Fun In Fundraising

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 legendary themes, with this year's being Hot...

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 Kentucky Derby-themed fundraisers in Texas...

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 assistance of 50 local individuals and orga...

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 the organization each year. This has b...

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, the organization hosts a series of ...

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 customized care for children with cancer rega...

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 (also known as JDRF), becoming known...

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 Art of Kindness Gala raises funds to...

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 country to further the organization's m...

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 Dinner draws hundreds of patrons from a...

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 the past 82 years. The year the Crysta...

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 celebrate two significant milestones:...

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 impactful luncheons each year, the Am...

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 galas each year, raising over $2 millio...

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 a three-part series behind the Naples...

What does it take to create and provide one-of-a-kind live auction packages for your audience that raises millions?

There is no better person to talk about today's trio of guests, Bill Beynon and Ashley Gerry, co-chairs of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, as well as founding member of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, Valerie Gargiulo. 

This episode, the second in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is one of...

What does it take to successfully produce a multi-day gala that provides a five-star experience for guests and raises millions for the community it serves?

There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest, Lisa Juliano, Senior Vice President of the Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production.

This episode, the first in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the top fundraising...

What does it take host a fashion show luncheon or gala that is engaging, cost-effective, and most importantly fun?

There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest and someone I am proud to call my friend, iconic runway model and fashion show producer Jan Strimple.

After beginning her career in retail merchandising, Jan started her trajectory in the fashion industry, walking the runways of Paris and collaborati...

What are the keys to successfully merchandising your nonprofit brand in a way that brings in revenue and is fun for guests and supporters?

In today’s episode, I talk with Catharine Recht, Director of Advancement at Frontiers of Flight Museum, to talk about the organization's new store inside the museum.

Frontiers of Flight Museum is a family-friendly space where kids of all ages can explore the wonders of aviation and space flight ...