Fun In Fundraising
Fun in Fundraising is a podcast that gives you behind-the-scenes access to the people behind top fundraising galas. Ranked Number 6 in FeedSprouts’ list of Top Fundraising Podcasts, each episode features host Rob Giardinelli talking with the leaders behind the top gala and signature fundraiser event chairs, honorees, producers, and non-profit executives. These events featured on Fun In Fundraising raise significant sums of money by producing fun, memorable experiences with guests and attendees returning year after year. Each conversation highlights how top leaders facilitate raising large sums of money to positively impact their communities in a fun, organic way. Rob Giardinelli is a sales executive turned ”professional guest on duty” through his work at esteemed publications The Society Diaries and Society Texas. During the past 15 years, Giardinelli has attended/chronicled over 2,000 galas, kick-off events, and parties that have raised over $250 million for some of the world’s top nonprofits. To learn more about or work with Rob, visit EventMindset.com
Episodes
What are the keys to effectively staffing your gala or signature fundraising event to elevate the guest experience?
In today’s episode, I talk with Lauren Batterby, Founder and CEO of Life Event Staffing, to talk about the importance of event staffing to grow revenue and develop deeper relationships with your donors.
Since its founding in 2021, Live Event Staffing has been a go-to resource for many of the top nonprofit fundraising ...
What are the keys to finding an effective event emcee that keeps the audience entertained and generous?
In today’s episode, I talk with event emcee and media presentation expert Lauren Petrowski, to talk about how effective event emcees elevate the gala guest experience.
Over the years, Lauren has hosted many top galas and business events in Texas and beyond. Her ability to effectively emcee multiple types of events for different a...
How does an organization host a successful signature fundraising event during the holiday season?
In today’s episode, I talk with Karen Hughes, President & CEO of Vogel to talk about Day 1 DFW, one of the organization's signature fundraising events.
Held on New Year's Day, Day 1 DFW draws hundreds of families from around North Texas for a day of family fun, with proceeds going towards fulfilling the organization's mission to pr...
How can an organization successfully align a board and leadership that drive revenue and impact for their annual gala?
On this episode, sponsored by Frost Bank, I talk with Center for Child Protection Chief Executive Officer and Center for Child Protection Board Chair Shonnery Pettit, to discuss the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Austin.
Over the past 19 years, Dancing with the Stars Austin has been one of Austin's hottest gala ti...
How can the philanthropic arm of a business draw and engage sponsors for it's annual gala or signature fundraising event?
In today’s episode, I talk with Emelda Douglas, Senior VP of Community Affairs for the Houston Astros and Executive Director of the Houston Astros Foundation, to talk about its annual signature event, the Diamond Dreams Gala.
Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, the Diamond Dreams Gala has become one of the city's...
How can an organization successfully create a multi-day signature fundraising event that is both fun and impactful?
In today’s episode, I talk with Houston Ballet Chief Development Officer Angie Lane and Susan Binney Market co-chair of the upcoming Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market®.
For over 40 years, Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market® has been one of the area's most successful and widely anticipated signature fundraising events. Ov...
How can an organization host a signature fundraising event that allows patrons innovative ways to connect with an organization's mission?
In today’s episode, I talk with Chantel Boudreaux, Senior Director of Events and Operations for the Perot Museum to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event, A Night at the Museum.
The Perot Museum is one of the nation's top museums promoting STEM and the mystery of science. One ...
How can an organization host a fundraising gala that reflects the tapestry of the communities they serve?
In today’s episode, I talk with IM Houston's CEO Sheroo Mukhitar and Chief Development Officer Maria Magee, about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, The Tapestry Gala.
The Tapestry Gala has long been known for drawing various parts of the Houston community together which aligns with the IM Houston's missio...
How can an organization effectively use pre-events to sell out their gala well in advance of the event date?
In today’s episode, I talk with Anna Caitlyn Butler and Madeline Meyer, co-chairs of the upcoming Twilight on the Trail benefiting The Trail Conservancy.
