Best Rob Giardinelli Podcasts (2025)

1
The Art Of Dynamic And Dazzling Auctions With Bobby D. Ehlert 36:55

6d ago36:55

36:55

What are the keys to creating a dynamic, dazzling live auction that both raises a lot of money and has guests talking about your gala...and auction long after your event has ended? In today's episode, I talk with one of the very best auctioneers in the business, Bobby D. Ehlert, Co-Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspire Hearts Fundraising. …

1
Mack, Jack & McConaughey And Dell Children's Partnership With Jennifer Stevens and Susan Hewlitt 36:06

13d ago36:06

36:06

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 C…

1
Houston Children's Charity Chariots For Children With Laura Ward 32:11

20d ago32:11

32:11

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, President & CEO of Houston Children's Charity to discuss the organization's upcoming Chariots for Children event. For nearly 30 years, Houston Children's Charity ha…

1
ReuNight For The Family Place With Jess Bass Bolander, Melissa Keeling, And Holly Krug 36:18

27d ago36:18

36:18

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 …

1
House Of DIFFA With Jacob Samson and Payton Martin 40:19

1M ago40:19

40:19

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, successfu…

1
Conspirare Hidden Music With Craig Hella Johnson 49:02

1M ago49:02

49:02

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, …

1
Equest Blue Ribbon Gala With James and Kristin Hallam & Eric Lindh 42:56

2M ago42:56

42:56

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 em…

1
The Broach Foundation Stand Up For Brain Cancer Gala With Jamie Broach And Deanna Kotrla 51:59

2M ago51:59

51:59

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…

1
Performing Arts Houston Kaleidoscope Ball With Jordan Drum 37:18

2M ago37:18

37:18

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 A…

1
HeartGift Gala With Christy Casey-Moore And Kristi Jones 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

How does an organization be a part of two highly successful signature fundraising events that are within a few weeks of one another? Today, I talk with HeartGift CEO Christy Casey-Moore and Vice President of Marketing and Fund Development, Kristi Jones to talk about their annual signature fundraising event, the HeartGift Gala. HeartGift provides li…

1
Children's Cancer Fund Gala With Jennifer Arthur And Shannon McGough 34:33

3M ago34:33

34:33

How does an organization effectively evolve its signature fundraising event so it remains a must-attend event year after year? Today, I talk with Jennifer Arthur, CEO of the Children's Cancer Fund and Children's Cancer Fund Board Member Shannon McGough to talk about the Children's Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala. Over the past 35 years, the Child…

1
Junior League Of Dallas Milestones Luncheon With Tandra Allen And Lauren Combest 39:00

3M ago39:00

39:00

How does an organization effectively host a signature fundraising event that draws top professionals during the workday? Today, I talk with Tandra Allen, President of the Junior League Of Dallas, and Lauren Combest, co-chair for the organizations signature fundraising event, The Milestones Luncheon. Over the past 103 years, the Junior League of Dal…

1
Memorial Park Conservancy's The Park Ball With Monica Enriquez Clem 41:06

3M ago41:06

41:06

How can does an organization effectively prepare an host a successful outdoor gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Monica Enriquez Clem, Sr. Director of Development of the Memorial Park Conservancy to talk about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, The Park Ball. For over 100 Years, residents of Houston and vi…

1
Houston Grand Opera Opera Ball 2025 With Allison Reeves and Katherine Cunningham 41:09

3M ago41:09

41:09

How does an organization effectively partner with an outside event planner to carry out their vision for an annual gala or signauture fundraising event? Today, I talk with Allison Reeves, Director of Special Events for the Houston Grand Opera, and Katherine Cunningham, Associate Director of Special Events for the Houston Grand Opera to talk about t…

1
Dallas Mavericks Foundation Mavs Ball With Hannah Turner 33:06

3M ago33:06

33:06

How can an business successfully create a foundation or nonprofit arm of their organization create a positive impact in their community? Today, I talk with Hannah Turner, Sr. Director of Corporate Responsibility and Executive Director of the Dallas Maverick's Foundation to talk about the organization's upcoming signature fundraising event, the Mavs…

1
Asia Society Texas Center's Tiger Ball With Bonna Kol And Rishi Varma 41:30

4M ago41:30

41:30

How can a nonprofit transform any space in a way that effectively tells the story of the organization and inspires the audience to give more? Today, I talk with Bonna Kol, President of the Asia Society Texas Center and Rishi Varma, one of the co-chairs of Tiger Ball, the organization's signature fundraising events. This year's theme, Enchanting Sha…

