Derby Day Done Right – Behind the Scenes of a 19-Year Legacy

Elevate Your Event

#Non-Profit #Business #Handbid

30:20

Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per year, in Israel, as they wait for ambulances and medical attention. Eli’s vision is to bring this life-saving model across the world. In 2015, Beer expanded internationally with the establishment of branches in South America and other countries, including “United Rescue” in Jersey City, USA, where the response time was reduced to just two minutes and thirty-five seconds. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (1:04) Hatzalah’s reputation for speed (4:48) Hatzalah’s volunteer EMTs and ambucycles (5:50) Entrepreneurism at Hatzalah (8:09) Chutzpah (14:15) Hatzalah’s recruitment (18:31) Volunteers from all walks of life (22:51) Having COVID changed Eli’s perspective (26:00) operating around the world amid antisemitism (28:06) goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

23 days ago 39:20

MP3•Episode home

Jeff shares how the event has grown, what they’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), and why creating a memorable experience is the key to fundraising success. From ditching stuffy venues to selling $5K fire pit tables and booking Nashville acts—this is a masterclass in bold moves and thoughtful planning.

What You’ll Learn:

How to elevate your event year after year—without losing your audience
The art of risk: investing in experience to drive revenue
Creative sponsorship strategies and how cold calls could pay off
Why guest experience matters more than spreadsheets
The surprising ROI of outdoor furniture and fire pits

Links & Mentions:

Event info: DerbyDenver.com

Whether you’re planning your first gala or your 20th, this episode is packed with practical ideas, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way.

93 episodes

Derby Day Done Right – Behind the Scenes of a 19-Year Legacy

Elevate Your Event

published 23 days ago

MP3•Episode home

What You’ll Learn:

How to elevate your event year after year—without losing your audience
The art of risk: investing in experience to drive revenue
Creative sponsorship strategies and how cold calls could pay off
Why guest experience matters more than spreadsheets
The surprising ROI of outdoor furniture and fire pits

Links & Mentions:

Event info: DerbyDenver.com

Whether you’re planning your first gala or your 20th, this episode is packed with practical ideas, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way.

93 episodes

#Non-Profit #Business #Handbid

All episodes

Elevate Your Event

1
Creating Memorable Guest Experiences with Kim Tittle, 15|40 Productions 46:49

9 days ago46:49

46:49

In this episode of Elevate Your Event , we’re joined by Kimberly Tittle, Executive Director of 15|40 Productions, who brings over two decades of expertise in crafting unforgettable events. Kimberly dives deep into what it really takes to elevate guest experiences—from arrival to farewell. She shares how a thoughtful blend of technology and human connection can make or break an event, and why guest comfort should always be center stage. We also explore the unique dynamics of balancing celebrity privacy with charitable engagement, adding interactive elements that leave lasting impressions, and the behind-the-scenes magic of coordinating teams and volunteers. Kimberly highlights the irreplaceable value of professional event planners in pulling all the pieces together and delivering events that guests won’t stop talking about. Top Takeaways: Events should align with organizational goals and guest expectations. A seamless guest experience builds community, comfort, and awareness. The arrival moment sets the tone—clear signage and direction matter. Tech enhances events when it’s intuitive and non-intrusive. Balance is everything: celebrity privacy vs. engagement, innovation vs. comfort. Know your audience’s tech tolerance before going high-tech. Experiential and interactive elements boost engagement and fundraising. Strong teams, clear communication, and organized volunteers make the magic happen. Pro event planners keep logistics smooth so the mission stays front and center. In-house skills can stretch budgets and simplify execution.…

Elevate Your Event

1
Derby Day Done Right – Behind the Scenes of a 19-Year Legacy 39:20

23 days ago39:20

39:20

This episode flips the script. No guests. No panels. Just Jeff and Mark diving deep into the history and evolution of one of Denver’s most unique fundraising events: Derby Day at Fiddler’s Green. What started as a backyard party nearly two decades ago is now a full-blown, high-end experience with fire pits, LED screens, custom cocktails, and serious fundraising power. Jeff shares how the event has grown, what they’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), and why creating a memorable experience is the key to fundraising success. From ditching stuffy venues to selling $5K fire pit tables and booking Nashville acts—this is a masterclass in bold moves and thoughtful planning. What You’ll Learn: How to elevate your event year after year—without losing your audience The art of risk: investing in experience to drive revenue Creative sponsorship strategies and how cold calls could pay off Why guest experience matters more than spreadsheets The surprising ROI of outdoor furniture and fire pits Links & Mentions: Event info: DerbyDenver.com Whether you’re planning your first gala or your 20th, this episode is packed with practical ideas, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way.…

