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GUIDING YOU TOWARD GREATER IMPACT

Powerful events don't happen by chance.

We believe they happen with strategy, creativity, and the right relationships. Whether you’re planning your first fundraiser or fine-tuning your 50th, here you’ll find practical tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories to help you raise more, stress less, and create lasting impact.

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Elegant fundraising event setup showcasing intentional lighting and décor

Does a Theme Belong at Your Gala?

February 6, 2026 No Comments

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

February 4, 2026 No Comments

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

February 4, 2026 No Comments

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

February 2, 2026 No Comments

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

January 26, 2026 No Comments

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!

January 14, 2026 No Comments

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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