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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

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All Episodes

37:13

Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/02/10

How does an organization successfully create an event season that has patrons and donors anticipating its signature fundraising event for months on end?Today, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Claire Catrino and Maggie Kipp, co-chair of the DSO League 2026 Presentation Ball. One of the most successful presentation balls in the United States, the 2026 Presentation Ball will celebrate two significant milestones: the 80th anniversary of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and the

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51:34

Bill Beynon, Ashley Gerry, and Valerie Gargiulo Of...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2026/01/13

What does it take to create and provide one-of-a-kind live auction packages for your audience that raises millions?There is no better person to talk about today's trio of guests, Bill Beynon and Ashley Gerry, co-chairs of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, as well as founding member of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, Valerie Gargiulo. This episode, the second in a three-part series behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is one of the top fundraising galas in the United States each year. A large

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56:28

Creating Magical Event Fashion Shows With Legend...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/12/30

What does it take host a fashion show luncheon or gala that is engaging, cost-effective, and most importantly fun?There is no better person to talk about this topic than today's guest and someone I am proud to call my friend, iconic runway model and fashion show producer Jan Strimple. After beginning her career in retail merchandising, Jan started her trajectory in the fashion industry, walking the runways of Paris and collaborating with top designers, including the iconic Bob Mackie. Jan then

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32:26

IM Houston's Tapestry Gala With Sheroo Mukhitar and...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/10/21

How can an organization host a fundraising gala that reflects the tapestry of the communities they serve?In today’s episode, I talk with IM Houston's CEO Sheroo Mukhitar and Chief Development Officer Maria Magee, about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, The Tapestry Gala. The Tapestry Gala has long been known for drawing various parts of the Houston community together which aligns with the IM Houston's mission of bringing diverse faith traditions together for dialogue,

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37:09

The Trail Conservancy's Twilight On The Trail With...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/10/14

How can an organization effectively use pre-events to sell out their gala well in advance of the event date?In today’s episode, I talk with Anna Caitlyn Butler and Madeline Meyer, co-chairs of the upcoming Twilight on the Trail benefiting The Trail Conservancy. The Trail Conservancy protects, enhances, and connects the Roy and Ann Butler Trail, the beloved nature path along Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Its signature fundraiser, Twilight on the Trail, is one of Austin’s most anticipated annual

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31:30

Cattle Baron's Ball With Courtney Derderian MD and...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/10/07

What are the keys to giving your signature fundraising event a local feel, even if it is a national organization?In today’s episode, I talk with Cattle Baron's Ball Dallas co-chairs Courtney Derderian MD and Nina Sasche to talk about this iconic event benefiting American Cancer Society. For the past 52 years, Cattle Baron's Ball has been the gold standard in creating a highly successful fundraiser that blends unique locations, fashion, music, and philanthropy. The event is now the largest single

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30:53

Houston PetSet Fierce & Fabulous Le Brunch With Tena...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/08/19

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 Lundquist, the organization has decided now is the right time to shift the

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39:27

Round Top Film Festival Gala With Shanna Schanen And...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/08/12

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 further establish Round Top as a cultural destination, Shanna launched the

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39:25

State Fair Of Texas® With Karissa Condoianis

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/08/05

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 family fun that draws over 2 million visitors to the fair each year, it

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41:29

Creating Successful Events With All Budgets And Sizes...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/07/29

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 Advocacy Project's Black & White Ball. Her can-do attitude and

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35:02

4ATX Foundation's A Night In Verde Gala With Kaitlin...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/07/22

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. The foundation arm of the Austin FC soccer team, the 4ATX Foundation

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36:30

2025 Houston Cattle Baron's Ball With Jenny Todd

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/07/15

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 innovative approach of effectively tapping into the spirit local

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42:10

Imagine A Way Gala With Sarah Gilbreath

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/07/08

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 the financial burden of the care required for children who have

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38:24

Creating An Effective Event Promotion Strategy With...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/06/24

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 serves as Children's Museum Houston's Marketing Communications

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36:55

The Art Of Dynamic And Dazzling Auctions With Bobby...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/05/27

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 United States. He is a master at commanding the room to get donors to

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36:06

Mack, Jack & McConaughey And Dell Children's...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/05/20

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 Foundation has been one of the five beneficiary organizations of Mack, Jack,

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49:02

Conspirare Hidden Music With Craig Hella Johnson

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/04/22

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, including Craig’s acclaimed work Considering Matthew Shepard. Their

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42:56

Equest Blue Ribbon Gala With James and Kristin Hallam...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/04/15

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 one of North Texas' top signature fundraising events, drawing a

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51:59

The Broach Foundation Stand Up For Brain Cancer Gala...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/04/08

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 known gliblastoma in 2013. The foundation was started to fund research,

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50:40

2025 Texas Medal Of Arts Awards With Heidi Marquez...

Fun In Fundraising ·

2025/01/28

How does an nonprofit or commercial organization successfully get multiple high-profile individuals, community leaders, and celebrities to say yes and attend an organizations signature event?Today, I talk with Texas Cultural Trust CEO, Heidi Marquez Smith and Tania Schwartz, co-chair, the 2025 Texas Medal of Arts Awards, the organizations signature fundraising event. For the past 25 years, the Texas Cultural Trust has been a leading voice in highlighting arts education, programs, and advocacy in

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34 results

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