Elevate Your Event

1
The Power of Clarity in Nonprofit Goal Setting with Graeme Watt 45:04

5 weeks ago45:04

45:04

In this episode, our guest Graeme Watt introduces the Strategic Inevitability Framework —a powerful tool designed to help nonprofits bring clarity, focus, and follow-through to their strategic plans. Graeme shares why it’s crucial to set clear goals, build accountability, and focus on fewer, high-impact actions to drive meaningful progress. He also dives into the importance of celebrating wins, co-creating plans with your team, and visualizing success with exercises like the “Champagne Moment.” From adapting during execution to breaking free from outdated practices, Graeme offers practical insights and tools to help organizations not just plan, but thrive . 🎧 Tune in to learn: • Clarify goals with a focused, strategic framework. • Prioritize fewer, high-impact activities for better results. • Build accountability through regular check-ins and clear execution plans. • Use a 12-month roadmap to guide action and maintain momentum. • Embrace essentialism and flexibility to stay on track. • Co-create plans to boost team commitment and ownership. • Celebrate wins to sustain energy and progress. • Align event planning with strategic goals. • Strong execution often matters more than novel ideas. 🔗 Links & Resources: Instagram: @anthemcreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthemcreative/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wattgraeme/ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with a fellow fundraiser! 🚀 💡 Connect with Handbid: 📍 Website 📍 Instagram 📍 LinkedIn Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

1
Making Wishes Come True: Inside Make-A-Wish Colorado 43:31

7 weeks ago43:31

43:31

In this episode of Elevate Your Event , we sit down with Scott Dishong , CEO of Make-A-Wish Colorado , to explore how his team brings hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. From unique wishes (like a robotic dragon!) to the massive impact of student-led fundraising, Scott shares insights into what makes Make-A-Wish so special. We also dive into fundraising strategies , including how Make-A-Wish Colorado transformed their traditional gala into Whiskey, Wine & Wishes —a high-energy, concert-style event that engages new donors while keeping longtime supporters excited. Plus, Scott shares leadership lessons and the key to building strong teams and relationships in the nonprofit world. 🎧 Tune in to learn: ✔️ How Make-A-Wish Colorado grants 380+ wishes per year ✔️ The impact of student-led fundraising & Wish Week ✔️ Why events are still a powerful donor engagement tool ✔️ How to turn a gala into an unforgettable experience ✔️ Scott’s top advice for nonprofit leaders 🔗 Links & Resources: Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdishong/ Learn more about Make-A-Wish Colorado: www.colorado.wish.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WishColorado/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishcolorado/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wishcolorado/ If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with a fellow fundraiser! 🚀 💡 Connect with Handbid: 📍 Website 📍 Instagram 📍 LinkedIn Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

1
Keep Donors Engaged & Coming Back: Retention Strategies That Work 36:43

9 weeks ago36:43

36:43

Episode Summary: Your event was a hit—but how do you keep donors engaged after the night is over? In this episode of Elevate Your Event , we dive into the must-know strategies for donor retention. From capturing donor data at check-in to creating meaningful touchpoints throughout the year, we’re breaking down practical ways to keep supporters connected. Plus, we discuss why making small improvements to your event each year keeps donors excited (without alienating your long-time supporters). Key Takeaways: Get Their Info – Capturing donor data at check-in is essential for future engagement and follow-ups. Keep in Touch – Donors should hear from you more than once a year—updates and appreciation go a long way. Mix It Up – Small event tweaks keep things fresh and prevent donor fatigue. Use Surveys Wisely – Gather feedback during the event to make impactful changes. Don’t Be Afraid of Change – Evolving your event strategy helps attract and retain the next generation of donors. 🎧 Tune in now for expert insights on keeping your donors engaged long after your event ends! 💡 Connect with Handbid: 📍 Website 📍 Instagram 📍 LinkedIn Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

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Staffing Smarter: Texting for Fundraising Success with James Martin, RallyCorp 35:34

