Fun In Fundraising

How does a nonprofit create fun, impactful, and visually appealing event that provides an unforgettable experience for donors? Today, I talk with Asia Society's Vice President of Development Saleena Jafry, and Vice President of Communications Stephanie Todd-Wong about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event Tiger Ball 2024: Celebrating Magnificent Asia. Tiger Ball is an annual, sev...

How does an organization find an honorary chair who attracts top honorees and gala event chairs year after year? Today, I talk with Jan Bullock, who for 20 years has been the honorary chair of the Texas Independence Day Dinner  at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum , which is named in honor of her late husband, former Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock. Each year, this million-dollar ni...

How does a nonprofit create a theme for its signature fundraising event that guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience year after year? Today, I talk with Hamilton Sneed, Founder of HAS Events . Hamilton is the event producer for the upcoming Symphony of Chefs benefitting Kidlinks . The event features top chefs from the Dallas/Fort Worth area who provide bespoke menus for each individual table at the...

How does a nonprofit create a successful relationship with an event planner that results in unforgettable gala or signature fundraising events year after year? Today, I talk with Houston Ballet  Senior Director of Events and Individual Giving, Alexandra Yates and legendary event producer Richard Flowers, Owner of The Events Company to talk about the upcoming Houston Ballet Ball.  In this episode,...

How does a nonprofit successfully create a different and fun theme for a signature fundraising event every year? Today, I talk with Junior League of Houston President , Amanda Hanks Bayles about their upcoming 76th Annual Charity Ball. Long one of Houston's most popular signature fundraising galas, the organization has done a different theme for every one of their 76 events. In this episode, Amand...

How does a nonprofit - and its signature fundraiser successfully evolve with a rapidly growing city? Today, I talk with Angela Glode, Chief Development Officer for The SAFE Alliance , as well as Yvette Flores and Tiffany Stillwell, the co-chairs for the upcoming SAFE Gala: Celebrating 50 Years . The mission of SAFE is to stop abuse for everyone and provide services to victims of abuse including ho...

How do you successfully build an all-volunteer organization? Today, Rob talks with Jan Mitchell, Executive Director for Miss Texas , the official preliminary competition to the Miss America Competition  and the largest provider of scholarships for young women in the United States. In this episode, Jan provides great insights on a range of topics including the importance of volunteers in making a n...

How do you create a highly successful signature fundraising event during the holiday season? Today, Rob talks with Bella Villarreal, Development Manager of Legacy Community Health to talk about their upcoming signature fundraising event Holiday Schmooze , which is one of the most fun and anticipated events in Houston during the holiday season.  In this episode, Bella provides great insights on a r...

How do you keep corporate sponsors from your gala or signature fundraising event engaged with your organization year-round? Today, I talk with Angie Kadesky Chair of  The Crystal Charity Ball . One of the top fundraising galas in Texas each year, this organization has raised over $181 million dollars over the past 71 years for various projects benefitting children in North Texas. Angie provides gr...

How do you get a large number of community leaders to say "yes" to your nonprofit gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Betsy Hudson and Stephanie O'Neill, co-chairs of the Center for Child Protection's Dancing with the Stars Austin presented by Mercedes Benz of Austin . In this episode, Betsy and Stephanie provide great insights on a range of topics into one of Austin's most pop...

How do you create a highly successful nonprofit gala or signature fundraiser right out of the gate? Today, Rob talks with Angela Garcia, Co-Founder of the Sergio and Angela Garcia Foundation who is hosting its 2nd annual FOREKids ATX . In its first year, FOREKids ATX raised over $2 million dollars with the proceeds benefitting several children's nonprofits. In this episode, Angela provides great i...

How does a nonprofit gala integrate its services into the event program in a fun way? Today, Rob talks with AT&T Performing Arts Center , President and CEO Warren Tranquada and VP of External Affairs Chris Heinbaugh to discuss the Bravo! Gala - the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event. In this episode, Warren and Chris provide great insights on a range of topics including tips o...

How does a nonprofit gala or signature fundraising event help create strong relationships with your key donors? Today, Rob talks with Jaime Garcia, President and CEO of the Andy Roddick Foundation , who is hosting its upcoming 15th annual gala which will be emceed by comedian Bobby Bones and feature a concert by country music star Jordan Davis . In this episode, Jaime provides great insights on a...

