How does a nonprofit successfully host an annual gala at a unique space that also has the capacity to host a large number of guests?

Today, I talk with Cynthia Everitt and Paige Westoff, co-chairs of Cattle Baron's Ball Dallas benefiting the American Cancer Society.

For over 50 years, Cattle Baron's Ball has been one of Texas' most successful fundraising events. Over the past several years, the event has been hosted at the iconic Southfork Ranch, home of the legendary show Dallas. Hosting it at Southfork has allowed over 3,000 guests each year to experience the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the United States each year.

Cynthia and Paige provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including creating a great theme that engages and excites your audience, managing a guest list, and strategically seating people so they want to attend every single year, creating a live auction that raises a large amount of money while entertaining the crowd, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How does a nonprofit successfully use a gala to showcase the progress of a transformative project that an entire community can use year-round?

Today, I talk with Dr. Colette Pierce-Burnette, CEO of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, to talk about the upcoming Glow in the Park Gala.

Held on the world-class grounds of the Moody Amphitheater on part of the Waterloo Greenway's city greenscape, Glow in the Park is one of Austin's must-attend fundraising events. Under Colette's leadership, the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy has continued to thrive as the organization creates a transformative, multi-mile naturebelt in the heart of Austin. Glow in the Park provides donors and guests the opportunity to access and take in the natural beauty of Waterloo Greenway in an immersive way, showcasing how their donations have provided a transformative impact on the community.

Colette provides valuable insights on a range of topics, including tips on successfully using a gala to connect with major donors, putting your own stamp on a transformational project already in progress, creating a successful fundraising event that is held outdoors, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

How does a nonprofit steadily grow its annual fundraising gala so it becomes one of the most successful galas in your area?

Today, I talk with Sneha Merchant, co-Chair of the Operation Smile Houston Gala, to talk about its 10th anniversary gala.

Over the past decade, Operation Smile's Houston Gala has grown in scope and impact. Beginning as a smaller 100-person event, the event has grown in size and now features well over 500 of Houston's most notable philanthropists in attendance each year. Along the way, the organization has strategically shifted event venues as the Operation Smile Gala has grown and scaled during that time.

Sneha provides valuable insights on a range of topics, including tips on successfully and gradually evolving your event over time, building a devoted following for your annual gala and signature fundraising event that also creates great word of mouth, getting high-profile individuals to say yes to support your event, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.