created through the legendar...

What are the keys to a nonprofit hosting a successful Kentucky Derby-themed party that is both impactful and fun? Today, I talk with Bo's Place Director of Communications Courtney Varner and Shelby Seligmann, event chair for the organization's signature fundraising event: Hats, Hearts, & Horseshoes . For the past 10 years, Hearts, Hats, and Horseshoes has been one of the most successful Kentuc...

How does a nonprofit founder create a highly successful gala to amplify the organization's voice and impact in the communities they serve? Today, I talk with Nancy Pollard, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Austin Chapter of Friends of the Children , to talk about the organization's annual signature fundraising event, Dinner with Friends . The Austin Chapter, founded in 2017 with the assist...

What are the keys to creating an unforgettable gala menu that has guests savoring every bite of every course? Today, I talk with legendary Dallas Chef Richard Chamberlain and Chris Clark, event chair for the 2026 Côtes du Coeur . Benefitting the American Heart Association , Côtes du Coeur is an incredible, two-night food and wine experience that doubles as the largest single-night fundraiser for t...

How does an organization create a successful signature fundraising event through a series of intimate, yet impactful events? Today, I talk with Araminta Sellers and Felicia Hester, co-chairs of the St. David's Foundation's upcoming signature fundraising event, Toast of the Town . For over 40 years, Toast of the Town has been a must-attend event in the Austin Spring fundraising calendar. Each year,...

How does a well-established nonprofit gala successfully draw in new segments of the community to increase event fundraising and impact? Today, I talk with Angela Garza, Executive Director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Houston Chapter , to talk about the organization's annual St. Jude Houston Gala . The legendary organization, founded by Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude provides customiz...

How does a nonprofit maintain a successful gala after the organization rebrands with a new name? Today, I talk with Rick Byrd, Executive Director of the BreakThrough T1D Southern Texas Chapter , as well as Ali Bruskoff, event chair for the region's most successful annual gala, the 2026 Houston Promise Ball . Two years ago, the organization retired its longtime Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation...

How does an organization successfully incorporate its brand colors into a gala in a way that is both elevated and impactful? Today, I talk with Andra Liemandt, Founder of The Kindness Campaign , as well as Stephanie O'Neill and Todd O'Neill, co-chairs of the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, the Art of Kindness Gala . One of Austin's most fun and impactful galas each Spring, the...

What are the keys to creating strong event themes that tie to the organization's mission while being fun for guests? Today, I talk with Thomas Pierce, Founder of the Children's Oncology Support Fund , to talk about the upcoming Aspen Snow Ball . One of the top fundraising galas in Aspen each year, with 2025's event raising over $3.5 million, the Aspen Snow Ball draws top patrons from around the co...

How does hiring an effective event producer for your gala help free up resources to drive more revenue? Today, I talk with Jacqui Schraad, Executive Director of the Texas State History Museum Foundation , and Krystle Alvardo, Principal of Alvarado Consulting , to talk about the Texas Independence Day Dinner . One of Texas's most anticipated fundraising galas each year, the Texas Independence Day D...

How does an organization successfully switch venues and create a seamless event experience for guests? Today, I talk with Kerri Ann Chambless and Ginny Liverman, co-chairs for the upcoming Helping Hand Home For Children Crystal Ball . Austin's most widely attended gala each year, the Helping Hand Home Crystal Ball has successfully drawn multiple generations of families to their annual gala over th...

How does an organization successfully create an event season that has patrons and donors anticipating its signature fundraising event for months on end? Today, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Claire Catrino and Maggie Kipp, co-chair of the DSO League 2026 Presentation Ball . One of the most successful presentation balls in the United States, the 2026 Presentation Ball will c...

What are the keys to creating strong partnerships between nonprofits and mission-aligned service providers? Today, I talk with Texas Health Huguley CEO Penny Johnson and Maggie Beaird, Development Director for the American Heart Association , to talk about one of AHA's North Texas signature fundraising events, the Tarrant County Go Red For Women Luncheon . One of North Texas's most successful and...

How does an organization create a great first impression for gala guests that inspires, energizes, and creates an environment for donors to give more? Today, I talk with CASA of Travis County CEO Emily Rudenick LeBlanc, as well as the organization's Sr. Director of Advancement, Erin Kozma, about their upcoming CASABlanca: Where Futures Take Root Gala . One of Austin's top nonprofit fundraising gal...

What are the keys to creating effective partnerships between nonprofits and foundations? There is no better duo to talk about today's guests, Maria Jimenez-Lara, CEO of the Naples Children's Foundation and Jamie Ulmer, CEO of Healthcare Network , one of the beneficiaries of the Naples Children's Foundation's signature fundraising event, the Naples Winter Wine Festival . This episode, the third in...