2025 Texas Medal Of Arts Awards With Heidi Marquez Smith And Tania Schwartz

How does an nonprofit or commercial organization successfully get multiple high-profile individuals, community leaders, and celebrities to say yes and attend an organizations signature event?

Today, I talk with Texas Cultural Trust CEO, Heidi Marquez Smith and Tania Schwartz, co-chair, the 2025 Texas Medal of Arts Awards, the organizations signature fundraising event.

For the past 25 years, the Texas Cultural Trust has been a leading voice in highlighting arts education, programs, and advocacy in Texas to spotlight both the cultural and economic impact the arts bring to Texas. Every other year, the organization honors approximately 10 individuals and/or organization who have made substantial contributions in the arts to Texas and beyond.

In this episode, Heidi and Tania talk about a wide range of topics including tips on how to select honorees for your annual signature fundraising event, attracting people from multiple markets to attend your signature fundraising event, and advice on engaging celebrities and high-profile individuals to say yes to supporting and attending your organization's gala. This is one episode you will not want to miss.