How do you turn a small, intimate brunch into a seven-figure fundraising event?  Today, I talk with Sky High For Kids Founder and CEO Brittany Franklin about the organization's signature fundraising event Ladies Who Brunch.

Ladies who Brunch began as an small brunch for a couple of dozen people where Brittany could get to know the spouses of her board members better. Over the years, the event has evolved into a must-attend event that draws hundreds and now raises seven figures for her organization whose mission is to end childhood cancer.

In this episode, Brittany talks about a wide range of topics including how the organization selects new markets to plant roots in, incorporating an effective fashion show into your event program, and tips on partnering with world-class organizations to help scale your event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What does it take successfully engage your audience at a gala or signature fundraising event that features multiple acts in an evening?  Today, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra Director of Events and Volunteer Services J. Denton Bricker and Patrick Means, co-chair of the 2024 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala.

Long of of North Texas' most popular and successful annual galas, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala features three highly engaging and entertaining acts during the evening. The first act is a dinner in a beautiful space. The second act is a concert performance by a world-renowned pianist Lang Lang. The final act is an after-party that keeps the fun going well into the night. 

In this episode, Patrick and Denton talk about a wide range of topics including the importance of getting involved in your community when you move to a new city, advice on attracting world-class talent to your gala or signature fundraising event, and tips on keeping your audience engaged at an event throughout the entire night. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How can a nonprofit gala or signature fundraising event create a great experience for their guests and donors? Provide keepsakes that have your guests thinking about your event long after it has ended. Today, I talk with Stephanie Schiller, owner of Vogue Vignette.

Vogue Vignette is a team of seven artists led by Stephanie who provide custom sketches of guests at nonprofit events, weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events. This gives guests and donors a beautiful piece of art that can be framed in their home that remind them of your great gala or signature fundraising event all year long.

In this episode, Stephanie provides valuable insights on what makes for a great subject to sketch, the various ways nonprofits use Vogue Vignette at their events to cultivate and recruit donors, and what all successful galas and signature fundraising events have in common.

What is one of the most critical things you can do to host a successful event? Find an emcee that sets the tone you want to set to ensure the event's success. Today, special guest co-host Lance Avery Morgan joins me to talk with media personality and presenter Holly Mills-Gardner.

Holly Mills-Gardner is one of the very best emcees in the business. Over the past 25 years, she has emceed hundreds of high-profile nonprofit, corporate, and live events for everything ranging from local charities to events hosted by former presidents and cabinet secretaries.

In this episode, Holly provides so many invaluable insights on numerous topics on the many ways that an emcee is your most valuable event asset...including tips on how to find the right emcee for your event, why you should set aside a budget to hire a quality event emcee, and tips on what to look for when organizations are looking to have co-emcees. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What does it take host a successful Fund-A-Need to help your gala meet its fundraising goals?  Today, I talk with TK Kenney, Founder & Principal Auctioneer of Astounding Auctions, as well as the auctioneer for the Dell Children's Ball.

Dell Children's Ball made the decision post-COVID to pivot to a Fund-A-Need from the traditional Auction and/or Auction + Fund-A-Need model. TK's skills allowed Dell Children's to raise $1 million at this year's Fund-A-Need...in a room with less than 500 guests. The 2024 Dell Children's Ball raised a record-breaking $3,000,000 for the organization.

In this episode, TK provides so many invaluable insights on hosting a successful Fund-A-Need including how organizations successfully partner with auctioneers, the importance of knowing the donors in the room in advance of the event, and how to effectively utilize a donor match to drive up the bidding of donors.  This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What does it take to successfully host a gala or signature fundraising event when you unexpectedly have to change the venue...with 48 hours notice?  Today, I talk with Jessica Cardenas, Director of Annual Giving for The Seton Fund, and Event Producer Maryam Fernandez about the organization's signature fundraising event: Elizabeth Ann Seton Board's La Dolce Vita.

La Dolce Vita, one of Austin's most popular al fresco events, usually held at Camp Mabry Military Base, was forced to move at the last minute when the rain plan evolved into a likely severe weather outbreak that required them to spring into action to find a new venue and produce the event with 48 hours notice. The ensemble pulled together to find a new venue, successfully execute the event, and raise $1.34 million in the process.

