How do you streamline your gala or signature fundraiser so that you can offer a better experience for your donors while maximizing the amount raised? Director of Annual Giving Megan Campuzano, for the Dell Children's Foundation, chats with Rob today about how the organization was able to reduce the number of attendees while achieving a record fundraising amount of over $3 million for their recent annual Dell Children's Ball. Megan talks about a variety of topics on what it takes to produce a successful gala or signature fundraiser, including the importance of having a strong event committee, collaborating with other non-profits, and how streamlining the event allowed the event to soar to new heights. 

How do you engage with your local media outlets to help get the word out for your gala or signature fundraising event? We couldn't think of a better person to ask than Cynthia Smoot, who is the social editor for several media outlets chronicling galas and signature fundraising events including Curated Texan, Katy Trail Weekly, and Park Cities Lifestyle. Cynthia shares her expertise on several key topics including how specific organizations host successful galas and signature fundraising events, understanding that giving is more than about writing a check, and how to - and how not to - engage with your local media outlets.

On this combined special edition of Fun In Fundraising and Success With Style podcasts, join hosts Rob Giardinelli and Lance Avery Morgan for a fun, lively, and inspiring chat with Dallasite-turned New York designer Lela Rose. Not only is she the insider fashionista’s fan favorite, but also she has a gorgeous new entertaining book,Fresh Air Affairs, from Rizzoli USA where she shares tips and details on how to elevate your next outdoor event.

Joyce Goss is the honorary chair for the 10th annual ReuNight for The Family Place, an organization that has helped victims of family violence in the North Texas region for 45 years. One of the best and most beloved fundraisers in Texas, she has supported and chaired many types of events over the years for a wide range of non-profits including medical, children's, arts, and family organizations. Joyce talks about what compels her to support an organization, her advice on how to teach the next generation to give back, how to create a successful event committee, and what she is looking forward to at this year's ReuNight. 

How do you make opening night not only about the performance, but also an event that is a great way to engage donors and patrons? Vanessa Logan and Janna Hinebaugh from Texas Ballet Theater chat with us today about their Opening Night Dinners for the upcoming performances of Alice In Wonderland in Dallas and Fort Worth. Vanessa and Janna talk about the mission of Texas Ballet Theater, how to effectively engage multiple markets that an organization serves, the importance of having strong relationships between the sales and creative teams within an organization, and share a sneak peak into both Opening Night Dinners.

How do you celebrate a milestone for your non-profit organization in a way that is memorable and will leave your audience wanting more? That is what we talk about in this episode with Janet Adderley, the founder of The Adderly School. A performing arts school that empowers children to find their voices to stand confidently in the world, it features an impressive list of notable alumni including Ben Platt, Gigi Hadid, and Jack Dylan Grazer. Listen to our fun, lively conversation where Janet shares about the journey of The Adderley School, how reengage organization alumni, and a sneak preview of the gala that will be hosted by James Corden, and feature a special performance by Kenny Loggins.

Part of having your donors engaged is creating unique experiences they will never forget. Victoria McCullough and Jolie Cady from the Center for Child Protection are our guests today to talk about Ride Drive Give presented by The Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships. It offers donors the opportunity for to ride (as a passenger or in their own car!) on the Circuit of The AmericasTM racetrack, which is home to the Formula 1® United States Grand Prix. Victoria and Jolie talk about the mission of the Center for Child Protection, the importance of engaging your donors with unique experiences year round, how the purpose of an fundraising event can evolve over time, and a sneak peak into this year's event.

President of JHL Company Jennifer Stevens is the event producer extraordinaire of Mack, Jack & McConaughey. Hosted by legendary University of Texas football coach Mack Brown, country music star Jack Ingram, and Academy Award®-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, it is one of the TOP fundraising galas in Texas each year. It raises millions to empower children with proceeds going to five partner organizations. Involved with the organization since its inception, Jennifer talks about the mission of MJ&M, the importance of year ‘round planning to make your event a success, busting the myth that a multi-million dollar fundraiser has to be black-tie, and a sneak peak into this year's event.

A signature fundraiser, or a gala with a great theme, always makes an event more fun and engaging such a Derby-themed party celebrating The Kentucky Derby. Kirsten Herrscher, the incoming president of Bo's Place, joins us to talk about their upcoming signature fundraiser, Hearts, Hats & Horseshoes: A Kentucky Derby Affair.  In this segment, Kirsten talks about how she became involved in the organization, creating an engaged a network of volunteers and board members, as well as how to grow and scale your event as it becomes more popular. Additionally, she offers a sneak peak at this year’s event that is complete with unique activations to keep the audience engaged while having fun.

Dr. Kelly Zúñiga the director of the Holocaust Museum of Houston, joins us to talk about the upcoming LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner honoring Dr. Peter Hotez and Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Nominees for their efforts in helping develop an affordable, easy to produce COVID-19 vaccine. In this segment, Kelly talks about the museum's recent expansion, the trait the organization looks for in selecting honorees, and provides a sneak peak into this year's dinner. Additionally, Kelly reveals how her event so inspired a Broadway legend, who performed at the event, that she donated her fee back to the museum.