Fun In Fundraising

Conspirare Hidden Music With Craig Hella Johnson

How can an arts organization consistently attract top talent and inspire top donors at their annual gala or signature fundraising event?
In this episode, I talk with Craig Hella Johnson, Founder & Artistic Director of the multi-GRAMMY AWARD®-winning ensemble Conspirare, to discuss their signature fundraising event, Hidden Music.
For over 30 years, Conspirare has captivated audiences with powerful, thought-provoking performances, including Craig’s acclaimed work Considering Matthew Shepard. Their annual gala, Hidden Music, has become one of Austin’s most beloved and successful fundraising events focused on the arts.
Craig shares insights on how to build and retain a world-class ensemble, connect meaningfully with donors, and create events that leave a lasting emotional impact. He also reflects on how to honor loved ones with integrity and depth during fundraising performances. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Equest Blue Ribbon Gala With James and Kristin Hallam & Eric Lindh

What are the keys getting prominent philanthropists in your community to say yes?  
Today, I talk with Eric Lindh, CEO of Equest & James and Kristin Hallam, co-chairs of the organization's signature fundraising event, the Blue Ribbon Gala. 
Equest provides equine therapy for individuals aged two and over to help them cope with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. For over 40 years, the Equest Blue Ribbon Gala has been one of North Texas' top signature fundraising events, drawing a devoted following that has a core base of attendees who support it year after year while continually bringing in new, prominent donors.
In this episode, James, Kristin, and Eric discuss a wide range of topics including tips on how an organization can approach a high-profile individual in your community to say "YES" to support your event, how signature fundraising events help new executives connect with current and prospective donors, and the keys to creating a successful relationship between event chairs and a nonprofit. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

The Broach Foundation Stand Up For Brain Cancer Gala With Jamie Broach And Deanna Kotrla

What are the keys to success in starting a foundation that honors a departed loved one?  
Today, I talk with Jamie Broach Byrd, Founder of The Broach Foundation For Brain Cancer Research and Deanna Kotrla, Executive Director of the organization to talk about the 13th annual Stand Up For Brain Cancer Gala.
The Broach Foundation was started in honor of Jamie's late husband, James Broach, who succumbed to grade IV astrocytoma also known gliblastoma in 2013. The foundation was started to fund research, to advance the prevention, treatment, and cure for brain cancer.
In this episode, Jamie and Deanna discuss a wide range of topics steps to take when considering establishing a foundation in honor of a lost loved one, how the organization leverages the board to drive donors and sponsors to your event, and tips on getting celebrities and high-profile individuals to headline your signature fundraising event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Performing Arts Houston Kaleidoscope Ball With Jordan Drum

How does an organization create fun, inventive themes that creates a loyal following for an annual signature fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Performing Arts Houston Director of Development Jordan Drum to talk about the organization's annual signature fundraising event, The Kaleidoscope Ball: Rhapsody in Blue.
For nearly 60 years, Performing Arts Houston connected audiences with exceptional artists through an array of diverse performances and learning experiences. Through these programs help cultivate a community that allows the audiences discover new understandings about themselves and inspire dialogue.
Over the years, Kaleidoscope Ball has become one of Houston's top annual signature fundraising events in Houston, a city with many world class arts organizations. Last year's Kaleidoscope Ball broke all previous fundraising records for the event.
In this episode, Jordan talks about a range of topics including how to create a process to select a theme that has everyone on board to support it, similarities and differences between attracting individual and corporate donors, and how to utilize talent during your signature fundraising event that tugs at the heart strings of donors. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

HeartGift Gala With Christy Casey-Moore And Kristi Jones

How does an organization be a part of two highly successful signature fundraising events that are within a few weeks of one another?
Today, I talk with HeartGift CEO Christy Casey-Moore and Vice President of Marketing and Fund Development, Kristi Jones to talk about their annual signature fundraising event, the HeartGift Gala.
HeartGift provides life-saving congenital heart defect surgeries to children around the world who do not have easy access to care. Since the organization's founding in 2000, has expanded four chapters in Texas and Louisiana and served over 1,000 children in 36 countries around the world. 
Over the years, HeartGift Gala has been one of Austin's top nonprofit signature fundraising event galas. Exceeding the $1 million mark for the first time in 2024.
In addition to their annual gala, HeartGift is also one of the beneficiaries of Mack, Jack, and McConaughey, Texas' top nonprofit gala in 2024, raising over $16 million for HeartGift and four other children's causes. The event happens shortly after the HeartGift Gala, which creates a gala season for the organization.
In this episode, Christy and Kristi discuss a wide range of topics including things to look for when establishing a chapter of your organization in a new market, tips on segmenting donors to prevent donor fatigue, and the importance of collaborating with other nonprofit organizations. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Children's Cancer Fund Gala With Jennifer Arthur And Shannon McGough