In this episode, Jessica and Maryam provide so many important insights on what it takes to pull off a list-minute move. The two more important things are trust and communication. With that as a foundation, we dive into the three steps to successfully execute the last-minute move: finding a new venue, coordinating with vendors, and engaging your donors, sponsors, and attendees. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What does it take to create a successful rebrand of your organization that retains legacy donors while bringing in new donors?  Today, I talk with Karen Hughes, President and CEO of Vogel, about the organization's recent rebrand and their signature fundraising event: The 32nd Annual Art Performance Event featuring a concert by Barenaked Ladies. 

Vogel provides educational, health, and family support services to homeless children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The organization recently completed a successful rebrand and has expanded services to new areas within the region.

In this episode, Karen provides a wealth of insights including key actions to successfully rebrand your organization, successfully moving your signature fundraising event to a new part of a city, and important areas of your signature fundraising events to outsource to counteract any last-minute disruptions. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What is it like to host a gala that is held in one of the world's most iconic spaces?  Today, special guest co-host Lance Avery Morgan and I talk with Kristin Smith, Executive Director for The American Friends of Versailles, and Alicia Bryan, Chair of their upcoming gala Le Gala des Fleurs d'Orangerie.

Le Gala des Fleurs d'Orangerie is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. It features four days of private art tours, lunches, receptions, and dinners. The highlight of the four days will be a gala held in Versailles where patrons have a private, exclusive dinner inside this majestic space that over 15 million people visit annually. Proceeds raised from the event benefit restoration projects within Versailles and the surrounding park grounds.

In this episode, Alicia and Kristin talk about a wide range of topics including how the organization draws people from around the world for their event, tips on creating unique experiences over several days to keep donors engaged throughout, and tips on getting high-profile individuals who are also very private to say yes. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does a nonprofit use galas and signature fundraising events to connect major donors with the organization's mission?  Today, I talk with Murphey Sears, Chief Development Officer of Make-A-Wish North Texas to talk about their upcoming Dallas signature fundraising event Wish Night 2024.

For over 40 years, Make-A-Wish has provided life-changing wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Over the past quarter century, hundreds have turned out each year for Wish Night 2024 in Dallas to celebrate the power and hope a wish can make for a child (and their families) dealing with adversity in the chapters 161 county area covering East, West, and North Texas.

In this episode, Murphey talks about a wide range of topics including creating events that connect with the personality of each community an organization serves, how the organization works with Wish Families to convey the organization's mission and connect with major donors, and tips on finding and securing corporate sponsors.

How does a nonprofit bring the fun to its annual fundraising event year after year?  Today, I talk with Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Cancer and Hematology Centers at Texas Children's Hospital and Shelly Hendry, co-chair of their annual signature fundraising event An Evening With Legends featuring David Foster and Katharine McPhee.

An Evening With Legends is a fabulous experience where David Foster will take to the piano with wife Katharine McPhee belting out the scores of iconic tunes that the duo have written and produced over the decades. This event shows how music has the power to give guests fun and good feelings at galas or signature fundraising events so they talk about your event for years to come.

In this episode, Susan and Shelly talk about a wide range of topics including tips on attracting the right celebrities and high-profile individuals to your signature fundraising event, how to get the most fun possible out of your signature fundraising event, and ways to create a devoted following for your annual gala.

How does a nonprofit successfully create a signature fundraising event around a major cultural event?  Today, I talk with Chris Denney, Director of Advancement, and Tiffany Divis, President and CEO of the Turtle Creek Conservancy to discuss their signature fundraising event Day At The Races.

Celebrating its 16th year, Day At The Races is a Kentucky Derby-themed party held in the early evening on the first Saturday in May to coincide with the annual run for the roses at Churchill Downs. Held on the Turtle Creek Park grounds each year, funds raised from the event benefit the Turtle Creek Conservancy, which manages Turtle Creek Park, a public greenspace in the heart of Dallas that patrons and residents have been using for over 100 years.

