How does an organization effectively vet guest speakers for a signature fundraising event?  Today, I talk with President & CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Julie Baker Finck to discuss one of the organization's upcoming signature fundraising events, The Power of Literacy Luncheon.

The organization was founded in honor of the late First Lady's passionate commitment to providing access to literacy opportunities for people and children of all backgrounds. The Power of Literacy Luncheon is one of the key fundraisers that helps the organization holds each year to continue her legacy. This year's keynote speaker will be New York Times best-selling author and actor Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

In this episode, Julie talks about a wide range of topics including why literacy was so important to the late First Lady, how a strong board helps a CEO effectively lead an organization, and tips on hosting multiple signature fundraising events that target different aspects of your donor base. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization successfully rebrand it's signature fundraising event to evolve with the organization?  Today, I talk with The Rise School Of Austin's Director of Development and Marketing, Rachel Parr Booth to talk about their upcoming signature fundraising event Shine For Rise. The Rise School of Austin is a pre-school that creates an inclusive learning environment for children of diverse learning abilities. 

Shine for Rise is one of Austin's most fun and anticipated Fall nonprofit fundraising events. Before the event was known as Shine for Rise, it was Travel the Vine, which featured an auction of wine experiences all over the world. Over time, the organization was presented with opportunities to offer non-wine auction experiences that were appealing to their donor base and audience. A few years ago formally changed the name of their Fall signature fundraising event from Travel the Vine to Shine for Rise.

In this episode, Rachel talks about a wide range of topics including advice on when to consider rebranding your event, tips on finding the right name when you are looking to rebrand your event, and how to keep alumni engaged after their time with an organization has passed.

How can an organization host a highly successful fundraiser as counterprogramming to another popular event?  Today, I talk with the Center For Child Protection's Director of Donor Relations Amy Cranfill and Events Manager Kirby Cathey about the organization's annual Play Bingo Ladies Luncheon.

Held on a Saturday morning each year, the Play Bingo Ladies Luncheon is one of Austin's most popular fundraising events. The event has over 1,000 people and almost always sells out within 24 hours of the announcement of the event. What makes this feat even all the more remarkable is that this year's luncheon is on the same weekend as a popular worldwide event, The Formula One Grand Prix.

In this episode, Amy and Kirby talk about a wide range of topics including tips on getting your audience excited about your event months before it happens, creating a fun, engaging event format, and how to create a successful counterprogramming strategy. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How can an organization effectively draw multiple generations of their community to their annual gala or signature fundraising event?  Today, I talk with Katherine Farmer-Thornhill and Gary Farmer, co-chairs of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy's annual Glow In The Park Gala.

This father-daughter duo is leading one of Austin's most notable and fun al fresco events. Guests will be on hand for a great night on the world-class Moody Amphitheater lawn for community and camaraderie that includes a family-style meal, live music, and a super fun cocktail and sneakers attire theme.

In this episode, Katherine and Gary talk about a wide range of topics including tips on a strong committee that has people of varying age groups and perspectives, tips on leading an event with a parent/child, and the importance of showing up more broadly in your community to draw a fun, wide-ranging group of people to your annual event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.