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PODCAST

Fun In Fundraising

Rob Giardinelli

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

business non-profit

All Episodes

56:52

Laura Ward Of Houston Children's Charity On How To...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/09/29

What is the key to hosting a successful annual gala? Run it like a business.No one is better suited to discuss this important, yet underdiscussed topic than Houston Children's Charity President & CEO Laura Ward and her enormously successful Houston Children's Charity Gala. This year, Houston's most anticipated and successful fundraising gala turns 30 this year. Laura has been able to grow the gala to extraordinary heights by adopting business principles that have allowed her gala to grow and

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39:31

Big Brothers Big Sisters LoneStar An Evening For...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/09/01

How can a nonprofit executive leader effectively collaborate with an outgoing senior leader transitioning into an emeritus role to ensure knowledge, fundraising, and impact seamlessly continue?Today, I talk with Alistine Turnbull-Blackshear, Market President of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Greater Houston Chapter, and Pierce Bush, President Emeritus of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star to discuss An Evening for Potential Gala, the Houston Chapter's annual signature fundraising event. Over

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34:04

Dallas Children's Advocacy Center Art For Advocacy...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/08/11

How does a nonprofit successfully curate a cohesive silent and live auction for their annual gala or signature fundraising event?Today, I talk with Ashley Nowak and Laura McCallan, two of the co-chairs for the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center's largest annual signature fundraising event, Art for Advocacy. If you think successful art auctions are limited to only visual arts organizations, it is time to rethink that position. For many years, Dallas Children's Advocacy Center has hosted one of North

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45:25

Abbey Lights Up COTA With Melissa Keller

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/08/04

How does a nonprofit successfully host an event in a unique, highly coveted space in a way that inspires giving and grows your fundraising total each year? Today, I talk with Melissa Keller, President and Co-Founder of the Abigail E. Keller Foundation to talk about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, Abbey Lights Up COTA. Held each year at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack, Abbey Lights Up COTA has grown over the years into one of Austin's top and most unique signature

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53:10

V Foundation's Napa Wine Celebration With Jamie...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/07/28

How does a nonprofit find keynote speakers that both move the audience and compel them to give to your cause?Today, I talk with former Sr. Director of Special Events & Operations of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Nate Ferguson, as well as acclaimed speaker and cancer thriver Jamie Valvano, daughter of legendary North Carolina State Basketball Coach, the late Jim Valvano, the namesake of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, to talk about the organization's highest-revenue fundraiser of

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42:40

The Art Of Combining Photography And Philanthropy...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/07/21

How does a nonprofit effectively create relationships with talented artists to compel them to provide works that drive event awareness and fundraising?Today, I talk with world-renowned photographer and author David Yarrow to talk about how philanthropy has been a part of his business model, as well as sharing amazing tidbits on his book David Yarrow: The Collection. This includes the late movie legend and nature lover Robert Redford, who had his essence photographed by Yarrow on numerous

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31:00

How Great Décor And Tablescapes Create Conversation...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/07/14

How do you create amazing tablescapes and décor that both wow your guests and foster connection? Today, I talk with best-selling entertaining author Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Founder of Trunk Curated, to discuss this important and often underutilized event topic. Tablescapes and décor are the one thing that can seamlessly highlight the theme of the event and create the environment to build long-lasting relationships. Over the years, Kimberly has hosted five-star events throughout the world,

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46:24

How To Leverage Your Event Photographer To Capture...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/07/07

What are the keys to effectively utilizing an event photographer so they can seamlessly capture the essence of your gala or event? Today, I talk with Priscilla Dickson, Founder of PPD Photography to discuss this vital and important topic. I often state that the one item no nonprofit can afford to cut from their event budget is a quality photographer, and Priscilla is living proof of that. For over 20 years, Priscilla has photographed nearly all of Houston's top galas and signature fundraising

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46:33

Creating An Effective Event Publicity Strategy With...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/06/30

What are the keys to creating an effective event publicity strategy that promotes both a nonprofit's signature fundraising event and its mission? Today, I talk with Jenny Selber Gustafson, Founder & CEO of Like Minds Communications, to discuss this critical topic. For nearly a decade, Like Minds Communications has successfully created mission-driven publicity and marketing strategies for many top nonprofit organizations in the Houston area. This has allowed both Like Minds and the nonprofits to