In this episode, Chris and Tiffany talk about a wide range of topics including creating a devoted following for your signature fundraising event, how to effectively utilize the most majestic parts of your space at signature fundraising events to recruit more donors, and ways the team keeps adding new twists to keep the event lively and fun each year. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does a nonprofit successfully incorporate their mission at their annual gala to help major donors connect with the organization?  Today, I talk with Brandon Bell, General Manager and Suzanne Sippel, Director of Invidual Giving at DACAMERA to talk about their signature fundraising event DACAMERA Gala 2024.

DACAMERA provides innovative concert experiences that connect music with literature and the visual arts. Many of the concerts hosted by the organization are held in unique spaces that make each concert performance all the more special. This year's event is made all the more special as it will celebrate Artistic Director Sarah Rothenberg's 30th anniversary with the organization.

In this episode, Brandon and Suzanne talk about a wide range of topics including partnering with an event venue to create a memorable menu that ties in with the event theme, tips on offering unique activations that keep donors and guests engaged throughout the event, and how having a fun, unique theme creates buzz and excitement for your annual gala or signature fundraising event.

What does it take for an organization to run a successful gala and get to the all-time the $100 milliion fundraising mark?  Today, I talk with 2024 Cattle Baron's Ball co-chairs Lora Farris and Marjon Zabihi Henderson.

The largest single-night fundraiser each year for the American Cancer Society, the Cattle Baron's Ball has been one of Dallas' (and the country's) most popular and successful galas since its founding in 1974. This year, the organization is poised to break the $100 million mark in funds raised through the Cattle Baron's Ball.

In this episode, Lora and Marjon talk about a wide range of topics including ways to establish a successful partnership between a fundraising event and a nonprofit, how to incorporate a local feel to your event when working with a national organization, tips on attracting top performers to your fundraising event year after year. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What does it take for a nonprofit to host a top live auction that raises millions for an organization?  On today's special episode, I talk with Heath Hale, owner of Cowboy Auctioneer and the lead auctioneer for Texas' largest annual nonprofit signature fundraising event, Mack, Jack & McConaughey.

Heath and his team of over a dozen auctioneers raised over $50 million through nonprofit live auctions in 2023. The largest of which was a jaw-dropping $8 million at Mack, Jack, & McConaughey with the proceeds benefiting five children's oriented nonprofits.

In this episode, Heath talks about a fun range of topics including tips on establishing a good relationship with an auctioneer, finding the right live auction items that resonate with your audience, and how he creates emotional ties to the cause that compel donors to give more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does a nonprofit raise large sums of money through a signature fundraising event that consists entirely of small, intimate events?  Today, I talk with Cara Abazari, Director of Community Affairs at St. David's Foundation, and Tobie Funte, Chair of the organization's signature fundraising event, Toast of the Town.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Toast of the Town party series is a one-of-a-kind signature fundraiser. Each year, St. David's Foundation hosts 20 bespoke events ranging from 10-50 people in one month that is a mix of experiences, guest speakers, and celebrity guests. The result: an event that raises over $1.5 million each year for the foundation Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund.

In this episode, Cara and Tobie talk about a wide range of topics including the importance of having a strong relationship between the organization and the event chair, the ways the event has evolved over the past 40 years, and how the team curates the 20 unique party experiences each year. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How do champions on the field fundraise for their community like champions off (and on) the field?  Today, I talk with Karin Morris, Senior Vice President of Community Impact for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation to talk about the upcoming The TEX Gala.

Over the past several years, the foundation arm of the reigning World Series champions has hosted a seven-figure fundraising gala held on Globe Life Field that brings together sports enthusiasts, top musical acts, A-list celebrities, and philanthropists to create an unforgettable night benefiting youth, relief, and military/first responders causes in North Texas.

In this episode, Karin provides great insights on a range of topics including how to make a large space feel intimate, the ways the organization partners with nonprofits in their area, and utilizing the Rangers first-ever World Series win to draw more donors.

How does a nonprofit create an event that has its guests highly engaged long before the event begins?  Today, I talk with three special guests to talk about the upcoming Mad Hatter's Luncheon benefitting the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum: Event Chair, Allison Brodnax, Board President Karen Sargent, and Event Producer Jan Strimple.