How does a nonprofit organization create a successful signature fundraising event focused on young professionals? Today, Rob talks with Grace Gosnell and Victoria Villarreal, co-chairs of the upcoming Storybook Gala for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation  hosted by the organization's Young Professionals Group . In this episode, Grace and Victoria provide great insights on a range of thin...

How do you successfully plan a signature fundraising weekend around a festive holiday? Today, Rob talks with Julie Kuenstle, VP of Marketing for  Houston SPCA , and Cheryl Byington, co-chair of their signature fundraising event: Howl-O-Ween Ball, which effectively ties the organizations mission to a holiday that is all about fun - Halloween. In this episode, Cheryl and Julie provide great insights...

How do you successfully plan a signature fundraising weekend that attracts diverse aspects of your community? Today, Rob talks with The Contemporary Austin Executive Director & CEO sharon maidenberg. Over back-to-back days, the organization hosts two distinct, yet popular events, Art Dinner 2023 and Very 'Rary on their beautiful grounds, Laguna Gloria. In this episode, sharon provides great in...

What does it take to plan a signature fundraising event that has raised 9 figures over the past two decades? Today, Rob talks with celebrity event planner Todd Fiscus of Todd Events . Todd is the long-time event producer for one of Texas top fundraising events, Two X Two for AIDS And Art , which raises funds for two of the United States most notable nonprofit organizations amfAR and the Dallas Mus...

How does an organization successfully create a luncheon that draws hundreds during the daytime to suport your cause year after year? Today, Rob talks with Lindsay Jacaman, co-chair of the upcoming Texas Trailblazer's Luncheon for The Family Place featuring Brooke Shields . In this episode, Lindsay shares her insights on the differences between daytime and nighttime galas/signature fundraising even...

How does an organization successfully create unique themes that give your event space - and your gala/signature fundraising event new life each year? Today, Rob talks with Katie Arnoldy and Holly Radom, co-chairs of the upcoming Children's Museum Houston Studio 54 Gala. Held every Fall at one of Texas' top event spaces, The Corinthian , this top Houston fundraising gala brings the wow factor each...

How does an organization celebrate a landmark anniversary of their signature fundraising event with maximum impact? Today, Rob talks with Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov, co-chairs of the Cattle Baron's Ball in Dallas, which is the single biggest one-night fundraising event for the American Cancer Society . This year, the event turns 50 with a night for the ages at the legendary Southfork Ranch a...

How does an organization successfully host an event that brings together the entire community not just year after year but decade after decade? Today, Rob talks with Liz Ballard Executive Director of the Texas Rose Festival , and Texas Rose Festival Board Member Bill Evans to discuss the 90th annual Texas Rose Festival in Tyler, Texas. The event highlights the Texas rose-growing industry and the T...

How does an organization successfully go about launching a new and successful signature fundraising event after multi-year pause? Today, Rob talks with Texas Heart Institute's Vice President of Development Julie Voss as well as Kelli Kickerillo, who is a co-chair for The Supper Club , the organization's first signature fundraising event in 7 years. In this episode, Julie and Kelli share their thou...

How do you create maximum impact at your event when it features celebrities and high-profile individuals? Today, we talk with Cathy James, President of The James Group , who is planning the upcoming Tex Mex Fiesta benefitting the Farrah Fawcett Foundation . This powerhouse event planner has helmed fundraising events all around the country that have collectively raised over $100 million dollars for...

How do you maintain the passion for an organization and draw out hundreds to your signature fundraising event year in and year out? Today, we talk with Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, who have co-chaired the highly successful  Houston PetSet's Fierce & Fabulous Soiree for many years. In this episode, the powerhouse sister duo talk about a variety of topics including successfully worki...

How do you give your gala a local feel when your nonprofit is part of a regional or national organization? The second season of Fun in Fundraising kicks off with a roundtable featuring Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas's upcoming annual Ice Ball Co-chairs Pamela and Will Hurley, Chief Marketing Officer Brenda Lindfors, and Vice President of Development Lauren Alexander-Labahn. Together thi...