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, and McConaughey, Texas's largest annual fundraising gala. The 2025 event raised $17 million, which will benefit Dell Children's and four other nonprofit organizations that fulfill the Mack, Jack, & McConaughey mission to empower kids.

Jennifer and Susan share valuable tips and insights on creating a successful nonprofit partnership roadmap including how to effectively communicate so that both organizations are on the same page, highlighting key initiatives that positively impact the communties they serve, and sucessfully evolving a partnership so both organizations grow together. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

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 & CEO of Houston Children's Charity to discuss their 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 Ward's passion for helping children in the Houston community.

Chariots for Children, a Van Distribution Event provides children with disabilities vans to give them and their families more independence. The van distribution is the end result of an innovative Paddles Up at the organization's annual Houston Children's Charity Gala, Houston's top annual fundraising gala. Attendees raise their paddles to provide one family with a van. This year, a record 66 vans will be distributed to children at Chariots for Children.

Laura Ward provides a masterclass on what it takes to effectively lead a nonprofit organization including tips for creating an efficient application process for services that benefit anywhere from tens to tens of thousands, the importance of understanding the specific need you can fill in your community, and how to attract a top-tier board and hold them accountable. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.

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 anticipated galas each year. Proceeds from ReuNight benefit The Family Place, which is Texas' largest nonprofit organization providing services for victims of domestic violence.

In this episode, Jess, Melissa, and Holly discuss a wide range of topics, including tips to successfully hosting a signature event at a different location each year, the importance of having a strong relationship between event chairs and a nonprofit organization, and creating strong themes that compel donors to attend and give. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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 gala, it features an epic jacket auction where the organization partners with acclaimed designers known locally, regionally, and globally. It all culminates with a hour-plus fashion show that ties into the event theme, complete with cutting-edge, avant-garde fashion mixed in with choreographed numbers making it an unforgettable night for their guests.

The substantial amount of funds raised from House Of DIFFA support HIV prevention, awareness, and treatment programs in North Texas.

In this episode, Jacob and Payton share their thoughts on a wide range of topics including creating innovative themes that keep donors on their toes and wanting more, how to host a successful kickoff party that creates buzz for your gala or signature fundraising events, establishing strong partnerships with production partners, and so much more. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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 annual gala, Hidden Music, has become one of Austin’s most beloved and successful fundraising events focused on the arts.

Craig shares insights on how to build and retain a world-class ensemble, connect meaningfully with donors, and create events that leave a lasting emotional impact. He also reflects on how to honor loved ones with integrity and depth during fundraising performances. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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 devoted following that has a core base of attendees who support it year after year while continually bringing in new, prominent donors.

In this episode, James, Kristin, and Eric discuss a wide range of topics including tips on how an organization can approach a high-profile individual in your community to say "YES" to support your event, how signature fundraising events help new executives connect with current and prospective donors, and the keys to creating a successful relationship between event chairs and a nonprofit. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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, to advance the prevention, treatment, and cure for brain cancer.

In this episode, Jamie and Deanna discuss a wide range of topics steps to take when considering establishing a foundation in honor of a lost loved one, how the organization leverages the board to drive donors and sponsors to your event, and tips on getting celebrities and high-profile individuals to headline your signature fundraising event. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

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 performances and learning experiences. Through these programs help cultivate a community that allows the audiences discover new understandings about themselves and inspire dialogue.

Over the years, Kaleidoscope Ball has become one of Houston's top annual signature fundraising events in Houston, a city with many world class arts organizations. Last year's Kaleidoscope Ball broke all previous fundraising records for the event.

In this episode, Jordan talks about a range of topics including how to create a process to select a theme that has everyone on board to support it, similarities and differences between attracting individual and corporate donors, and how to utilize talent during your signature fundraising event that tugs at the heart strings of donors. This is one episode you will not want to miss.