Fun In Fundraising

How does a well-established nonprofit gala successfully draw in new segments of the community to increase event fundraising and impact? Today, I talk with Angela Garza, Executive Director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Houston Chapter, to talk about the organization's annual St. Jude Houston Gala. The legendary organization, founded by Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude provides customized care for children with cancer regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs, or ability to pay. Each year, over 8,000 children receive treatment at St. Jude's main campus in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as eight other regional affiliate locations around the United States. For many years, the St. Jude Houston Gala received strong support from the Lebanese community in Houston, which is the ancestral lineage of Danny Thomas. In recent years, the St. Jude Houston Chapter has successfully scaled this support team by engaging broader segments of the Houston community. The result is increased fundraising impact and attendance with the 2025 St. Jude Houston Gala raising a record-breaking $1.65 million. Angela provides valuable insights on a range of topics, including assembling event committees to help bring your event vision to life, tips on selecting event honorees that highlight the organization's mission and impact, successfully balancing a national/global organization's mission while maintaining a local feel, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How does a nonprofit maintain a successful gala after the organization rebrands with a new name? Today, I talk with Rick Byrd, Executive Director of the BreakThrough T1D Southern Texas Chapter, as well as Ali Bruskoff, event chair for the region's most successful annual gala, the 2026 Houston Promise Ball. Two years ago, the organization retired its longtime Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (also known as JDRF), becoming known as BreakThrough T1D. This allowed the organization to modernize its name while maintaining its core mission to find a cure for T1 Diabetes. The organization has not missed a beat and has continued to build upon the success of its annual signature fundraising events. The Houston Promise Ball has been especially impactful, with the sold-out 2025 event raising over $2.5 million for the organization. Rick and Ali provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including how to select event themes that engage and excite your audience, tips on creating strong relationships between nonprofit leadership and event chairs, successfully balancing a national/global organization's mission while maintaining a local feel, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How does an organization successfully incorporate its brand colors into a gala in a way that is both elevated and impactful? Today, I talk with Andra Liemandt, Founder of The Kindness Campaign, as well as Stephanie O'Neill and Todd O'Neill, co-chairs of the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, the Art of Kindness Gala. One of Austin's most fun and impactful galas each Spring, the Art of Kindness Gala raises funds to support The Kindness Campaign's mission to build emotionally healthy humans by teaching emotional literacy and kindness as practical life skills. Three years ago, Art of Kindness incorporated its blue brand colors into the event theme. The audience responded so positively to the theme, who donned various shades of blue, that the organization has made the blue-attired theme a signature of their highly successful fundraising event. Andra, Stephanie, and Todd provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including how businesses can incorporate giving back into its overall strategy, providing experiential activations that raise the energy of your guests, building strong relationships between nonprofit leadership and event chairs, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