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47:48

Creating Impactful Event Videos with Kwami Ngaojia

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/06/23

What are the keys to creating strong, impactful videos at galas and signature fundraising events that both move donors and inspire financial generosity? Today, I talk with Kwami Ngaojia, Chief Relationships Officer of Beard and Bowler, to discuss this critical topic. Kwami has developed relationships with nonprofits all around the country, creating impactful program videos. Kwami & Beard and Bowler even have on-site production tools at their disposal to turn around videos in hours instead of

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47:15

Creating Unforgettable Al Fresco Events With Autumn Rich

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/06/02

What are the keys to creating unforgettable al fresco events that wow donors, increase fundraising, and leave a lasting impact?There is no better person to discuss this topic than Panacea Collective Founder Autumn Rich. Over the years, this legendary event producer has created unforgettable experiences both indoors and outdoors that have guests talking long after the last song spins at the after-party. The events Autumn has produced include many of the world's (and her current hometown of Austin's)

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35:32

Using Events And Donor Entertaining As A Part Of Your...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/05/26

How does an organization effectively incorporate a successful event and donor entertainment that produces financial results for a capital campaign? Today, I talk with Ali Flanders Dodson, Chief Advancement Officer for Kids' Meals, to discuss this important, yet often overlooked aspect as a key component to raise the necessary capital to create organization and community transformation. Kid's Meals has embarked on a multi-year $37 million capital campaign to build a new high-capacity building that

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33:30

How A Great DJ Elevates Your Gala With Lance Avery...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/05/19

What is one often overlooked critical element to a successful gala or signature fundraising event? Engaging music.Today, I talk with acclaimed DJ Lance Avery Morgan to discuss the importance of music in creating an effective throughline for your event that makes it fun, engaging, and most importantly memorable. Over the past 25 years, Lance has attended thousands of galas, commercial events, brand activations, and cocktail parties. He has seen firsthand how bad music can make a beautifully

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41:12

Texas Children's Hospital Legacy Golf Classic With...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/05/12

How does a nonprofit expanding into a new community create a successful fundraising event to engage donors in a new market?Today, I talk with Michelle Frankfort, Lead Philanthropy Advisor, Special Events, and Julia TenHoeve, Ambassadors Manager of Texas Children's Hospital, to talk about one of their Austin-based signature fundraising events, the Legacy Golf Classic. Over the years, the Houston-based Texas Children's Hospital has provided world-class medical care for children. This has included a

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39:08

Runway To Asia With Divya Brown And Janae Tsai

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/05/05

How does a nonprofit create multiple signature fundraising events that are each unique, impactful, and fun?Today, I talk with Divya Brown and Janae Tsai, co-chairs of Runway to Asia benefiting Asia Society Texas Center. Last year, Asia Society Texas Center launched Runway to Asia to serve as a complement to its highly impactful annual special event repertoire. The event immediately made a fundraising and cultural impact on the Houston community, highlighting Asian designers who have made an impact

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34:12

House of DIFFA With Rhiannon Bolen

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/04/28

How does an organization successfully cultivate a group of ambassadors to maximize attendance, revenue, and impact? Today, I talk with Rhiannon Bolen, Board Chair for DIFFA Dallas to talk about the organization's annual signature fundraising event, House of DIFFA. Texas's answer to the Met Gala, each year House of DIFFA is an evening of impact with a dash of fantasty, created through the legendary themes, with this year's being Hotel Mystique. The event draws over 1,000 top patrons, activists, and

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35:48

Bo's Place Hats, Hearts, & Horseshoes With Shelby...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/04/21

What are the keys to a nonprofit hosting a successful Kentucky Derby-themed party that is both impactful and fun?Today, I talk with Bo's Place Director of Communications Courtney Varner and Shelby Seligmann, event chair for the organization's signature fundraising event: Hats, Hearts, & Horseshoes. For the past 10 years, Hearts, Hats, and Horseshoes has been one of the most successful Kentucky Derby-themed fundraisers in Texas. The event has evolved from a party at a major donor's estate to a

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35:08

Dinner With Friends With Nancy Pollard

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/04/14

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

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47:30

American Heart Association Côtes du Coeur With Chris...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/04/07

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

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37:38

St. David's Foundation Toast Of The Town With...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/03/31

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

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145 results

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