11 weeks ago35:34

35:34

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the Elevate Your Event podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into the power of text messaging for fundraising with special guest James Martin from RallyCorp. If you’ve ever struggled with low email open rates or declining donor engagement, you’ll want to hear how SMS can transform the way you connect with supporters. James shares his journey from building a content management company to founding RallyCorp, a platform dedicated to human-centered texting for nonprofits. He explains why text messaging outperforms email, how to navigate compliance challenges, and why a 15% click rate should be your new benchmark for engagement. James also shares some great insights on where text messaging is headed , including new technologies like RCS (Rich Communication Services), personalized tracking links, and two-way engagement strategies . What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Text Messaging is a Game-Changer – With 90% read rates, it’s one of the most effective communication tools available. The 15% Click Rate Guarantee – RallyCorp backs its results by guaranteeing engagement. Shortcodes vs. 10-Digit Numbers – Understanding the differences and when each is the right fit for your organization. Text-to-Give: Then vs. Now – How modern SMS fundraising works compared to the old carrier billing model. Real-Time Fundraising Impact – How nonprofits are using video messaging and SMS to bring donors into the story at the moment it’s happening. Compliance & Deliverability – Why many CRMs fail at SMS and how to ensure your messages actually get delivered. Data, Analytics, & AI – How advanced tracking can help optimize your messaging and fundraising strategy. Key Takeaway: If you’re still relying only on email or direct mail , it’s time to rethink your donor engagement strategy. Text messaging is here to stay, and when used correctly, it can dramatically increase event attendance, donor participation, and overall fundraising success. Resources & Links: Learn more about RallyCorp : rallycorp.com Get in touch with James directly: Text “JAMES” to 24365 Looking to integrate SMS with Handbid? Stay tuned—more details coming soon. Listen, rate, and subscribe!…

Elevate Your Event

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Staffing Smarter: How Freelance Talent is Elevating Events with Tracy Judge & Nikki Gonzales, Soundings 1:00:26

13 weeks ago1:00:26

1:00:26

In this episode of Elevate Your Event , we welcome Tracy Judge and Nikki Gonzales from Soundings to explore the evolving world of event staffing and management. They discuss how skilled freelance talent can enhance fundraising events, the importance of aligning the right people with the right roles, and how personality impacts guest experiences. The conversation also highlights the use of CliftonStrengths for strategic staffing and the hidden costs of under-qualified personnel. Nikki and Tracy also dive into the changing expectations of Gen Z attendees, the growing role of technology in events, and the need for inclusivity and adaptability. With insights on forming strong partnerships and rethinking talent strategies, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for event professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Freelance talent is essential for modern event success. Skill matching & experience reduce risks and enhance guest experiences. CliftonStrengths helps align talent with the right roles. Strategic staffing boosts sponsorships, donations, and overall event success. Inclusivity & adaptability are key to engaging Gen Z and all attendees. Technology should serve all generations for a seamless experience. Hidden costs of poor staffing can be significant. Strong partnerships & community building elevate event outcomes. Innovative talent strategies drive long-term success. Emotional biases can impact staffing decisions—focus on the right fit. Resources and Links: https://soundingsconnect.com/ Connect with Tracy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjudge/ Connect with Nikki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigonzales/ CliftonStrengths Assessment Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

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Elevating Guest Experiences with Cutting-Edge Tech 41:17

15 weeks ago41:17

41:17

Episode Summary: Step into the future of events with Jeff, Mark, and Elise as they break down the latest innovations from AXIS Drive and Stripe Tour. From personalized LED screens that greet guests by name to face-recognition check-ins and walkout payment systems, we’re exploring how next-gen technology is transforming guest experiences. How can fundraising events borrow from major sports venues and concert arenas? And what’s up with “dead hand” security? Tune in for a fun, slightly creepy, but totally fascinating look at the tech shaping events of tomorrow. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How AI-driven LED screens can personalize the guest experience Facial recognition check-ins—creepy or cool? Amazon’s “walkout” tech and the future of seamless payments How the Intuit Arena is redefining the fan experience (and what nonprofits can learn from it) The latest innovations from Stripe that make payments easier (and why your donors will love them) Why rethinking event registration and guest engagement is a game-changer Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