What are the keys to creating strong event themes that tie to the organization's mission while being fun for guests? Today, I talk with Thomas Pierce, Founder of the Children's Oncology Support Fund, to talk about the upcoming Aspen Snow Ball. One of the top fundraising galas in Aspen each year, with 2025's event raising over $3.5 million, the Aspen Snow Ball draws top patrons from around the country to further the organization's mission to help develop medical breakthroughs in pediatric research. A big part of the event's success is theming each event around a children's classic with a fun twist. This allows donors to have fun and personally connect with the organization's mission, so they give generously. Thomas shares great insights on a range of topics, including developing strategic partnerships to further your organization's mission, building a strong board that expands the reach of your gala and your impact, getting donors who live in an area part-time to support your cause, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How does hiring an effective event producer for your gala help free up resources to drive more revenue? Today, I talk with Jacqui Schraad, Executive Director of the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and Krystle Alvardo, Principal of Alvarado Consulting, to talk about the Texas Independence Day Dinner. One of Texas's most anticipated fundraising galas each year, the Texas Independence Day Dinner draws hundreds of patrons from all corners of the state to celebrate Texas Independence Day. Over the past several years, Jacqui and Krystle have formed a model working relationship to create an elevated experience for guests while increasing fundraising. Last year's Texas Independence Day Dinner raised a record $1.29 million for the Foundation, with the proceeds benefiting the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. The 2026 Texas Independence Day Dinner will honor two Texas Legends: University of Texas Basketball Coach Emeritus Jody Conrat and trailblazing education leader Ruth J. Simmons. Jacqui and Krystle provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including tips on creating an event that resonates with people from multiple markets, how to develop a strong, long-term relationship between a nonprofit and event producer, planning event details around honorees, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How does an organization successfully switch venues and create a seamless event experience for guests? Today, I talk with Kerri Ann Chambless and Ginny Liverman, co-chairs for the upcoming Helping Hand Home For Children Crystal Ball. Austin's most widely attended gala each year, the Helping Hand Home Crystal Ball has successfully drawn multiple generations of families to their annual gala over the past 82 years. The year the Crystal Ball is moving to a new venue: The Fairmont in Downtown Austin. The organization has taken the move as an opportunity innovate and put a new spin on their already highly successful, $2 million annual gala to new heights. Kerri Ann and Ginny provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including tips on building a devoted following for your annual gala, creating strong event subcommittees to carry out your event vision, how gala chairs can put their own personal stamp on a long-running event, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization successfully create an event season that has patrons and donors anticipating its signature fundraising event for months on end? Today, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Claire Catrino and Maggie Kipp, co-chair of the DSO League 2026 Presentation Ball. One of the most successful presentation balls in the United States, the 2026 Presentation Ball will celebrate two significant milestones: the 80th anniversary of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and the 40th anniversary of the Presentation Ball. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, which is also celebrating a milestone of their own: their 125th anniversary. The DSO League has a nine-month season of events that includes a kickoff party that gets patrons excited for the upcoming festivities, culminating  with the Presentation Ball. The upcoming 2026 DSO Presentation Ball is set to draw a record 1,400+ patrons. Claire and Maggie provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including creating a strong relationship between a guild and an organization, building a devoted following for your event that spans generations, how to make that kickoff party one that creates buzz and momentum, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to creating strong partnerships between nonprofits and mission-aligned service providers? Today, I talk with Texas Health Huguley CEO Penny Johnson and Maggie Beaird, Development Director for the American Heart Association, to talk about one of AHA's North Texas signature fundraising events, the Tarrant County Go Red For Women Luncheon. One of North Texas's most successful and impactful luncheons each year, the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon in Fort Worth draws hundreds of top community leaders and medical advocates to raise awareness for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. One of the keys to the events success is creating strong partnerships with top medical facilities in the region such as Texas Huguley Health Hospital. Penny and Maggie provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including the importance of long-term planning in creating successful community partnerships, giving events with a national/global mission a local feel, utilizing fundraising events to develop deeper relationships with top donors and community leaders, plus so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization create a great first impression for gala guests that inspires, energizes, and creates an environment for donors to give more? Today, I talk with CASA of Travis County CEO Emily Rudenick LeBlanc, as well as the organization's Sr. Director of Advancement, Erin Kozma, about their upcoming CASABlanca: Where Futures Take Root Gala. One of Austin's top nonprofit fundraising galas each year, raising over $2 million from their gala last year, the CASABlanca Gala has an established base of supporters, while also always making sure to bring in new potential donors to experience this incredible night of giving. A big part of their success is how the organization has a seamless and fun check-in process that has guests excited for the evening ahead. Emily and Erin provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including the importance of long-term planning in creating a successful gala, tips on developing a devoted following for your annual gala, engaging your existing volunteer network at your annual gala, and so much more. This is episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create a great first-impression for their guests to inspire and encourage giving.

What are the keys to creating effective partnerships between nonprofits and foundations? There is no better duo to talk about today's guests, Maria Jimenez-Lara, CEO of the Naples Children's Foundation and Jamie Ulmer, CEO of Healthcare Network, one of the beneficiaries of the Naples Children's Foundation's signature fundraising event, the Naples Winter Wine Festival. This episode, the third in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the top fundraising galas in the United States each year. The $35M raised at the festival funds children's programs throughout Collier County, Florida and today we will dive into the end result of these important funds - the impact they have on the Southwest Florida Community. Maria and Jamie provide a masterclass of insights on a range of topics, including highlighting partnership initiatives in your community to maximize impact, the importance of communication in maintaining strong relationships between nonprofits and foundations, how to evolve partnerships in a way that is beneficial to both organizations, and so much more. This is episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate the impact of how to effectively use funds raised from a gala or signature fundraising event.