How does an organization effectively evolve its signature fundraising event so it remains a must-attend event year after year?
Today, I talk with Jennifer Arthur, CEO of the Children's Cancer Fund and Children's Cancer Fund Board Member Shannon McGough to talk about the Children's Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala.
Over the past 35 years, the Children's Cancer Fund has raised millions to fulfill their mission to champion children in the fight against cancer. Funds received by the organization go towards funding research and care in the North Texas Area.
Early in the organizations history, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys became involved with the Children's Cancer Fund and its signature fundraising event over 30 years ago when the event was a Fashion Show and Luncheon. 
Today, the event is now a multi-million dollar nighttime Gala and Fashion Show where children are paired with celebrities and notables as the walk down the runway together. This year's event maintains the organizaitions close ties to the Dallas Cowboys with with current Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Quarterback Troy Aikman and Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott serving as honorary chairs of the event.
In this episode, Jennifer and Shannon discuss a wide range of topics including advice on tips on knowing when to evolve your event to take it to the next level, advice on getting high profile individuals to say yes to attending and headlining your event year after year, and the value of partnering with top organizations in your field to further your organizations mission. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Junior League Of Dallas Milestones Luncheon With Tandra Allen And Lauren Combest

How does an organization effectively host a signature fundraising event that draws top professionals during the workday?
Today, I talk with Tandra Allen, President of the Junior League Of Dallas, and Lauren Combest, co-chair for the organizations signature fundraising event, The Milestones Luncheon. 
Over the past 103 years, the Junior League of Dallas has cultivated several generations of female leaders who have made a substantial impact on the North Texas community and beyond, growing to over 4,000 active members who provide over 100,000 hours of community service to various North Texas nonprofits and civic causes each year.
The Milestones Luncheon has long been one of Dallas' most popular and beloved luncheons. Each year features a conversation with a best-selling female author for an illuminating, substantive, and informative conversation as well as the opportunity for members of the Junior League (and alumni) to network with one another.
In this episode, Tandra and Lauren discuss a wide range of topics including advice on how to create a devoted following for your signature fundraising event that spans generations, how the Junior League has evolved over the past 100+ years, and tips on selecting the a high-profile person that reasonates with your audience to drive successful event turnout. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Memorial Park Conservancy's The Park Ball With Monica Enriquez Clem

How can does an organization effectively prepare an host a successful outdoor gala or signature fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Monica Enriquez Clem, Sr. Director of Development of the Memorial Park Conservancy to talk about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, The Park Ball.
For over 100 Years, residents of Houston and visitors from around the world have enjoyed this 1,500 acre majestic green space on the west side of Houston (which is almost twice the size of Central Park), the Memorial Park Conservancy operates and maintains 1,100 of the park. Each year, the organization hosts The Park Ball on the Memorial Park Grounds to allow guests to experience it with a gala under the stars.
In this episode, Monica discuss a wide range of topics including tips on creating strong relationships with event chairs, how development professionals can effectively use a gala to strengthen relationships with donors, and the benefits and challenges of hosting an event outdoors. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Houston Grand Opera Opera Ball 2025 With Allison Reeves and Katherine Cunningham

How does an organization effectively partner with an outside event planner to carry out their vision for an annual gala or signauture fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Allison Reeves, Director of Special Events for the Houston Grand Opera, and Katherine Cunningham, Associate Director of Special Events for the Houston Grand Opera to talk about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, Opera Ball 2025: Love is in the Air.
One of Houston's top signature fundraising events for many years, the Houston Grand Opera's Opera Ball is a million-dollar annual fundraiser known for hosting an incredibly fun experience for it's patrons that encourages them to give year after year. For many years, the Houston Grand Opera events team has worked with legendary event producer Richard Flowers of The Events Company to help the organization carry out it's vision and create a spectacular experience for its guests from the second they arrive until the second they depart. 
In this episode, Allison and Katherine discuss a wide range of topics including tips having a great relationship with your event chair, establishing a process to create a great event theme, and how to create a devoted following for your annual gala or signature fundraising event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Dallas Mavericks Foundation Mavs Ball With Hannah Turner

How can an business successfully create a foundation or nonprofit arm of their organization create a positive impact in their community?
Today, I talk with Hannah Turner, Sr. Director of Corporate Responsibility and Executive Director of the Dallas Maverick's Foundation to talk about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, the Mavs Ball.
Celebrating it's 10th anniversary, the Mavs Ball is one of Dallas' premiere nonprofit signature fundraising events. The nonprofit foundation of the Dallas Mavericks, proceeds raised from the organization go towards grants and gifts to nonprofits that provide services to children, women, and families. Over the past decade, the annual total raised at the Mavs Ball has gone form $500,000 in the first year to over $2 million for last year's event.
In this episode, Hannah discuss a wide range of topics including tips on recruiting customers (in their case, season ticket holders) into donors, insights on how to create a streamlined and effective grant selection process to maximize community impact, and how to effectively use high-profile individuals at your signature fundraising event to maximize giving. This is one episode you will not want to miss.