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 Texas to spotlight both the cultural and economic impact the arts bring to Texas. Every other year, the organization honors approximately 10 individuals and/or organization who have made substantial contributions in the arts to Texas and beyond.

In this episode, Heidi and Tania talk about a wide range of topics including tips on how to select honorees for your annual signature fundraising event, attracting people from multiple markets to attend your signature fundraising event, and advice on engaging celebrities and high-profile individuals to say yes to supporting and attending your organization's gala. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

How does an organization successfuly host a milestone signature fundraising event that honors the past, celebrates the present, and provides vision for the future?

Today, I talk with CASA of Travis County Director of Development Erin Kozma as well as Kelly Kopecky and Rachel Pry, co-chairs of CASABlanca, the organizations upcoming singature fundraising event.

CASA of Travis County provides children with advocates for children in the legal system to who have experienced abuse or neglect. What makes the CASA of Travis County advocacy system so exceptional, is that the advocates are entirely composed of volunteers who go through a rigorous training process to ensure the children are well represented.

This year, CASA of Travis County turns 40 and will celebrate with a special theme for this years' annual gala: Cheers to 40 Years.

In this episode, Erin, Kelly, and Rachel talk about a wide range of topics including tips on evolving your organization as your community evolves, ton, developing successful relationship between an organization and event chairs, the importance of having a strong committee to help a chair and an organization carry out the event's vision and so much more.

How does an organization successfuly work with an event chair in a way that resepects the organization while putting a personal stamp on an event? Today, I talk with Camp for All Development Director Mary Beth Mosley and Paul Palmer, co-chair of the Krewe de Kamp for All, the organizations upcoming singature fundraising event.

Camp for All allows children and adults with special needs the opportunity to experience camping and nature opportunities the the organizations 206 acre camp in Burton, Texas, approximately 85 miles outside of Houston where Krewe de Kamp for All will be held. The space features over 100,000 square feet of facilities, two lakes, nature trails, and wooded areas for campers to experience.

In this episode, Mary Beth and Paul talk about a wide range of topics including tips on building a successful relationship between an organization and event chairs, creating fun and innovative event themes, and the importance of long-term planning in creating a successful gala or signature fundraising event.