Mad Hatter's is one of the most inventive events you will ever go to. All the attendees wear a hat around the theme of the event. This year's theme: Gardens of Greece, will feature hundreds sporting elaborate hats inspired by the beautiful country where attendees can enter their hats into one of six hat-judging categories.

In this episode, husbands Allison, Karen, and Jan provide great insights on a range of topics including the importance of having your chair fully behind the theme of your event, how everyone dressed up in unique attire can help facilitate conversation, and how effectively engage a production partner when producing a fashion show at your event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does a small community effectively draw donors from around the area to their gala or signature fundraising event?  Today, I talk with Reenie Harwood Collins and Linda Plant, who are the co-chairs for the upcoming Round Top Festival Institute Gala.

The smallest incorporated town in Texas, Round Top is a town of approximately 90 residents known primarily as a destination for quality antiques. The town also features the Round Top Festival Institute, a grand performance concert venue founded by James Dick that hosts top musical prodigies from around the world each year for their annual Summer program. Completed in 2007, the space crafted entirely by hand (yes you read that correctly) rivals any 19th Century Viennese Opera House in terms of quality and acoustics.

In this episode, Reenie and Linda provide great insights on a range of topics including how to galvanize your entire community to be a part of your gala, how event chairs successfully collaborate with the founder of an organization, and the concept of creating a "non-gala, gala". 

How does an organization create a signature fundraising event that is one of the hottest tickets in town year after year?  Today, I talk with Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld, who are the co-chairs for the upcoming Art Ball 2024 benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art.

The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the world's premier art museums featuring works from Monet, Van Gough, Matisse and more. Each Spring, DMA hosts its annual Art Ball, which has drawn top art patrons from around the world since its first ball in 1962.

In this episode, husbands Andy and Paul provide great insights on a range of topics including the importance of having a fun theme that draws patrons to your event, tips on successfully co-chairing a gala with your spouse, and creating an epic after-party that has guests staying at your signature fundraising event well into the night. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization successfully host an event that provides funds to multiple nonprofits to maximizes a positive impact on their community?

Today, I talk with THE BIG GOOD co-founder Kelsey Patterson about their upcoming annual flagship fundraising event THE BIG GOOD, which benefits three organizations in North Texas: The Tarrant To & Through Partnership, United Community Centers, and UpSpire.

THE BIG GOOD, is an organization founded by Gary and Kelsey Patterson & Leon Bridges that assesses key need gaps in the North Texas community. The organization works with select nonprofit partners in the area through three-year partnerships to provide maximum community impact.

In this episode, Kelsey provides great insights on a range of topics including effectively engaging celebrities for your gala, how combining sport and music at your event enhances the guest experience for your donors, and ways that a comfortable, casual-chic vibe entices donors to give more generously.

How does an organization successfully attract a wide range of people throughout the donor community to a signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Scotty Sayers and Two-Time Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw about the upcoming Imagine Muny Gala benefitting The Muny Conservancy.

The Muny Conservancy is an organization seeking to preserve Lions Municipal Golf Course, a 141-acre greenspace just west of downtown Austin. The organization's first gala in 2022, was a million-dollar night that brought an incredible mix of people from throughout the Austin community including art patrons, merchants, sports fans, musicians, politicians, nature lovers, and many more.

In this episode, Ben and Scotty provide great insights on a range of topics including the importance of preserving historical green spaces, what goes into creating a lightning-in-a-bottle inaugural event, and utilizing a historic space in new and unique ways.

How does an organization successfully raise $10 million online in 24 hours to benefit the entire community? Today, I talk with Piper Stege Nelson, CEO of I Live Here I Give Here to talk about Amplify Austin Day.

Amplify Austin is a platform of over 700 nonprofits from seven counties in Central Texas. Over 24 hours each March, tens of thousands in the Austin area give small and large dollar contributions with the net result being over $10 million raised for these nonprofits in the Central Texas region.