What does it take to create and provide one-of-a-kind live auction packages for your audience that raises millions? There is no better person to talk about today's trio of guests, Bill Beynon and Ashley Gerry, co-chairs of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, as well as founding member of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, Valerie Gargiulo.  This episode, the second in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is one of the top fundraising galas in the United States each year. A large part of the funds raised at the Naples Winter Wine Festival benefiting the Naples Children Foundation comes from an epic, multi-hour live auction filled with so much energy that it requires to of the nation's top auctioneers, Lydia Fenet and Humphrey Butler rotate their time on the stage to keep guests on their toes and the energy elevated. Bill, Ashley, and Valerie share smart (and fun) stories, knowledge, and wisdom on a range of topics, including building and utilizing your event committee to bring your auction and event to life, creating strong partnerships with donors, corporate sponsors, and vendors, curating auction packages that resonate with your audience, and so much more. This is episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their live auction from the leadership behind one of the most successful gala live auctions in the world.

What does it take to successfully produce a multi-day gala that provides a five-star experience for guests and raises millions for the community it serves? There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest, Lisa Juliano, Senior Vice President of the Naples Winter Wine Festival & Event Production. This episode, the first in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the top fundraising galas in the United States each year. Over three days, Lisa and her organization produce a spectacular, white-glove experience for several hundred guests, resulting in over $35 million raised for the Naples Children Foundation to provide a range of services for children in Collier County. Lisa shares smart (and fun) stories, knowledge, and wisdom on a range of topics, including tips on establishing a strong relationship with your event venue, successfully executing multiple events that occur simultaneously, managing talent, accommodating unexpected guest/donor requests, and so much more. This is one episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their event production game from the event leader of one of the most successful galas in the world.

What does it take host a fashion show luncheon or gala that is engaging, cost-effective, and most importantly fun? There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest and someone I am proud to call my friend, iconic runway model and fashion show producer Jan Strimple. After beginning her career in retail merchandising, Jan started her trajectory in the fashion industry, walking the runways of Paris and collaborating with top designers, including the iconic Bob Mackie. Jan then moved behind the runway and launched Jan Strimple Productions in Dallas, where she produced many top nonprofit fashion shows in North Texas, including the iconic House of DIFFA, which is Texas's answer to The Met Gala. Jan seamlessly shares fun stories, knowledge, and wisdom on a range of topics, including what organizations need to do to determine if a fashion show concept is the right thing for them, the importance of understanding your audience when selecting a designer or a collection to showcase, the differences between a daytime luncheon and nighttime gala fashion show, her favorite event moments over the years, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

What are the keys to successfully merchandising your nonprofit brand in a way that brings in revenue and is fun for guests and supporters? In today’s episode, I talk with Catharine Recht, Director of Advancement at Frontiers of Flight Museum, to talk about the organization's new store inside the museum. Frontiers of Flight Museum is a family-friendly space where kids of all ages can explore the wonders of aviation and space flight history through exhibits, programming, and STEM curriculum. For Catharine, the passion for flight comes through in our conversation; it is literally in her DNA to appreciate the awe and wonder of flight. Catharine shares his knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including how to successfully reimagine a space that grows revenue and enhances the guest experience, tips on successfully merchandising new items in your store, creating merchandising collaborations with other nonprofit organizations, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to presenting your live auction items in a way that engages the crowd and increases your revenue? In today’s episode, I talk with auctioneer and presenter, Jamie McDonald to talk about how effective event emcees elevate the gala guest experience. After a successful decade as a financial services executive on Wall Street, Jamie's love for giving back took him to the next phase and career as an auctioneer and presenter. Jamie has successfully helmed auctions for leading nonprofits in the United States and Europe. Tapping into his skills as a presenter and emcee gives him a unique ability to quickly understand the dynamics of the room that compel donors to give more. Jamie shares his knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics including how to build a strong relationship with your auctioneer, tips on raising a rooms energy to attract peoples attention, the importance of understanding your audience to make your auctions more dynamic and successful, the ways auctions have changed since COVID, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to effectively staffing your gala or signature fundraising event to elevate the guest experience? In today’s episode, I talk with Lauren Batterby, Founder and CEO of Life Event Staffing, to talk about the importance of event staffing to grow revenue and develop deeper relationships with your donors. Since its founding in 2021, Live Event Staffing has been a go-to resource for many of the top nonprofit fundraising galas around the United States, collaborating on over 4,000 events. She has fostered a company culture of employees and collaborators that lays an incredibly strong foundation for nonprofits to meet and exceed their fundraising goals.  Lauren shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, how event staffing matters from the second guests walk in the door, collaborating with other parts of the event ecosystem to make your event more successful, ways to effectively use technology to boost fundraising results, event staffing trends, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

