Welcome back to Elevate Your Event! In this behind-the-scenes episode, Jeff sits down with David Farmer, Area Director for FCA South Denver, to explore how intentional event design, bold decisions, and donor-focused experiences have transformed FCA’s fundraising efforts.

In This Episode:

• The early days of FCA South Denver events—from small golf tournaments to first attempts at galas
• Why cultivating donor relationships takes more than one big event a year
• The power of “micro-events” like Conversations with Champions to engage the community
• How upgrading venues, raising ticket prices, and rethinking sponsorship levels can elevate both the guest experience and your fundraising
• Lessons learned from event hiccups (and why nobody noticed the auctioneer missed the paddle raise!)

Why It Matters:

Fundraising events aren’t just about raising money—they’re about building relationships, telling your story, and creating an experience people want to support. David’s journey shows how taking risks, elevating the experience, and leaning on the right team can turn average events into impactful ones that drive long-term support.

Key Takeaways:

• Elevating your event often means elevating your venue, pricing, and expectations
• Don’t overlook the small “relationship-building” events that lead to bigger donations
• Strategic sponsorship tiers can unlock more high-level support
• You can’t do it alone—surround yourself with experts, volunteers, and a plan
• Great donor experiences come from attention to detail—and a willingness to learn from mistakes

Final Thought:

If your events feel stuck in neutral, maybe it’s time to elevate your strategy. Tune in for real-world lessons on risk, relationships, and building events that grow both your donor base and your mission.