1
Master the Art of Public Speaking and Storytelling with Johanna Walker 47:35

17 weeks ago47:35

47:35

Episode Summary: Ready to turn those nerve-wracking speeches into mic-dropping moments? In this episode, public speaking coach and storytelling expert Johanna Walker shares all her best tips on public speaking and storytelling to help you rock the stage at your next event. From crafting emotional, audience-grabbing stories to channeling stage fright into superstar energy, Johanna’s advice will have you captivating crowds and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re running a fundraiser or leading a big presentation, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you connect, inspire, and (most importantly) keep your audience awake. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Stories that stick : Ditch the boring stats and use real, human stories to make your message unforgettable. Work the room : Learn how to read your audience and tailor your talk to hit them right in the feels. Make nerves your BFF : Turn that shaky voice and sweaty palms into your secret superpower. Practice with purpose : Why “winging it” is overrated and how intentional prep makes all the difference. Less is more : Keep it short, sweet, and impactful so your audience remembers the good stuff. Pro Tips from Johanna : Authenticity is everything : Be real, be relatable, and make your story clear. Johanna’s ARC framework (Authenticity, Relatability, Clarity) is your new best friend. Nail your storytelling structure : Start strong, take your audience on a journey, and end with a bang. Own the stage : Plant your feet, channel your energy, and let your confidence shine. Why Listen? Because nobody wants to sit through another boring speech. This episode is your crash course in how to grab your audience’s attention, keep them engaged, and inspire them to take action. Connect with Johanna Walker : https://johannawalker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannawalkerspeaking/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johannawalkerspeaking/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohannaWalkerSpeaking/…

Elevate Your Event

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New Year, New Goals! 35:40

19 weeks ago35:40

35:40

Episode Summary: As we bid farewell to a fantastic year, join us for this special New Year’s episode where we reflect on 2024 and set sights on elevating events in 2025. From lessons learned at memorable fundraisers to setting impactful resolutions, this episode is packed with actionable insights for nonprofit leaders and event planners! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Event Highlights of the Year • Inspiring stories from standout fundraisers like a Young Life event featuring supercars and helicopter rides, heartfelt moments at One Goat honoring first responders, and the perks of hiring professional event planners. 2. New Year’s Resolutions for Fundraising Events • Start : Embrace technology to boost engagement and maximize mobile bidding software potential. • Stop : Overloading your event program with too much content or relying solely on annual fundraising events to connect with donors. • Keep : Building relationships, adapting, and investing in innovation to stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape. 3. Tech and Engagement Tips • Why the right mobile bidding software is a profit center—not just a cost—and how it drives better results for your events. Listen, rate, and subscribe!…

Elevate Your Event

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Holiday Trivia Extravaganza! 41:03

21 weeks ago41:03

41:03

It’s time for some festive fun! In this special holiday episode of Elevate Your Event , the Handbid team trades fundraising tips for a rollicking round of holiday trivia. From classic Christmas movie questions to New Year’s Eve traditions (did you know about the twelve lucky grapes?), this episode is packed with laughter, friendly competition, and a surprising amount of biblical deep dives. Who reigns supreme in trivia? Will Jeff find a new team for next year? And what exactly do the carolers demand in “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”? Tune in to find out and test your own holiday knowledge along the way! What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • 🎥 Holiday Movie Trivia: Who remembers where Buddy the Elf works or the angel’s choir name in How the Grinch Stole Christmas ? (Hint: It’s not “The Who’s!”) • 🎵 Christmas Songs: Which tune has been streamed the most on Spotify? And what’s the snowman’s name in Winter Wonderland ? • 🎄 New Year’s Traditions: From the grapes of luck in Spain to the staggering number of crystals on the Times Square Ball, these questions will have you saying, “Wait, what?” • 📖 Bible Trivia: The team tackles tough questions about prophecies, the Magi, and ancient genealogy—resulting in some wildly hilarious guesses. • 😂 Behind-the-Scenes Banter: From Jeff’s tough-love hosting style to Grinch costumes and grappling with ancient Roman trivia, the team keeps the holiday spirit alive. Listen, rate, and subscribe!…

Elevate Your Event

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From Transactional to Transformational: Evolving Fundraising Approaches with Sherry Quam-Taylor 45:06

