Fun In Fundraising
Fun in Fundraising is a podcast that gives you behind-the-scenes access to the people behind top fundraising galas. Ranked Number 6 in FeedSprouts’ list of Top Fundraising Podcasts, each episode features host Rob Giardinelli talking with the leaders behind the top gala and signature fundraiser event chairs, honorees, producers, and non-profit executives. These events featured on Fun In Fundraising raise significant sums of money by producing fun, memorable experiences with guests and attendees returning year after year. Each conversation highlights how top leaders facilitate raising large sums of money to positively impact their communities in a fun, organic way. Rob Giardinelli is a sales executive turned ”professional guest on duty” through his work at esteemed publications The Society Diaries and Society Texas. During the past 15 years, Giardinelli has attended/chronicled over 2,000 galas, kick-off events, and parties that have raised over $250 million for some of the world’s top nonprofits. To learn more about or work with Rob, visit EventMindset.com
Episodes
How do you create an impactful statement moment at your event where guests carry the moment with them long after the event has ended?
In today’s episode, I talk with AVDA CEO Maisha Colter and AVDA Board Chair Vanessa Ames to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event: the Home Safe Home Gala.
For over 40 years, AVDA has provided services in it's mission to end domestic violence by advocating for the safety and self-...
What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event in a one-of-a-kind urban green space?
In today's episode, I talk with Kit Sawers, President & CEO of Klyde Warren Park, to talk about their upcoming signature fundraising event, Party in the Park.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park is a modern city oasis. A 5.4-acre park over a suspended 8-lane highway, the world-class green spa...
What does it take for an organization to host a successful fundraising event when the logistics are anything but simple?
In today's episode, I talk with Austin Parks Foundation Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katie Kennedy, and Events Manager Caitlyn Denham to talk about the upcoming Party for the Parks.
Held on the grounds of Zilker Park, one of the green spaces supported by the Austin Parks Foundation, Party for th...
What are the keys to highlighting artistic talents throughout a successful gala or signature fundraising event?
In today’s episode, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chief Artistic Officer Katie McGuiness and Vanessa Cain, event chair for the upcoming Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala.
Celebrating it's 125th anniversary, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is one of the world's top artistic organizations. The annual Dallas Symphony Orch...
Having a vision isn't enough. How do you lead your community to get behind a transformative vision that will be felt for generations to come?
In today’s episode, I talk with Lynn and Tom Meredith, co-chairs—along with several of their children and spouses—of the upcoming Glow in the Park benefiting the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy.
Lynn and Tom’s leadership and vision has been instrumental in transforming Downtown Austin’s Waterlo...
What should an organization consider when considering a format change for an annual gala or signature fundraising event?
In today's episode, I talk with Tena Faust, Board Co-President of Houston PetSet to talk about the upcoming Fierce & Fabulous Le Brunch.
One of Houston's most beloved and successful annual signature fundraising events for many years, the Houston PetSet. Led for many years by Tena and her sister Tama Lundqui...
How does an organization build on the success of a highly successful first-year gala?
In today's episode, I talk with Shanna Schanen, Co-Founder of the Round Top Film Festival, and Round Top Film Festival Board Member Shonnery Pettit to talk about the second annual Round Top Film Festival Gala.
The smallest incorporated town in Texas, with approximately 90 residents, Round Top is well known for its annual antique markets. To furth...
How can an organization host multiple signature fundraising events throughout the year that engage various segments of its donor community?
Today, I talk with Karissa Condoianis, Senior Vice President of Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas® to talk about the upcoming Texas State Fair and other signature fundraising events the organization hosts throughout the year.
While many know the State Fair of Texas® as a place of fam...
How does an organization successfully work with an event producer regardless of the size of your budget?
Today, I talk with Mia Sims, Founder of Mia the Event Diva and event producer for many notable events of all sizes in and around Central and North Texas.
Over the years, Mia has been a go-to event producer for everything from organizations hosting their first gala to longstanding, million-dollar events such as the upcoming Texas...
