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How can an organization use an annual calendar reveal to create a popular nonprofit fundraising event? Today, I talk with Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation Development Director Laura Stein and Elizabeth Stein, co-chair of Red Hot Gala 2024, the organization's signature fundraising event.
Started shortly before the pandemic, the Red Hot Gala has quickly became a must-attend Houston Signature Fundraising Gala. One of the most fun, unique elements is the fashion show featuring 12 Houston Firefighters who are monthly calendar models for the organization's annual calendar.
In this episode, Elizabeth and Laura talk about a wide range of topics including how on creating a successful application and selection procress for calendar candidates, how to effectively incorporate a runway show into your event, and advice on developing a committee that touches many parts of a community's philanthropic community. This is one episode you will not want to miss.
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How does an organization implement an effective leadership and communications strategy to create a successful gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Chris Luna, President & Chief Executive Officer of the SPCA of Texas, and Maura Davies, the organization's Vice President of Marketing Communications.
The SPCA of Texas is the region's leading animal welfare organization. The organization's annual event, the Fur Ball draws hundreds of community leaders, animal lovers, and philanthropists, throughout North Texas making it one of the fun and anticipated fundraising events in the area each Fall.
In this episode, Chris and Maura talk about a wide range of topics including tips on using your gala or signature fundraising event to authentically connect with major prospective and existing donors, the importance of creating an effective communications and marketing strategy for your event, and how to build a stong, longterm devoted following for your event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.
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Manglende episoder?
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How does an organization create a single fundraising event has a devoted following not just year after year, but decade after decade? Today, I talk with Carmen Holmes, Chief Development Officer of The Family Place, and Clarisa Lindenmeyer, co-chair of the 28th annual Texas Trailblazers Awards Luncheon.
The Family Place is Texas' largest service agency devoted to eradicating domestic family violence in Texas. Each year, the organization's Texas Trailblazers Luncheon is a change for community leaders to come together and honor people who have made an impact to help combat and prevent domestic violence in Texas.
In this episode, Carmen and Clarisa talk about a wide range of topics including how to effectively engaging a board to help drive attendance to your signature fundraising event, the differences between hosting a daytime and nighttime event, and tips creating an event that draws strong financial AND community support. This is one episode you will not want to miss.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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One key element of any successful gala or signature fundraising event is a signature cocktail that helps make your event fun and memorable. Today, special guest cohost Lance Avery Morgan and I talk with André Darlington, author of a dozen cocktail books including his latest book Cowboy Cocktails: 60 Recipes Inspired by the American West.
One of the world's foremost experts on cocktails, André is a bestselling author and the first cocktail writer to circumnavigate the globe in over 100 years. We thought with National Cowboy Day approaching in late-July, this would be a great time to talk about the cocktails in his latest book.In this episode, André provides his expert insights about the importance of a signature cocktail to set the tone for your event, successfully pairing cocktails with food, and some trends he is seeing in the cocktail space. This is one episode you will not want to miss.
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What key steps can nonprofits take to host fun and profitable galas and signature fundraising events? Today, I talk with event producer turned nonprofit fundraising thought-leader AJ Steinberg.
Based in Southern California, AJ has been involved in the nonprofit fundraising scene for over 20 years. Her company, Queen Bee Fundraising works with nonprofits to engage and inspire their donors to optimize their galas and signature fundraising events.
In this episode, AJ provides valuable insights on a range of of topics before, during, and after the event including the importance of securing corporate sponsorships, creating donor engagement to host an effective paddle raise, and what organizations need to do in the days after a gala or singature fundraising event to maintain goodwill with donors. This is one episode you will not want to miss.
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What is a unique way to hold a signature fundraiser without holding an inperson event? Today, I talk with Kit Moncrief and Gloria Moncrief Holmsten of The Saving Hope Foundation to talk about their annual signature fundraising book, Hope & Friends.
The Saving Hope Foundation is a successful nonprofit in Fort Worth that serves as a rescue to find forever homes for animals, primarily dogs and cats. Each year, the organization puts out their keepsake book, titled Hope & Friends, that highlights Saving Hope families who have adopted and given a loving home to an animal in need of a loving home.In this episode, Kit and Gloria provide great insights on the organization including their inspiring story that launched the Saving Hope Foundation, finding underwriters for a unique fundraising concept, ways their unique fundraising concept helps the organization maintain ongoing relationships with donors and families.
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One of the biggest questions often ask when planning their nonprofit event: How do I find and work with talent? I could not think of a better person to talk about this subject with than today's guest, actor, director, and singer Nicholas Rodriguez.
This talented artist is a veteran of a multitude of film, television, and stage performances. Over the years he has performed numbers and directing performance programs for nonprofit galas and signature fundraising events all around the United States.
In this episode, Nicholas provides valuable insights on how to successfully engage talent for your gala or signature fundraising event including the differences between handling onstage versus behind-the-scenes talent, the steps nonprofits need to take before approaching talent to appear at their event, and working with talent before the event so their performance is something your gala guests will remember for a long time to come. This is one episode you will not want to miss.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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