In this episode, Piper provides great insights on a range of topics including tips on obtaining matching grants for your event, the importance of encouraging and engaging young people to give back at an early age, and how to look at nonprofits as an interconnected network to help maximize fundraising. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization create a signature fundraising gala with a very large, multi-generational following? Today, I talk with Helping Hand Home Board President Beth Plater, as well as Kerianne Oliver and Jennifer Ramberg, co-chairs of the upcoming annual signature fundraising event, Crystal Ball.

Crystal Ball is the largest nonprofit gala in Austin each year, drawing over 2,000 people with guests ranging from 5 to 105 years old. The event raises over $2,000,000 with proceeds going towards programs to provide a safe haven for children experiencing neglect, abuse, or abandonment.

In this episode, Beth, Kerianne, and Jennifer provide great insights on a range of topics including how to create a strong board of directors AND a a strong advisory board, how board leadership successfully works with event chairs, and tips on creating a successful event that draws people of all ages.

How can steady and passionate leadership help take your gala or signature fundraiser to become a must-attend event that raises seven figures?  Today, I talk with Texas Advocacy Project CEO Heather Bellino about the organization's signature fundraising event The Black & White Ball.

For over 20 years, Heather's tireless advocacy and passion to provide free legal services to survivors of dating and domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking has created an organization that is one of the most respected and admired in the United States. Over the years, the Black & White Ball has steadily grown and evolved and last year broke the million-dollar mark for the first time.

In this episode, Heather talks about a wide range of topics including ways to successfully evolve your organization with a growing city and state, the importance of long-term planning in creating a successful gala, and tips on creating an exciting live auction that encourages donors to give generously. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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, seven-figure gala in Houston and one of Texas' most anticipated annual nonprofit signature fundraising events. Proceeds raised from Tiger Ball go towards furthering The Asia Society's mission of navigating shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology.

In this episode, Saleena and Stephanie provide great insights on a range of topics including advice on starting a chapter of an organization in a new city, the importance of having great relationships with event chairs, and tips on creating fun, innovative themes that keep donors coming back year after year.

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 night honors two History-Making Texans who have made an impact on the world. Honorees at this event have included Hall-of-Fame athletes, legendary broadcasters, three former First Ladies, and two former Presidents.

In this episode, Jan provides great insights on a range of topics including how the dinner started, creating a successful event people want to attend year after year, and making the ask to get honorees at the highest levels to say yes.

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 event.

In this episode, Hamilton provides great insights on a range of topics including tips on how to get multiple people in the same field to say yes to your signature event, tips on optimizing your event budgets, and what all successful fundraising events have in common.

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, Alexandra and Richard provide great insights on a range of topics including tips on how a nonprofit can create a successful, long-term relationship with an event producer, what all successful events have in common, and the importance of creating wow moments at an event that entices donors to come back to your event year after year. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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, Amanda provides great insights on a range of topics including ways to create a successful network of volunteers, how the organization selects which nonprofits to support, and tips on how to create a large, devoted following for an organizations signature fundraising event.

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 housing, education, advocacy, and community services.

In this episode, Angela, Tiffany, and Yvette provide great insights on a range of topics which include the importance of long-term planning to create a successful gala, creating a successful, tiered raffle to generate buzz and excitement about your event, and using a milestone year to add new elements to your signature fundraising event to draw in the next generation of donors.

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 nonprofit a success, how the organization awards scholarships, and ways to keep your alumni continuously involved with your organization.

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 range of topics including how to make your event stand out with donors during the busy holiday season, keep, the differences between a cocktail party and gala format, and how holding your event at a different location each year creates for a fun, bespoke experience for your donors.

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 great insights on a range of topics including how the organization selects beneficiaries each year, the importance of establishing a successful track record, and using other events to completely underwrite the cost of The Crystal Charity Ball so 100% of the proceeds from the gala benefit the cause. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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 popular and well-attended galas including tips on creating a devoted and loyal following for your gala or signature fundraising event, establishing a successful, multiyear relationship with a co-chair, and a preview of this year's ten celebrity dancers.

How does a successful gala celebrate a milestone to honor key people who have made the event a success?   Today, I talk with Lisa Tynan, the Events Manager for Houston PetSet about the 20th Annual Fierce & Fabulous Soirée.

