Shannon Eason, CEO & Fundraising Auctioneer at Everything Gala

Elegant fundraising event setup showcasing intentional lighting and décor

Does a Theme Belong at Your Gala?

Leave a Comment / Core Leadership, Emerging Trends /

Should your event have a theme, or is it better without one? Themes can elevate an experience, guide planning decisions, and engage guests, but they can also distract from your message if they’re not aligned with your goals. This post explores the benefits and drawbacks of themed events, offers guidance on when a theme makes sense, and shares ways to create impact even without one. The right choice isn’t about trends, it’s about purpose, clarity, and creating an experience that supports your mission.

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Engaged donors connecting at an intimate nonprofit fundraising gala

When Every Seat Matters

Leave a Comment / Marketing Event, Specialized Areas /

Not every supporter can be in the room, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of your success. This blog explores how intentional guest strategy, mission education, and personal connection can help organizations build high-impact galas, even with smaller attendance. From selecting the right guests to engaging supporters beyond the room, discover how every seat can carry purpose, momentum, and meaningful fundraising power.

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Guests participating in interactive fundraising activities at a gala event

Innovative Revenue Ideas Guests Actually Love

Leave a Comment / Emerging Trends, Fundraising Strategies/Revenue Generators /

Fundraising galas are evolving, and today’s donors are looking for experiences that feel engaging, interactive, and fresh. In this post, Shannon shares creative revenue enhancers that can supplement or replace traditional fundraising elements while energizing the room. From interactive games and reinvented raffles to strategic live auction additions, these ideas help organizations increase participation and boost event-night revenue. Thoughtful, adaptable fundraising strategies not only elevate the guest experience, they help events finish strong and inspire generosity long after the night ends.

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Fundraising gala featuring dramatic lighting and themed décor

Your Clients Are Looking for Something Different – Let’s Give Them Ideas

Leave a Comment / Core Leadership, Technology /

Many nonprofits are questioning whether galas are still worth the effort, citing burnout, low ROI, or outdated formats. In this post, Shannon challenges that mindset and shares creative ways to reimagine the gala experience. From immersive art and interactive theater to bold décor and innovative dining concepts, she explores how organizations can create events that feel exciting, purposeful, and memorable. If your clients are ready for something different, this article offers fresh ideas that spark engagement and drive results.

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Commanding the Room When It Matters Most

Avoiding Gala Disasters…Why Planning is Key

Leave a Comment / Emerging Trends, Fundraising Strategies/Revenue Generators /

Even the best-planned galas face unexpected challenges. From long bar lines and registration bottlenecks to power outages and medical emergencies. In this post, Shannon walks through real-world gala disasters and the planning strategies that prevent the event from falling apart. Drawing from firsthand experience, she explains why logistics matter, how flexibility keeps events on track, and why the auctioneer’s leadership can determine whether a night unravels or succeeds. If you’re planning a gala and want donors focused on generosity instead of chaos, this is a must-read.

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A donor participating in a fundraising moment, symbolizing how generosity supports both personal well-being and nonprofit missions

Four Ways Generosity is Good for Your Mission, and for You!

Leave a Comment / Core Leadership, Specialized Areas /

Generosity creates a ripple effect that benefits both nonprofits and the people who support them. In this post, Shannon highlights four research-backed ways giving improves well-being, strengthens social connections, and increases long-term engagement with your mission. Drawing from behavioral science and wellness research, this article explains why generosity isn’t just good for your organization; it’s good for your donors, too. A powerful reminder that giving back creates impact on both sides of the paddle.

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Father and daughter standing together in a gala event space, highlighting the next generation of givers at a fundraising event

Raising the Next Generation of Givers: Welcoming Children at Your Gala

Leave a Comment / Emerging Trends, Fundraising Strategies/Revenue Generators /

If your gala is designed to raise critical funds while creating a meaningful donor experience, where do children fit in? It’s a question many organizations are quietly asking. In this article, Shannon breaks down the realities of gala fundraising, why adult donor engagement must come first, and how Generation Alpha can still be introduced to philanthropy in intentional ways. You’ll explore the benefits and challenges of including kids at galas, creative alternatives that protect the guest experience, and strategies that help organizations raise funds now while inspiring the next generation of givers for the future.

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Gala attendees sharing a private moment, symbolizing intentional planning for a successful nonprofit fundraising gala

The Secret to a Standout Gala

Leave a Comment / Core Leadership, Emerging Trends, Fundraising Strategies/Revenue Generators, Marketing Event /

If your gala went “fine” last year, but didn’t leave guests buzzing afterward, it may be time for a fresh approach. The most successful events don’t just check boxes; they create meaningful moments that guests remember long after the night ends. In this post, learn the six strategic ways to create a standout event that engages guests, deepens connections, and leaves a lasting impression well beyond the ballroom, for all the right reasons.

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Intimate nonprofit fundraising gala with small guest list and elegant venue setup

The Power of Boutique Fundraising Events: Strategies for Nonprofits

2 Comments / Emerging Trends, Fundraising Strategies/Revenue Generators /

Nonprofits today are rethinking what makes a fundraising event successful. With rising costs and shifting donor expectations, many organizations are turning toward smaller, more intentional gatherings. In this article, Shannon sheds light on why boutique-style fundraising events can be just as, if not more, impactful than large galas.

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