Fun In Fundraising

Bob Bursey - Texas Performing Arts

How do you create programming that both speaks to people directly while having appeal to a wide audience? Bob Bursey, Executive & Artistic Director for Texas Performing Arts, chats with Rob today about how the organization creates a range of compelling artistic productions that gets people to come back year after year. Bob talks about a variety of topics to better understand your audience including how to successfully integrate your vision into a new city or community, mixing new programming with familiar favorites, and a sneak peek into the upcoming 2023-2024 season at Texas Performing Arts.

Favorite Gala Moments From The First Half Of 2023 - Part 2

Today, Rob continues his conversation with Curated Texan Editor-In-Chief and Texas Luxury Consultants Founder Lance Avery Morgan for the second of two episodes talking about our favorite gala moments from the first half of 2023. Celebrating 20 years chronicling Texas' top nonprofit galas and signature, Lance has an unparalleled knowledge of what it takes to host an unforgettable gala, or signature fundraising event, and shares some of his favorite moments in 2023 to date along with trends he is seeing in galas as we come out of COVID. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Favorite Gala Moments From The First Half Of 2023 - Part 1

How do you choose from so many great gala moments from the first half of 2023? It starts by having two episodes to talk about it all. Curated Texan Editor-In-Chief and Texas Luxury Consultants Founder Lance Avery Morgan joins Rob for the first of two episodes talking about our favorite gala moments from the first half of 2023. Celebrating 20 years chronicling Texas' top nonprofit galas and signature, Lance has an unparalleled knowledge of what it takes to host an unforgettable gala, or signature fundraising event, and shares some of his favorite moments in 2023 to date along with trends he is seeing in galas as we come out of COVID. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Tyler Schmitt - Why A Great Photographer Is Essential For Your Gala

How do you get additional mileage of your gala or signature fundraiser? It starts by having a great photographer that successfully captures your event. Today Rob talks with one of the best photographers in the business, Tyler Schmitt, owner of Mill Photography Studio, who regularly photographs many high-profile events including Mack, Jack & McConaughey and the Andy Roddick Foundation gala. Tyler shares his insights on a wide range of important topics including how to work with a photographer in advance of your event to maximize impact, the three things all successful galas have in common, and how to establish trust with high-profile/celebrity subjects.

Derek Blount - Aging Mind Foundation

How can you maximize the impact of the funds you raise at your annual gala or signature fundraiser? Aging Mind Foundation Board Treasurer, Derek Blount chats with Rob today about how the organization maximizes the funds raised throughout the year, including funds raised from their recent, successful gala titled Forget Me Not. Derek shares his insights on a wide range of topics including why the Aging Mind Foundation focuses on the cause of Alzheimer's Disease, how the organization partners with one top-tier organization to maximize impact of the funds raised, and he recaps their successful gala including his role as Master of Ceremonies.

Megan Campuzano - Dell Children’s Foundation

How do you streamline your gala or signature fundraiser so that you can offer a better experience for your donors while maximizing the amount raised? Director of Annual Giving Megan Campuzano, for the Dell Children's Foundation, chats with Rob today about how the organization was able to reduce the number of attendees while achieving a record fundraising amount of over $3 million for their recent annual Dell Children's Ball. Megan talks about a variety of topics on what it takes to produce a successful gala or signature fundraiser, including the importance of having a strong event committee, collaborating with other non-profits, and how streamlining the event allowed the event to soar to new heights. 

Cynthia Smoot - How to Engage Media For Your Gala

How do you engage with your local media outlets to help get the word out for your gala or signature fundraising event? We couldn't think of a better person to ask than Cynthia Smoot, who is the social editor for several media outlets chronicling galas and signature fundraising events including Curated Texan, Katy Trail Weekly, and Park Cities Lifestyle. Cynthia shares her expertise on several key topics including how specific organizations host successful galas and signature fundraising events, understanding that giving is more than about writing a check, and how to - and how not to - engage with your local media outlets.

Lela Rose - Fresh Air Affairs

On this combined special edition of Fun In Fundraising and Success With Style podcasts, join hosts Rob Giardinelli and Lance Avery Morgan for a fun, lively, and inspiring chat with Dallasite-turned New York designer Lela Rose. Not only is she the insider fashionista’s fan favorite, but also she has a gorgeous new entertaining book,Fresh Air Affairs, from Rizzoli USA where she shares tips and details on how to elevate your next outdoor event.

The Family Place - Joyce Goss

Joyce Goss is the honorary chair for the 10th annual ReuNight for The Family Place, an organization that has helped victims of family violence in the North Texas region for 45 years. One of the best and most beloved fundraisers in Texas, she has supported and chaired many types of events over the years for a wide range of non-profits including medical, children's, arts, and family organizations. Joyce talks about what compels her to support an organization, her advice on how to teach the next generation to give back, how to create a successful event committee, and what she is looking forward to at this year's ReuNight. 

Texas Ballet Theater - Vanessa Logan and Janna Hinebaugh

How do you make opening night not only about the performance, but also an event that is a great way to engage donors and patrons? Vanessa Logan and Janna Hinebaugh from Texas Ballet Theater chat with us today about their Opening Night Dinners for the upcoming performances of Alice In Wonderland in Dallas and Fort Worth. Vanessa and Janna talk about the mission of Texas Ballet Theater, how to effectively engage multiple markets that an organization serves, the importance of having strong relationships between the sales and creative teams within an organization, and share a sneak peak into both Opening Night Dinners.