Fun In Fundraising

Angie Kadesky - Crystal Charity Ball

How do you keep corporate sponsors from your gala or signature fundraising event engaged with your organization year-round? Today, I talk with Angie Kadesky Chair of The Crystal Charity Ball. One of the top fundraising galas in Texas each year, this organization has raised over $181 million dollars over the past 71 years for various projects benefitting children in North Texas. Angie provides great insights on a range of topics including how the organization selects beneficiaries each year, the importance of establishing a successful track record, and using other events to completely underwrite the cost of The Crystal Charity Ball so 100% of the proceeds from the gala benefit the cause. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Betsy Hudson and Stephanie O’Neill - Center for Child Protection’s Dancing with the Stars Austin

How do you get a large number of community leaders to say "yes" to your nonprofit gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Betsy Hudson and Stephanie O'Neill, co-chairs of the Center for Child Protection's Dancing with the Stars Austin presented by Mercedes Benz of Austin. In this episode, Betsy and Stephanie provide great insights on a range of topics into one of Austin's most popular and well-attended galas including tips on creating a devoted and loyal following for your gala or signature fundraising event, establishing a successful, multiyear relationship with a co-chair, and a preview of this year's ten celebrity dancers.

FOREKids ATX with Angela Garcia

How do you create a highly successful nonprofit gala or signature fundraiser right out of the gate? Today, Rob talks with Angela Garcia, Co-Founder of the Sergio and Angela Garcia Foundation who is hosting its 2nd annual FOREKids ATX. In its first year, FOREKids ATX raised over $2 million dollars with the proceeds benefitting several children's nonprofits. In this episode, Angela provides great insights on a range of topics including the secret to successfully starting a foundation (or a business) with your spouse or significant other, the selection process for its nonprofit beneficiaries, and the importance of being involved in your community in a wide range of causes to get other community leaders to support your cause.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Bravo! Gala with Warren Tranquada and Chris Heinbaugh

How does a nonprofit gala integrate its services into the event program in a fun way? Today, Rob talks with AT&T Performing Arts Center, President and CEO Warren Tranquada and VP of External Affairs Chris Heinbaugh to discuss the Bravo! Gala - the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event. In this episode, Warren and Chris provide great insights on a range of topics including tips on how to keep the event moving in a fun and organic way, the importance of having great relationships with gala chairs, and successfully integrating your organization's programs into your gala or signature fundraising event.

Andy Roddick Foundation Gala with Jaime Garcia

How does a nonprofit gala or signature fundraising event help create strong relationships with your key donors? Today, Rob talks with Jaime Garcia, President and CEO of the Andy Roddick Foundation, who is hosting its upcoming 15th annual gala which will be emceed by comedian Bobby Bones and feature a concert by country music star Jordan Davis. In this episode, Jaime provides great insights on a range of topics including tips on engaging celebrities and high-profile individuals for your gala, creating the space for multiple types of artists to shine during your signature fundraising event, and one unique thing an organization can do to help keep your gala or signature fundraising event fresh and exciting. 

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Storybook Gala with Grace Gosnell and Victoria Villarreal

How does a nonprofit organization create a successful signature fundraising event focused on young professionals? Today, Rob talks with Grace Gosnell and Victoria Villarreal, co-chairs of the upcoming Storybook Gala for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation hosted by the organization's Young Professionals Group. In this episode, Grace and Victoria provide great insights on a range of things including tips on hosting a successful event kickoff party helps drive interest to your main gala, how getting involved with non-profits helps young people from a networking perspective, and the importance of creating a strong partnership between event co-chairs.

Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball with Cheryl Byington and Julie Kuenstle

How do you successfully plan a signature fundraising weekend around a festive holiday? Today, Rob talks with Julie Kuenstle, VP of Marketing for Houston SPCA, and Cheryl Byington, co-chair of their signature fundraising event: Howl-O-Ween Ball, which effectively ties the organizations mission to a holiday that is all about fun - Halloween. In this episode, Cheryl and Julie provide great insights on a range of things including tips on building a devoted and successful following for your annual gala or signature fundraiser, how having guests dress up in costume can make an event more fun, and innovative ways to use a nonprofit's space through your gala or signature fundraising event to attract and retain donors.

The Contemporary Austin - Art Dinner & Very ’Rary 2023 with sharon maidenberg

How do you successfully plan a signature fundraising weekend that attracts diverse aspects of your community? Today, Rob talks with The Contemporary Austin Executive Director & CEO sharon maidenberg. Over back-to-back days, the organization hosts two distinct, yet popular events, Art Dinner 2023 and Very 'Rary on their beautiful grounds, Laguna Gloria. In this episode, sharon provides great insights on a range of things including tips on how to hold a successful event outdoors, creating two distinct, engaging experiences in a short period of time, and The Contemporary Austin's innovative way of providing compensation to artists at the annual Art Dinner auction.

Two X Two For AIDS And Art With Todd Fiscus

What does it take to plan a signature fundraising event that has raised 9 figures over the past two decades? Today, Rob talks with celebrity event planner Todd Fiscus of Todd Events. Todd is the long-time event producer for one of Texas top fundraising events, Two X Two for AIDS And Art, which raises funds for two of the United States most notable nonprofit organizations amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. In this can't miss episode, Todd discusses how to create an environment that compels an audience to give so generously year after year, how to handle unexpected moments, and the importance of taking your guests on an exciting ride throughout your gala or signature fundraising event.

The Family Place Texas Trailblazers Luncheon With Lindsay Jacaman

How does an organization successfully create a luncheon that draws hundreds during the daytime to suport your cause year after year? Today, Rob talks with Lindsay Jacaman, co-chair of the upcoming Texas Trailblazer's Luncheon for The Family Place featuring Brooke Shields. In this episode, Lindsay shares her insights on the differences between daytime and nighttime galas/signature fundraising events, tips on engaging celebrities and other high-profile organizations for your event, and how to create a devoted following for your event year after year.