Fun In Fundraising

Center For Child Protection's Dancing With The Stars Austin With Amy Beard And Bridget Ramey

How does an organization get majors donors actively involved in their signature fundraising event months in advance?  Today, I talk with Bridget Ramey and Amy Beard, co-chairs of the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Austin benefiting the Center for Child Protection.
One of Austin's top fundraising events each year, Dancing with the Stars features 12 local (and national) celebrities who are paired with a professional dancer practicing their routines for several months before the big event. Each duo then dances at DWTSA in front of 1,000+ guests. After the performances, the audience votes for their favorite dancer where the winner receives the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. 
In this episode, Bridget and Amy talk about a wide range of topics including tips on how to get prominent, busy people in your community to say yes to your event, putting your own stamp on an annual event while respecting the history of it, and tips on created a devoted following for you gala or signature fundraising event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Andy Roddick Foundation Gala With Michael Kitner

How does an organization effectively engage with high-profile individuals to obtain top-level talent to headline their gala or signature fundraising event?  Today, I talk with Chief Development Officer of the Andy Roddick Foundation, Michael Kitner about the organization's upcoming signature event the Andy Roddick Foundation Gala.
The Andy Roddick Foundation works to expand opportunities for young people to learn, thrive and succeed with special attention paid towards activities that happen outside of school hours where children are most at risk of falling behind their peers.
In this episode, Michael talks about a wide range of topics including how having your gala on different nights of the week each year helps keep your audience engaged, tips on attracting celebrities and other high-profile individuals to headline your event, and how to select the right venue for your gala or signature fundraising event.

A Writer's Garden Benefiting The Women's Council Of The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden With Joni Krieg and Dorothea Melzer

How does an organization host multiple successful signature fundraising events throughout the year that appeals to different aspects of their donor base?   Today, I talk with Joni Krieg, the event chair for the upcoming Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden's A Writers Garden and the events strategic advisor, Dorothea Melzer.
Each year, A Writer's Garden give donors and members the opportunity to mingle with acclaimed, well-known authors and artists in the nature, fashion, design, and lifestyle space. This year's event features acclaimed designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard author of Star Style, and Stefani Bittner, author of The Fragrant Flower and Harvest.
In this episode, Joni and Dorothea talk about a range of topics including how to discover the ideal writer or panel speaker for your audience, tips on engaging with celebrities and high-profile individuals so they say yes, and how to build a large loyal following for your signature fundraising events.

Folds Of Honor Gala With Meredith Allen Connally, Liz Scott and Liz Brees

How does a gala or signature fundraising event effectively utilize receipients to help recruit and sustain new donors in an authentic, organic way?   Today, I talk with Meredith Allen Connally and Liz Scott, Regional Development Officers for Folds of Honor and Liz Brees, a recipient of the organizations services.
Folds of Honor is an organization that provides scholarships to families of fallen or disabled first responders and military veterans. Each year the North Texas Chapter of the organization, holds their annual gala on the field of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
In this episode, Meredith, Liz, and Liz talk about a wide range of topics including effectively utilizing a unique, highly sought after space to recruite and attract donors, how the organization has positively imacted Lis Brees' life, and tips on creating a successful fund-a-need and/or paddle raise that gets your donors to give generously. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Children's Museum Houston Noir Ball with Allison Chávez and Whitney Burns

How does an organization create fun, inventive themes year after year that keeps donors continually engaged and surprised?  Today, I talk with Allison Chávez and Whitney Burns, co-chairs of the upcoming Children's Museum Houston Noir Ball
Held at The Corinthian, one of the most beautiful event spaces in Texas, the Children's Museum Houston event leaders and co-chairs continue to dazzle and lure donors to this majestic space by coming up with fun, innovative themes year after year.
In this episode, Allison and Whitney talk about a wide range of topics including tips on creating a devoted following for your signature fundraising event, why a strong committee is vital to a successful fundraising event, and how to create different themes that are fun keeps donors intrigued and engaged. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Power Of Literacy Luncheon With Julie Baker Finck

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.

The Rise School Of Austin's Shine For Rise With Rachel Parr Booth

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.

Center For Child Protection Play Bingo Ladies Luncheon With Amy Cranfill And Kirby Cathey

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.

Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Glow In The Park With Katherine Farmer-Thornhill And Gary Farmer

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.

Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Red Hot Gala With Elizabeth Stein And Laura Stein

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.