Fun In Fundraising

CASABlanca Cheers To 40 Years With Erin Kozma, Kelly Kopecky, and Rachel Pry

How does an organization successfuly host a milestone signature fundraising event that honors the past, celebrates the present, and provides vision for the future?  
Today, I talk with CASA of Travis County Director of Development Erin Kozma as well as Kelly Kopecky and Rachel Pry, co-chairs of CASABlanca, the organizations upcoming singature fundraising event.
CASA of Travis County provides children with advocates for children in the legal system to who have experienced abuse or neglect. What makes the CASA of Travis County advocacy system so exceptional, is that the advocates are entirely composed of volunteers who go through a rigorous training process to ensure the children are well represented.
This year, CASA of Travis County turns 40 and will celebrate with a special theme for this years' annual gala: Cheers to 40 Years.
In this episode, Erin, Kelly, and Rachel talk about a wide range of topics including tips on evolving your organization as your community evolves, ton, developing successful relationship between an organization and event chairs, the importance of having a strong committee to help a chair and an organization carry out the event's vision and so much more.

Krewe de Kamp for All With Mary Beth Mosley and Paul Palmer

How does an organization successfuly work with an event chair in a way that resepects the organization while putting a personal stamp on an event?  Today, I talk with Camp for All Development Director Mary Beth Mosley and Paul Palmer, co-chair of the Krewe de Kamp for All, the organizations upcoming singature fundraising event.
Camp for All allows children and adults with special needs the opportunity to experience camping and nature opportunities the the organizations 206 acre camp in Burton, Texas, approximately 85 miles outside of Houston where Krewe de Kamp for All will be held. The space features over 100,000 square feet of facilities, two lakes, nature trails, and wooded areas for campers to experience.
In this episode, Mary Beth and Paul talk about a wide range of topics including tips on building a successful relationship between an organization and event chairs, creating fun and innovative event themes, and the importance of long-term planning in creating a successful gala or signature fundraising event.

Successfully Incorporating Talent Into Your Fundraising Event With Sarajane Dailey

How can an organization successfully integrate talent into a gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I chat the very talented artist, musician, and philanthropist Mela Sarajane Dailey to find out.
This Grammy Award-winning performer has dazzled audiences on professional and philanthropic stages for many years. During her career, she has entranced many a room with solo performances, sizzle stages with duets, and brought crowds to their feet as a part of musical ensembles. Additionally, she supports many nonprofit causes which gives her a unique perspective as a performer and a donor.
In this episode, Sarajane provides valuable insights on how to successfully engage talent for your gala or signature fundraising event, including how to work with an ensemble of performers to get the most out of your event talent, trends she is seeing from a talent perspective, and advice on how to host an effective red carpet that makes each of your event guests feel special. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Mark Updegrove On Moderating Effective Conversations With Featured Event Guests

What are the secrets to moderating engaging conversations with a high-profile, headline guest at your event?  Today, I talk with Mark Updegrove, President & CEO of the LBJ Foundation to find out.
Over the years, Mark has interviewed and/or moderated conversations with seven former Presidents including the late Jimmy Carter.  In addition to speaking with Presidents, he has also moderated conversations with high-profile musicians, journalists, authors, and other cultural icons.
In this episode, Mark shares tips on how to get a high-profile individual to say "yes" to a moderated/public conversation, how a moderator should prepare for a public conversation, and insights on how to handle high-profile individuals who have different onstage versus offstage personas. This is one episode you will not want to miss. 

Tales Of A Billion Dollar Auctioneer With Lydia Fenet

What are the secrets to making live auctions fun, interesting, and successful?  Today, I talk with one of the top auctioneers in the world, Lydia Fenet, Founder & CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency to find out.
After a highly-successful 25-year career as an auctioneer at Christie's, Lydia started her own auction firm, the Lydia Fenet Agency. Over the past 25 years, auctions she has helmed have raised over $1 billion. She has consistently and successfully gotten donors, patrons, collectors, executives, and philanthropists to raise their hands and paddles. 
In this episode, Lydia shares her inspiring path to becoming an auctioneer, tips on how to effectively command the room, and the keys to successfully working alongside celebrities, including some of the world's best-known names. This is one episode you will not want to miss. 

The Keys To Successful Event Publicity With Cynthia Smoot, Jesse Parker Stowell and Dancie Perugini Ware

What are the keys to getting publicity before and after an event?  Today, I talk three top Public Relations Professionals Cynthia Smoot, Founder of Gangway Advertising, Jesse Parker Stowell, Founder of Parker|Phoenix Public Relations, and Dancie Perugini Ware, Founder of Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations to find out.
These three pros are among the very best in obtaining publicity for the nonprofit galas they have partnered with over the years. Over they years, they have represented top nonprofit galas including Dallas Museum of Art Art Ball, Andy Roddick Foundation Gala, and Houston Ballet Ball among many others.
In this episode, Cynthia, Jesse, and Dancie share their tips on obtaining publicity for your event including what a great partnership between an organization and your Public Relations firm looks like, how to message your event to tap into the soul of your community, promoting red carpet events and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

The Art Of Producing Fabulous Events With Steve Kemble

What are the secrets to hosting fabulous events that have your guests talking about them long after they end?  Today I talk with event producer to the stars, Steve Kemble to find out.
A top event producer of five-star events for decades, Steve has produced hundreds, if not thousands of events including galas, weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and more. His positive attitude and penchant for always bringing the fun, wow, and heart it is easy to see how he has been one of the most successful event producers in the United States.
In this episode, Steve talks about a wide range of topics including how a great emcee helps set the tone for your event, what he looks for from companies, couples, and nonprofits before saying yes to producing their event, how to handle celebrity and high profile guests at your event, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Swing By!: Entertaining Recipes And The New Art Of Gathering With Stephanie Nass

What are the keys to hosting epic holiday events that have guests talking about them well into the new year?  Today, special guest co-host Lance Avery Morgan and I talk with Stephanie Nass, author of Swing By!: Entertaining Recipes & the New Art of Gathering. 
Founder of the culinary lifestyle Chefanie, Stephanie has hosted successful events and gathering for years. She has put her expertise on paper in her new book, features 16 fun, festive ideas for creating unforgettable gatherings. In addition to holiday gatherings, the book also features great entertaining ideas you can use all year long including standing soirees, seated suppers, and outdoor dining.
In this episode, Stephanie talks about a wide range of topics including her evolution into the catering business, the importance of having great music that sets the right tone for your event, and what goes into hosting a great holiday celebration. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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.