Fun In Fundraising

Children’s Museum Houston Studio 54 Gala With Katie Arnoldy and Holly Radom

How does an organization successfully create unique themes that give your event space - and your gala/signature fundraising event new life each year? Today, Rob talks with Katie Arnoldy and Holly Radom, co-chairs of the upcoming Children's Museum Houston Studio 54 Gala. Held every Fall at one of Texas' top event spaces, The Corinthian, this top Houston fundraising gala brings the wow factor each with innovative themes set against the backdrop of a majestic space that is transformed in different ways each year.  In this episode, Katie and Holly share how to create a successful co-chair collaboration, the importance of creating engaging themes that resonate with your donor base and tips on creating amazing silent auction packages.

Cattle Baron’s Ball Dallas 50th Anniversary With Event Chairs Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov

How does an organization celebrate a landmark anniversary of their signature fundraising event with maximum impact? Today, Rob talks with Andrea Cheek and Isabell Novakov, co-chairs of the Cattle Baron's Ball in Dallas, which is the single biggest one-night fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. This year, the event turns 50 with a night for the ages at the legendary Southfork Ranch and a headline performance by music icon Shania Twain. In this episode, Andrea and Isabell share how the event has successfully evolved over the past half-century, how to successfully partner with a national organization, and share details on what may be the best live auction item ever. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Texas Rose Festival’’s 90th Anniverary with Liz Ballard and Bill Evans

How does an organization successfully host an event that brings together the entire community not just year after year but decade after decade? Today, Rob talks with Liz Ballard Executive Director of the Texas Rose Festival, and Texas Rose Festival Board Member Bill Evans to discuss the 90th annual Texas Rose Festival in Tyler, Texas. The event highlights the Texas rose-growing industry and the Tyler Rose Museum, which is the largest public rose garden in the United States. Liz and Bill share their thoughts on how to create an engaged volunteer network, using your non-profit to support other non-profits, their unique board model that allows for stability and new ideas to flourish, the Queen's Coronation, and much more.

Texas Heart Institute’s The Supper Club with Julie Voss and Kelli Kickerillo

How does an organization successfully go about launching a new and successful signature fundraising event after multi-year pause? Today, Rob talks with Texas Heart Institute's Vice President of Development Julie Voss as well as Kelli Kickerillo, who is a co-chair for The Supper Club, the organization's first signature fundraising event in 7 years. In this episode, Julie and Kelli share their thoughts on a variety of topics including tips on creating an innovative theme that intrigues and lures donors, forming a successful relationship between co-chairs and an organization's development team, and the one investment every organization should make for their gala or signature fundraising event.

Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta with Cathy James

How do you create maximum impact at your event when it features celebrities and high-profile individuals? Today, we talk with Cathy James, President of The James Group, who is planning the upcoming Tex Mex Fiesta benefitting the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. This powerhouse event planner has helmed fundraising events all around the country that have collectively raised over $100 million dollars for top nonprofits. In this episode, Cathy shares her thoughts on a variety of topics including tips on finding the right event planner for your signature fundraising event, how to successfully manage multiple celebrities appearing at the same event, and what all successful events have in common.

Houston PetSet Fierce & Fabulous Soiree with Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust

How do you maintain the passion for an organization and draw out hundreds to your signature fundraising event year in and year out? Today, we talk with Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, who have co-chaired the highly successful Houston PetSet's Fierce & Fabulous Soiree for many years. In this episode, the powerhouse sister duo talk about a variety of topics including successfully working with other nonprofits that complement your services, how adding additional gala co-chairs helps keep the event fresh and exciting, and the importance of including tangible examples in your sponsorship and donor asks.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ice Ball with Pamela and Will Hurley, Brenda Lindfors, and Lauren Alexander-Labahn

How do you give your gala a local feel when your nonprofit is part of a regional or national organization? The second season of Fun in Fundraising kicks off with a roundtable featuring Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas's upcoming annual Ice Ball Co-chairs Pamela and Will Hurley, Chief Marketing Officer Brenda Lindfors, and Vice President of Development Lauren Alexander-Labahn. Together this powerhouse team of fundraisers talk about a variety of topics including tips on creating a diverse, wide-reaching event committee, developing a local message when representing a regional or national organization, and adding your own personal stamp on an event as a gala.
 

Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper - Classical Shindig

In a special combined podcast of Fun In Fundraising and Success With Style, Rob Giardinelli and Lance Avery Morgan talk with Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper, the authors of the new book, Classical Shindig, from Susan Schadt Press available August 29. This elevated, insider’s look at special occasion entertaining is chock full of ideas for your own hosting. Come away with entertaining tips and tricks that even an amateur can execute in this lushly illustrated and gorgeously photographed how-to guide.

Dan Perry - Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation

How do you plan a successful gala on an accelerated timeline? The Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation's new Chief Development Officer, Dan Perry chats with Rob today about how the organization was successfully able to not only move up the date With Liberty & Justice For All Dinner honoring cultural icon Willie Nelson. Dan talks about a variety of topics on what it takes to produce a successful gala or signature fundraiser including making a positive impression when you are new to an organization how to successfully move your fundraising event to a different city, and engaging with the team of a celebrity or high-profile individual. 

Hunter Regian - ZACH Theater Red, Hot & Soul

How do you switch up the format of an already popular event to keep your audience guessing...and wanting more? Campaigns and Events Manager, for ZACH Theatre, Hunter Regian chats with Rob today about how the organization was successfully able to update the format and create a new buzz for their signature fundraising event Red, Hot & Soul which was held in the Spring of 2023. Hunter talks about a variety of topics on what it takes to produce a successful gala or signature fundraiser including how to create a wow moment to kick off a new event format, celebrate your donors, integrate your non-profits programs into your event in fun and entertaining ways, and the importance of keeping a tight program that leaves the audience wanting more.