The Gala Checklist: 10 Things That Make or Break Your Fundraising Night

Your gala isn’t just an event — it’s the night that can fund your mission for the entire year.

In this episode of Auction Is Action, professional fundraising auctioneer Bobby D. breaks down the 10 most important things every nonprofit should be thinking about on gala night. These are the moments, decisions, and details that separate average events from transformational fundraising experiences.

Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, development director, board member, or event planner, this checklist will help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize generosity in the room.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What really drives donor generosity in the room
• How the flow of your program impacts giving
• Why your paddle raise matters more than your live auction
• The role storytelling plays in unlocking larger gifts
• How to create momentum that carries through the entire night
• Common gala mistakes that quietly cost nonprofits thousands
• What the best fundraising events consistently get right

If you’re planning a gala, hosting a fundraiser, or looking to increase the impact of your next event, this episode will help you think differently about how to design a night that inspires action.

Subscribe to Auction Is Action for real-world fundraising strategies, event insights, and lessons learned from hundreds of successful nonprofit events.

Learn more about Bobby D. and Call To Auction at calltoauction.com
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