What are the keys to finding an effective event emcee that keeps the audience entertained and generous? In today’s episode, I talk with event emcee and media presentation expert Lauren Petrowski, to talk about how effective event emcees elevate the gala guest experience. Over the years, Lauren has hosted many top galas and business events in Texas and beyond. Her ability to effectively emcee multiple types of events for different audiences gives her a unique and well-informed perspective on how to communicate and engage any type of audience. Lauren shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, how great emcees set the tone and vibe you want for your event, effective ways to engage an audience to increase the rooms energy, the different types of events and what emcees bring to each of them, tips on engaging multiple types of onstage talent for your program, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization host a successful signature fundraising event during the holiday season? In today’s episode, I talk with Karen Hughes, President & CEO of Vogel to talk about Day 1 DFW, one of the organization's signature fundraising events. Held on New Year's Day, Day 1 DFW draws hundreds of families from around North Texas for a day of family fun, with proceeds going towards fulfilling the organization's mission to provide services for children ages six weeks to 12 years who experience the trauma of homelessness. At Day 1 DFW, children and families have the opportunity to enjoy over two dozen fun experiences with everything from a Candyland Obstacle Course to balloon artists. Karen shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including the similarities and differences between hosting a gala and a family-oriented event, tips on creating experiences that the whole family can enjoy,  how to end your event in a memorable way, and so much moreThis is one episode you will not want to miss.

How can an organization successfully align a board and leadership that drive revenue and impact for their annual gala? On this episode, sponsored by Frost Bank, I talk with Center for Child Protection Chief Executive Officer and Center for Child Protection Board Chair Shonnery Pettit, to discuss the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Austin. Over the past 19 years, Dancing with the Stars Austin has been one of Austin's hottest gala tickets in town. Inspired by the hit ABC show, Dancing with the Stars Austin features local (and national) celebrity dancers paired with professional partners. The result has been tens of millions raised through the event, with last year's event raising a phenomenal $2.8 million for the Center for Child Protection. Note: since the recording of this episode, Danny Amendola is unable to perform at this year's Dancing with the Stars Austin due to a schedule conflict. Michael and Shonnery share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on finding strong event chairs that seamlessly align with the board and nonprofit, how to successfully ask high-profile individuals to get them to say "YES" to your event, how asking board chairs to make a two-year commitment drives stronger results long-term, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How can the philanthropic arm of a business draw and engage sponsors for it's annual gala or signature fundraising event? In today’s episode, I talk with Emelda Douglas, Senior VP of Community Affairs for the Houston Astros and Executive Director of the Houston Astros Foundation, to talk about its annual signature event, the Diamond Dreams Gala. Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, the Diamond Dreams Gala has become one of the city's most anticipated, fun, and impactful signature fundraising events. Held in Daikin Park, the event allows attendees to experience the space in an exclusive and private way. This year's event will also include a concert by acclaimed musical artist Flo Rida. Emelda shares her knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics, including tips on collaborating with other nonprofits to expand your impact, engaging celebrities and high-profile individuals to say yes to your event, working with existing partners to support multiple parts of your organization, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.