Ep. 3 - Great Gala Ideas

Raise & Shine The Podcast

Looking to host a successful gala? The Raise & Shine Podcast shares the best gala ideas to help propel your event to new heights. Hear directly from seasoned gala guest and volunteer organizer, Coryn Hemsley, who has attended more than 40 galas across Canada. Get ready to put the fun into fundraising with advice on everything from celebrity guests to decor budgets and how to stop the luxury from becoming too lavish. We get into the nitty gritty of ticket pricing, noisy guests and how to create a stellar podium program for your gala. Unlock the power of Fund a Need and learn how to create revelry to bring in revenue with the best gala games and activities. Don't miss the best gifts for guests and silent auction item ideas, plus ways to handle challenging auction donations. We also explore the elephant in the room; are galas still an effective way to fundraise? Our Insider knowledge, top tips and takeaways will help you maximize the potential of your next gala so you can achieve your fundraising goals!
Welcome to Raise & Shine where every episode features a donor's voice - get fundraising insights right from the source. Hear what donors think, feel and say with co-hosts Lynne Boardman and Louise Campbell. Lynne is Managing Director at Harvey McKinnon Associates and Louise is Vice President at Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Together they have 40+ years of fundraising experience.
Thank you so much to Harvey McKinnon and Harvey McKinnon Associates for generously sponsoring this episode.
We're also so grateful to our producer, Scott Switzer, for making the magic happen.

Thank you for listening! Please join us on Linked In and Instagram.

Chapter

1. Ep. 3 - Great Gala Ideas (00:00:00)

2. Are Galas Good Fundraisers? (00:01:38)

3. Celebrity Guests at Galas (00:04:25)

4. Get Attention of Audience (00:06:00)

5. Gala Ticket Prices (00:07:25)

6. Gala Guests (00:08:40)

7. Gala Program Ideas: Speakers (00:09:35)

8. Gala Program Ideas: Timing (00:10:25)

9. Fund a Need Ideas (00:11:26)

10. Gala Fundraising Ideas and Games (00:15:36)

11. Gala Auction Item Ideas (00:18:38)

12. Guests Takeaway Gifts (00:22:55)

13. Decor Budget for Galas Vs. Optics (00:25:25)

14. Making Your Gala Work for You (00:27:10)

15. Fundraising Event Ideas (00:31:15)

16. Gala Phone Issues (00:33:45)

17. Top Takeaways: Gala Fundraising Ideas (00:36:16)