The Trail Conservancy protects, enhances, and connects the Roy and Ann Butler Trail, the beloved nature path along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Its signature fundrais...
What are the keys to giving your signature fundraising event a local feel, even if it is a national organization?
In today’s episode, I talk with Cattle Baron's Ball Dallas co-chairs Courtney Derderian MD and Nina Sasche to talk about this iconic event benefiting American Cancer Society.
For the past 52 years, Cattle Baron's Ball has been the gold standard in creating a highly successful fundraiser that blends unique locations, fas...
How do does an organization effectively blend commerce and fundraising in a way that brings the community together?
In today’s episode, I talk with The Family Place CEO Tiffany Tate and Margette Hepfner to talk about one of the organization's signature fundraising events: Partners Card.
For many years, many top retailers in North Texas have taken part in this unique and highly effective fundraiser. The premise is simple: patrons pu...
How do you create an impactful statement moment at your event where guests carry the moment with them long after the event has ended?
In today’s episode, I talk with AVDA CEO Maisha Colter and AVDA Board Chair Vanessa Ames to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event: the Home Safe Home Gala.
For over 40 years, AVDA has provided services in it's mission to end domestic violence by advocating for the safety and self-...
What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event in a one-of-a-kind urban green space?
In today's episode, I talk with Kit Sawers, President & CEO of Klyde Warren Park, to talk about their upcoming signature fundraising event, Party in the Park.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a modern city oasis. A 5.4-acre park over a suspended 8-lane highway, the world-class green spa...
What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event when the logistics are anything but simple?
In today's episode, I talk with Austin Parks Foundation Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katie Kennedy, and Events Manager Caitlyn Denham to talk about the upcoming Party for the Parks.
Held on the grounds of Zilker Park, one of the green spaces supported by the Austin Parks Foundation, Party for th...
What are the keys to highlighting artistic talents throughout a successful gala or signature fundraising event?
In today’s episode, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chief Artistic Officer Katie McGuiness and Vanessa Cain, event chair for the upcoming Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala.
Celebrating it's 125th anniversary, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is one of the world's top artistic organizations. The annual Dallas Symphony Orch...
Having a vision isn't enough. How do you lead your community to get behind a transformative vision that will be felt for generations to come?
In today’s episode, I talk with Lynn and Tom Meredith, co-chairs—along with several of their children and spouses—of the upcoming Glow in the Park benefiting the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy.
Lynn and Tom’s leadership and vision has been instrumental in transforming Downtown Austin’s Waterlo...
What should an organization consider when considering a format change for an annual gala or signature fundraising event?
In today's episode, I talk with Tena Faust, Board Co-President of Houston PetSet to talk about the upcoming Fierce & Fabulous Le Brunch.
One of Houston's most beloved and successful annual signature fundraising events for many years, the Houston PetSet. Led for many years by Tena and her sister Tama Lundqui...
How does an organization build on the success of a highly successful first-year gala?
In today's episode, I talk with Shanna Schanen, Co-Founder of the Round Top Film Festival, and Round Top Film Festival Board Member Shonnery Pettit to talk about the second annual Round Top Film Festival Gala.
The smallest incorporated town in Texas, with approximately 90 residents, Round Top is well known for its annual antique markets. To furth...
How can an organization host multiple signature fundraising events throughout the year that engage various segments of its donor community?
Today, I talk with Karissa Condoianis, Senior Vice President of Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas® to talk about the upcoming Texas State Fair and other signature fundraising events the organization hosts throughout the year.
While many know the State Fair of Texas® as a place of fam...
How does an organization successfully work with an event producer regardless of the size of your budget?
Today, I talk with Mia Sims, Founder of Mia the Event Diva and event producer for many notable events of all sizes in and around Central and North Texas.
Over the years, Mia has been a go-to event producer for everything from organizations hosting their first gala to longstanding, million-dollar events such as the upcoming Texas...
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