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 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 ...
How does having a strong event committee help event chairs successfully execute their vision for a gala or signature fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Holly Krug, Board Development Chair for The Family Place, and Jess Bass Bolander, and Melissa Keeling, co-chairs of ReuNight one of the organization's signature fundraising events.
Featuring one of North Texas' strongest event committees, ReuNight is one of Texas' most anticip...
What are the keys to hosting a successful fashion and runway show at your gala or signature fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Jacob Samson and Payton Martin, co-chairs of DIFFA Dallas' signature fundraising event House of DIFFA 2025: Dreamstate.
Over the past several decades, DIFFA has consistently been one of Texas' most anticipated, successful, fun, and fashionable signature fundraising events. As Texas' most fashionable ga...
How can an arts organization consistently attract top talent and inspire top donors at their annual gala or signature fundraising event?
In this episode, I talk with Craig Hella Johnson, Founder & Artistic Director of the multi-GRAMMY AWARD®-winning ensemble Conspirare, to discuss their signature fundraising event, Hidden Music.
For over 30 years, Conspirare has captivated audiences with powerful, thought-provoking performances...
What are the keys getting prominent philanthropists in your community to say yes?
Today, I talk with Eric Lindh, CEO of Equest & James and Kristin Hallam, co-chairs of the organization's signature fundraising event, the Blue Ribbon Gala.
Equest provides equine therapy for individuals aged two and over to help them cope with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. For over 40 years, the Equest Blue Ribbon Gala has been ...
What are the keys to success in starting a foundation that honors a departed loved one?
Today, I talk with Jamie Broach Byrd, Founder of The Broach Foundation For Brain Cancer Research and Deanna Kotrla, Executive Director of the organization to talk about the 13th annual Stand Up For Brain Cancer Gala.
The Broach Foundation was started in honor of Jamie's late husband, James Broach, who succumbed to grade IV astrocytoma also kno...
How does an organization create fun, inventive themes that creates a loyal following for an annual signature fundraising event?
Today, I talk with Performing Arts Houston Director of Development Jordan Drum to talk about the organization's annual signature fundraising event, The Kaleidoscope Ball: Rhapsody in Blue.
For nearly 60 years, Performing Arts Houston connected audiences with exceptional artists through an array of diverse ...
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