What are the keys to creating a successful foundation arm for your organization that allows you to create a broad impact on the community it serves?
Today, I talk with Kaitlin Mauro, Executive Director of the 4ATX Foundation to talk about the organization's signature fundraising event, the A Night In Verde Gala.
Celebrating its 5th year, the A Night In Verde Gala has quickly become one of Austin's top signature fundraising events. ...
How does an organization host a successful kickoff party to keep guests excited about...and sets the tone for your upcoming gala or signature fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Jenny Todd, Vice President at the American Cancer Society to talk about one of their upcoming signature fundraising events: The 2025 Houston Cattle Baron's Ball.
The American Cancer Society is the nation's leading cancer fighting organization. Their in...
What are the keys to getting your board fully engaged in an annual gala or signature fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Sarah Gilbreath, Central Texas Board Chair for Imagine A Way, to talk about their upcoming annual Imagine A Way Gala: Mad Money for A Mission.
Imagine A Way provides critical services for families who have children living with autism. Since its founding in 2007, the organization has helped many families ease ...
How can an organization effectively utilize event software to elevate the experience for your event guests?
In today's episode, I talk with Co-Founder and CEO of BetterUnite, Leya Simmons to talk about how event software is a core, critical component to any successful event.
Since its founding in 2017, BetterUnite "helps the helpers" in taking their nonprofit fundraising events to new heights. In addition to providing software tha...
What are the keys to creating an effective media and promotion strategy for your event?
In today's episode, I talk Vice President of Public Relations for Children's Museum Houston, Henry Yau.
Hosting over 90 events per year ranging from community family events, to million-dollar black-tie galas, Henry and Children's Museum Houston are the gold standard in creating effective event publicity for events large and small. Henry also se...
What are the keys to creating a menu for a gala or signature fundraising event that is both delicious and cost-effective?
In today's episode, I talk with one of Texas's top event caterers, Cameron Lockley, Founder of Flavor Hospitality Group.
Over the past several years, this top Austin restaurateur has expanded his offerings to include event catering. During this time, Cameron has developed strong relationships with many top Austi...
What are the keys to creating a great signature cocktails that help you set the tone for your event?
In today's episode, special guest co-host Lance Avery Morgan and I talk with Kara Newman, Spirits Editor for Wine Enthusiast and author of The Cocktail Cabinet.
The Cocktail Cabinet features two different books: one about gin, the other about whiskey. Instead of a traditional book, each of the two The Cocktail Cabinet books contain...
How does a great event photographer an essential part of any successful gala or signature fundraising event? They serve as the eyes of the event.
In today's episode, I talk with two of the very best event photographers in Texas, Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass.
For many years, this mother-daughter duo has photographed just about every high-profile and successful nonprofit gala in North Texas. Their ability to capture great moment...
What are the keys to creating a dynamic, dazzling live auction that both raises a lot of money and has guests talking about your gala...and auction long after your event has ended?
In today's episode, I talk with one of the very best auctioneers in the business, Bobby D. Ehlert, Co-Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspire Hearts Fundraising.
Over the past 25+ years, Bobby D. has helmed many top live auctions around the Un...
What are the keys to creating a strong partnership between philanthropic organizations and beneficiaries to maximize impact in the communities they serve?
There are no two better people to discuss this topic than today's guests: Jennifer Stevens, event producer for Mack, Jack, and McConaughey and Susan Hewlett, the Executive Director for the Dell Children's Medical Center Foundation.
For the past 12 years, Dell Children's Foundatio...
How does an organization effectively showcase how the funds raised from a signature fundraising event benefit the community they serve?
In this episode, I talk with Laura Ward, Founder, President & CEO of Houston Children's Charity to discuss the organization's upcoming Chariots for Children event.
For nearly 30 years, Houston Children's Charity has been one of Houston's top nonprofit events. This is due in large part to Laura ...
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