1
Imagine Muny Gala With Scotty Sayers And Suzanne Erickson 40:34

4M ago40:34

40:34

How does a nonprofit and community leaders effectively use existing relationships to create a dynamic, fun, and compelling signature fundraising event that draws people from all corners of your community? Today, I talk with Scotty Sayers, Co-Chair of The Muny Conservancy and Suzanne Erickson, Director of Public Relations for the organizations upcom…

1
2025 Texas Medal Of Arts Awards With Heidi Marquez Smith And Tania Schwartz 50:40

4M ago50:40

50:40

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 signatur…

1
CASABlanca Cheers To 40 Years With Erin Kozma, Kelly Kopecky, and Rachel Pry 36:00

4M ago36:00

36:00

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 fundrai…

1
Krewe de Kamp for All With Mary Beth Mosley and Paul Palmer 44:42

5M ago44:42

44:42

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 c…

1
Successfully Incorporating Talent Into Your Fundraising Event With Sarajane Dailey 38:47

5M ago38:47

38:47

How can an organization successfully integrate talent into a gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I chat the very talented artist, musician, and philanthropist Mela Sarajane Dailey to find out. This Grammy Award-winning performer has dazzled audiences on professional and philanthropic stages for many years. During her career, she has entranc…

1
Mark Updegrove On Moderating Effective Conversations With Featured Event Guests 34:15

5M ago34:15

34:15

What are the secrets to moderating engaging conversations with a high-profile, headline guest at your event? Today, I talk with Mark Updegrove, President & CEO of the LBJ Foundation to find out. Over the years, Mark has interviewed and/or moderated conversations with seven former Presidents including the late Jimmy Carter. In addition to speaking w…

1
Tales Of A Billion Dollar Auctioneer With Lydia Fenet 40:38

6M ago40:38

40:38

What are the secrets to making live auctions fun, interesting, and successful? Today, I talk with one of the top auctioneers in the world, Lydia Fenet, Founder & CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency to find out. After a highly-successful 25-year career as an auctioneer at Christie's, Lydia started her own auction firm, the Lydia Fenet Agency. Over the pas…

1
The Keys To Successful Event Publicity With Cynthia Smoot, Jesse Parker Stowell and Dancie Perugini Ware 50:55

6M ago50:55

50:55

What are the keys to getting publicity before and after an event? Today, I talk three top Public Relations Professionals Cynthia Smoot, Founder of Gangway Advertising, Jesse Parker Stowell, Founder of Parker|Phoenix Public Relations, and Dancie Perugini Ware, Founder of Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations to find out. These three pros are among t…

1
The Art Of Producing Fabulous Events With Steve Kemble 48:00

6M ago48:00

48:00

What are the secrets to hosting fabulous events that have your guests talking about them long after they end? Today I talk with event producer to the stars, Steve Kemble to find out. A top event producer of five-star events for decades, Steve has produced hundreds, if not thousands of events including galas, weddings, birthday parties, corporate ev…

1
Swing By!: Entertaining Recipes And The New Art Of Gathering With Stephanie Nass 33:41

6M ago33:41

33:41

What are the keys to hosting epic holiday events that have guests talking about them well into the new year? Today, special guest co-host Lance Avery Morgan and I talk with Stephanie Nass, author of Swing By!: Entertaining Recipes & the New Art of Gathering. Founder of the culinary lifestyle Chefanie, Stephanie has hosted successful events and gath…

1
Center For Child Protection's Dancing With The Stars Austin With Amy Beard And Bridget Ramey 39:33

7M ago39:33

39:33

How does an organization get majors donors actively involved in their signature fundraising event months in advance? Today, I talk with Bridget Ramey and Amy Beard, co-chairs of the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Austin benefiting the Center for Child Protection. One of Austin's top fundraising events each year, Dancing with the Stars features 12 …

1
Andy Roddick Foundation Gala With Michael Kitner 35:11

7M ago35:11

35:11

How does an organization effectively engage with high-profile individuals to obtain top-level talent to headline their gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Chief Development Officer of the Andy Roddick Foundation, Michael Kitner about the organization's upcoming signature event the Andy Roddick Foundation Gala. The Andy Roddick F…

1
A Writer's Garden Benefiting The Women's Council Of The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden With Joni Krieg and Dorothea Melzer 39:42