23 weeks ago45:06

45:06

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Sherry Quam Taylor dives into game-changing strategies to elevate nonprofit fundraising. She explores how diversifying revenue streams, building authentic relationships with major donors, and evolving board roles can drive sustainable growth. Sherry breaks down the power of balancing emotional storytelling with financial transparency to attract investment-level donors and secure larger gifts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of year-round donor engagement rather than relying solely on annual events. Sherry shares actionable insights on shifting focus from event-centric fundraising to personalized, one-on-one donor interactions. She also offers tips for navigating resistance to change within organizations and highlights the role of consultants in accelerating growth. This episode is packed with practical advice for nonprofits looking to cultivate meaningful donor relationships and implement a strategic fundraising approach. Takeaways Fundraising is sales, but people don't invest in training. Donors need to understand your plans and financial needs. Building relationships takes time and effort. We need to evolve our board roles to support fundraising. Events are an entry point, but not the end goal. Authentic relationships yield larger and longer-term gifts. Events should be part of a broader donor journey, not the sole focus. Consultants can provide valuable insights and strategies for growth. Understanding donor motivations is key to effective fundraising. Data collection at events is essential for follow-up and relationship building. Investing in fundraising strategies can lead to greater financial returns. Chapters 03:01 Understanding Revenue Models for Nonprofits 05:55 The Importance of Relationship Building in Fundraising 09:00 Evolving Board Roles in Nonprofit Organizations 11:59 Attracting Major Donors: Key Strategies 15:04 The Role of Events in Fundraising 17:56 Building Authentic Relationships with Donors 23:36 The Financial and Emotional Narrative in Fundraising 25:03 Building Relationships Beyond Annual Fundraisers 27:20 The Shift from Events to One-on-One Engagements 30:01 Reframing Events as Part of the Donor Journey 32:58 Navigating Resistance to Change in Nonprofits 39:10 The Value of Consultants in Nonprofit Growth Episode Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryquamtaylor/ https://www.quamtaylor.com/ Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

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Engaging Corporations Beyond Events with Heather Nelson, BridgeRaise 36:22

25 weeks ago36:22

36:22

In this episode of the Elevate Your Event podcast, Heather Nelson, president and lead consultant at BridgeRaise, dives deep into the world of corporate fundraising. Heather highlights how to build sustainable partnerships between nonprofits and corporations by aligning values and objectives for maximum impact. She shares insights on creating compelling sponsorship packages, maintaining strong relationships beyond just the event day, and nailing the art of pricing and value propositions. Plus, Heather offers practical, actionable advice for organizations ready to kickstart or elevate their corporate fundraising game. Takeaways Corporate partnerships can lead to more sustainable revenue for nonprofits. Alignment of values between charities and corporations is crucial for successful partnerships. Building relationships is key to securing corporate sponsorships. Events should be seen as part of a larger partnership strategy, not just standalone opportunities. Understanding what to offer and how to price it is essential for fundraising success. Engaging employees through volunteerism can enhance corporate partnerships. It's important to maintain communication with corporate partners throughout the year. Planning for corporate sponsorships should start well in advance of events. The fundraising process requires intention and strategic thinking. Small events can be effective for relationship building with corporate sponsors. Chapters 03:02 Understanding Corporate Partnerships 05:58 Building Sustainable Relationships 09:06 The Role of Events in Fundraising 11:50 Strategizing Corporate Sponsorships 15:08 Pricing and Value Propositions 17:51 Navigating Corporate Budgets 20:48 The Art of Fundraising 23:59 Maintaining Engagement Beyond Events 27:05 Getting Started with Corporate Fundraising Episode Links: https://www.bridgeraise.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonheather/ Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

1
Spreadsheets, GenZ Slang, and Snappy Auctions – Fun with AI at Handbid! 37:50

27 weeks ago37:50

37:50

In this hilarious and practical episode of Elevate Your Event , Jeff Porter, CEO of Handbid, is joined by Elise Druckenmiller and the newest Handbid team member, Mikaela Roth, who brings her GenZ flair to the mix. Together, they dive into the power of AI (specifically ChatGPT) and explore how it can take the busywork out of planning auctions. From generating auction item descriptions dripping in GenZ slang to streamlining event spreadsheets, this episode will have you laughing and learning in equal measure. Along the way, the crew discusses auction themes, item bundling, and pro tips for placing the paddle raise at just the right moment to maximize donations. Whether you’re an event planner looking to spice things up or just here to learn what “Riz” and “big mood” mean, this episode has something for everyone! Takeaways AI for Auctions: How ChatGPT can clean up your item spreadsheets, generate starting bids, and even suggest categories. GenZ Slang for Auctions: Transforming item descriptions to be lit with terms like “big mood,” “no cap,” and “flex.” Themes Galore: Brainstorming creative ideas like “Tropical Ties and Tacos” and “Gatsby on the Green” to keep events fresh. Pro Fundraising Tips: Why moving the paddle raise before the live auction could boost engagement and donations. AI Image Creation: Learn how ChatGPT can help generate item images. Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts…

Elevate Your Event

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Harnessing Technology for Nonprofit Success with Ashish Malik, 108 Ideaspace 34:54

29 weeks ago34:54