How does a nonprofit founder create a highly successful gala to amplify the organization's voice and impact in the communities they serve?

Today, I talk with Nancy Pollard, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Austin Chapter of Friends of the Children, to talk about the organization's annual signature fundraising event, Dinner with Friends.

The Austin Chapter, founded in 2017 with the assistance of 50 local individuals and organizations, provides long-term mentorship for children to break the generational cycle of poverty. Each child is placed with a mentor from age four through high school graduation.

The organization has successfully used its signature fundraising event, Dinner with Friends, to expand its footprint in the Austin community. Their 2025 gala raised over $1.4 million to fulfill their mission.

Nancy provides valuable insights on a range of topics, including assembling a strong board to ensure your organization's success, creating a strong following for your gala or signature fundraising event, successfully highlighting an organization's mission throughout the event to create the environment for a successful live auction/fund-a-need, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

What are the keys to creating an unforgettable gala menu that has guests savoring every bite of every course?

Today, I talk with legendary Dallas Chef Richard Chamberlain and Chris Clark, event chair for the 2026 Côtes du Coeur.

Benefitting the American Heart Association, Côtes du Coeur is an incredible, two-night food and wine experience that doubles as the largest single-night fundraiser for the organization each year. This has been due to strong event chairs such as Chris, as well as having a longstanding relationship with a top chef, which allows the audience to know that every single year, the food and wine pairings will be five-star experiences.

Richard and Chris provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including tips on creating a successful wine and experience auction, ensuring an elevated menu where the first plate is as fresh as the 500th plate, creating a multi-night experience where patrons are excited to attend both nights, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How does an organization create a successful signature fundraising event through a series of intimate, yet impactful events?

Today, I talk with Araminta Sellers and Felicia Hester, co-chairs of the St. David's Foundation's upcoming signature fundraising event, Toast of the Town.

For over 40 years, Toast of the Town has been a must-attend event in the Austin Spring fundraising calendar. Each year, the organization hosts a series of approximately 20 intimate events over the course of approximately 30 days. The audience size for each event ranges from 8 to 50 guests.

The event series offers a wide range of events that appeal to the various tastes of its donor base and audience. During the party series, you will see intimate dinners with acclaimed authors, meals at exclusive (and tough to get a reservation for) Austin restaurants, and chances to rub elbows with acclaimed athletes.

Proceeds raised from the event series go towards the Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund, which awards Central Texas Students with $7,500 scholarships for up to 8 years for students seeking a career in the medical field.

Araminta and Felicia provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including the benefits of hosting intimate, bespoke events, effectively scaling a hosted party model, making asks to celebrities and high-profile individuals so they say yes, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.