7M ago39:42

39:42

How does an organization host multiple successful signature fundraising events throughout the year that appeals to different aspects of their donor base? Today, I talk with Joni Krieg, the event chair for the upcoming Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden's A Writers Garden and the events strategic advisor, Dorothea Melzer. E…

1
Folds Of Honor Gala With Meredith Allen Connally, Liz Scott and Liz Brees 38:45

7M ago38:45

38:45

How does a gala or signature fundraising event effectively utilize receipients to help recruit and sustain new donors in an authentic, organic way? Today, I talk with Meredith Allen Connally and Liz Scott, Regional Development Officers for Folds of Honor and Liz Brees, a recipient of the organizations services. Folds of Honor is an organization tha…

1
Children's Museum Houston Noir Ball with Allison Chávez and Whitney Burns 36:42

7M ago36:42

36:42

How does an organization create fun, inventive themes year after year that keeps donors continually engaged and surprised? Today, I talk with Allison Chávez and Whitney Burns, co-chairs of the upcoming Children's Museum Houston Noir Ball Held at The Corinthian, one of the most beautiful event spaces in Texas, the Children's Museum Houston event lea…

1
Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Power Of Literacy Luncheon With Julie Baker Finck 50:03

8M ago50:03

50:03

How does an organization effectively vet guest speakers for a signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with President & CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Julie Baker Finck to discuss one of the organization's upcoming signature fundraising events, The Power of Literacy Luncheon. The organization was founded in honor of the late…

1
The Rise School Of Austin's Shine For Rise With Rachel Parr Booth 41:38

8M ago41:38

41:38

How does an organization successfully rebrand it's signature fundraising event to evolve with the organization? Today, I talk with The Rise School Of Austin's Director of Development and Marketing, Rachel Parr Booth to talk about their upcoming signature fundraising event Shine For Rise. The Rise School of Austin is a pre-school that creates an inc…

1
Center For Child Protection Play Bingo Ladies Luncheon With Amy Cranfill And Kirby Cathey 40:14

8M ago40:14

40:14

How can an organization host a highly successful fundraiser as counterprogramming to another popular event? Today, I talk with the Center For Child Protection's Director of Donor Relations Amy Cranfill and Events Manager Kirby Cathey about the organization's annual Play Bingo Ladies Luncheon. Held on a Saturday morning each year, the Play Bingo Lad…

1
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Glow In The Park With Katherine Farmer-Thornhill And Gary Farmer 42:30

8M ago42:30

42:30

How can an organization effectively draw multiple generations of their community to their annual gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Katherine Farmer-Thornhill and Gary Farmer, co-chairs of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy's annual Glow In The Park Gala. This father-daughter duo is leading one of Austin's most notable and fun a…

1
Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Red Hot Gala With Elizabeth Stein And Laura Stein 44:54

9M ago44:54

44:54

How can an organization use an annual calendar reveal to create a popular nonprofit fundraising event? Today, I talk with Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation Development Director Laura Stein and Elizabeth Stein, co-chair of Red Hot Gala 2024, the organization's signature fundraising event. Started shortly before the…

1
SPCA Of Texas Fur Ball With Chris Luna And Maura Davies 46:04

9M ago46:04

46:04

How does an organization implement an effective leadership and communications strategy to create a successful gala or signature fundraising event? Today, I talk with Chris Luna, President & Chief Executive Officer of the SPCA of Texas, and Maura Davies, the organization's Vice President of Marketing Communications. The SPCA of Texas is the region's…

1
The Family Place's Texas Trailblazers Awards With Carmen Holmes And Clarisa Lindenmeyer 47:12

9M ago47:12

47:12

How does an organization create a single fundraising event has a devoted following not just year after year, but decade after decade? Today, I talk with Carmen Holmes, Chief Development Officer of The Family Place, and Clarisa Lindenmeyer, co-chair of the 28th annual Texas Trailblazers Awards Luncheon. The Family Place is Texas' largest service age…

1
Sky High For Kids Ladies Who Brunch With Brittany Franklin 47:21

9M ago47:21

47:21

How do you turn a small, intimate brunch into a seven-figure fundraising event? Today, I talk with Sky High For Kids Founder and CEO Brittany Franklin about the organization's signature fundraising event Ladies Who Brunch. Ladies who Brunch began as an small brunch for a couple of dozen people where Brittany could get to know the spouses of her boa…

1
2024 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala With J. Denton Bricker And Patrick Means 34:12