Founded by nationally known animal advocates Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, Houston PetSet has long been one of the city's most anticipated annual signature fundraising events. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the event, this year's Fierce & Fabulous Soirée will honor 20 individuals who have made an impact on the event and the organization.

In this episode, Lisa talks about a wide range of topics including the secrets to hosting a successful live and silent auction at your gala, how to a devoted following for your signature fundraiser, and tips on engaging celebrities for your event.

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 insights on a range of topics including the secret to successfully starting a foundation (or a business) with your spouse or significant other, the selection process for its nonprofit beneficiaries, and the importance of being involved in your community in a wide range of causes to get other community leaders to support your cause.

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 on how to keep the event moving in a fun and organic way, the importance of having great relationships with gala chairs, and successfully integrating your organization's programs into your gala or signature fundraising event.

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 range of topics including tips on engaging celebrities and high-profile individuals for your gala, creating the space for multiple types of artists to shine during your signature fundraising event, and one unique thing an organization can do to help keep your gala or signature fundraising event fresh and exciting. 

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 things including tips on hosting a successful event kickoff party helps drive interest to your main gala, how getting involved with non-profits helps young people from a networking perspective, and the importance of creating a strong partnership between event co-chairs.

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 on a range of things including tips on building a devoted and successful following for your annual gala or signature fundraiser, how having guests dress up in costume can make an event more fun, and innovative ways to use a nonprofit's space through your gala or signature fundraising event to attract and retain donors.

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 insights on a range of things including tips on how to hold a successful event outdoors, creating two distinct, engaging experiences in a short period of time, and The Contemporary Austin's innovative way of providing compensation to artists at the annual Art Dinner auction.

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 Museum of Art. In this can't miss episode, Todd discusses how to create an environment that compels an audience to give so generously year after year, how to handle unexpected moments, and the importance of taking your guests on an exciting ride throughout your gala or signature fundraising event.

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 events, tips on engaging celebrities and other high-profile organizations for your event, and how to create a devoted following for your event year after year.

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 with innovative themes set against the backdrop of a majestic space that is transformed in different ways each year.  In this episode, Katie and Holly share how to create a successful co-chair collaboration, the importance of creating engaging themes that resonate with your donor base and tips on creating amazing silent auction packages.

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 and a headline performance by music icon Shania Twain. In this episode, Andrea and Isabell share how the event has successfully evolved over the past half-century, how to successfully partner with a national organization, and share details on what may be the best live auction item ever. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization take their annual fundraising gala from four figures to seven figures?  Today, I talk with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas CEO Kedrick Jeffries and CMO Brenda Lindfors to talk about the 20th annual Big Brothers BIg Sisters of Central Texas Ice Ball.

In its first year, the Ice Ball raised a little over $6,000. After 20 years and a lot of hard work, recruiting quality event chairs, and effective donor engagement the Ice Ball is now one of Central Texas' top fundraising galas, raising over $1 million annually for the organization.

In this episode, Kedrick and Brenda talk about a wide range of topics including ways to successfully evolve your gala or signature fundraising event, using anniversary year as an opportunity to reengage with past event chairs and major donors, and tips on finding successful gala chairs to take your event to the next level.

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 Tyler Rose Museum, which is the largest public rose garden in the United States. Liz and Bill share their thoughts on how to create an engaged volunteer network, using your non-profit to support other non-profits, their unique board model that allows for stability and new ideas to flourish, the Queen's Coronation, and much more.

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 thoughts on a variety of topics including tips on creating an innovative theme that intrigues and lures donors, forming a successful relationship between co-chairs and an organization's development team, and the one investment every organization should make for their gala or signature fundraising event.

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 top nonprofits. In this episode, Cathy shares her thoughts on a variety of topics including tips on finding the right event planner for your signature fundraising event, how to successfully manage multiple celebrities appearing at the same event, and what all successful events have in common.

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 working with other nonprofits that complement your services, how adding additional gala co-chairs helps keep the event fresh and exciting, and the importance of including tangible examples in your sponsorship and donor asks.