10M ago34:12

34:12

What does it take successfully engage your audience at a gala or signature fundraising event that features multiple acts in an evening? Today, I talk with Dallas Symphony Orchestra Director of Events and Volunteer Services J. Denton Bricker and Patrick Means, co-chair of the 2024 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala. Long of of North Texas' most popular …

1
2024 Cattle Baron's Ball With Lora Farris And Marjon Zabihi Henderson 33:12

10M ago33:12

33:12

What does it take for an organization to run a successful gala and get to the all-time the $100 milliion fundraising mark? Today, I talk with 2024 Cattle Baron's Ball co-chairs Lora Farris and Marjon Zabihi Henderson. The largest single-night fundraiser each year for the American Cancer Society, the Cattle Baron's Ball has been one of Dallas' (and …

1
Texas Advocacy Project's Black & White Ball With Heather Bellino 35:40

10M ago35:40

35:40

How can steady and passionate leadership help take your gala or signature fundraiser to become a must-attend event that raises seven figures? Today, I talk with Texas Advocacy Project CEO Heather Bellino about the organization's signature fundraising event The Black & White Ball. For over 20 years, Heather's tireless advocacy and passion to provide…

1
Houston PetSet Fierce & Fabulous Soirée With Lisa Tynan 49:17

10M ago49:17

49:17

How does a successful gala celebrate a milestone to honor key people who have made the event a success? Today, I talk with Lisa Tynan, the Events Manager for Houston PetSet about the 20th Annual Fierce & Fabulous Soirée. Founded by nationally known animal advocates Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, Houston PetSet has long been one of the cit…

1
Big Brothers Big Sisters Ice Ball With Kedrick Jeffries And Brenda Lindfors 31:18

10M ago31:18

31:18

How does an organization take their annual fundraising gala from four figures to seven figures? Today, I talk with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas CEO Kedrick Jeffries and CMO Brenda Lindfors to talk about the 20th annual Big Brothers BIg Sisters of Central Texas Ice Ball. In its first year, the Ice Ball raised a little over $6,000. After…

1
Creating Statement Signature Cocktails With Bestselling Author André Darlington 39:33

11M ago39:33

39:33

One key element of any successful gala or signature fundraising event is a signature cocktail that helps make your event fun and memorable. Today, special guest cohost Lance Avery Morgan and I talk with André Darlington, author of a dozen cocktail books including his latest book Cowboy Cocktails: 60 Recipes Inspired by the American West. One of the…

1
Creating Fun And Profitable Fundraising Events With AJ Sternberg 43:14

11M ago43:14

43:14

What key steps can nonprofits take to host fun and profitable galas and signature fundraising events? Today, I talk with event producer turned nonprofit fundraising thought-leader AJ Steinberg. Based in Southern California, AJ has been involved in the nonprofit fundraising scene for over 20 years. Her company, Queen Bee Fundraising works with nonpr…

1
Innovative Signature Fundraisers With Kit Moncrief and Gloria Moncrief Holmsten 34:09

11M ago34:09

34:09

What is a unique way to hold a signature fundraiser without holding an inperson event? Today, I talk with Kit Moncrief and Gloria Moncrief Holmsten of The Saving Hope Foundation to talk about their annual signature fundraising book, Hope & Friends. The Saving Hope Foundation is a successful nonprofit in Fort Worth that serves as a rescue to find fo…

1
Working With Talent At Your Nonprofit Events With Actor, Singer, And Director Nicholas Rodriguez 32:00

11M ago32:00

32:00

One of the biggest questions often ask when planning their nonprofit event: How do I find and work with talent? I could not think of a better person to talk about this subject with than today's guest, actor, director, and singer Nicholas Rodriguez. This talented artist is a veteran of a multitude of film, television, and stage performances. Over th…

1
Creating Keepsakes For Your Gala Guests With Stephanie Schiller of Vogue Vignette 36:34

12M ago36:34

36:34

How can a nonprofit gala or signature fundraising event create a great experience for their guests and donors? Provide keepsakes that have your guests thinking about your event long after it has ended. Today, I talk with Stephanie Schiller, owner of Vogue Vignette. Vogue Vignette is a team of seven artists led by Stephanie who provide custom sketch…

1
Effectively Use Your Event Emcee With Holly Mills-Gardner 49:02

12M ago49:02

49:02

What is one of the most critical things you can do to host a successful event? Find an emcee that sets the tone you want to set to ensure the event's success. Today, special guest co-host Lance Avery Morgan joins me to talk with media personality and presenter Holly Mills-Gardner. Holly Mills-Gardner is one of the very best emcees in the business. …

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