How does a nonprofit raise large sums of money through a signature fundraising event that consists entirely of small, intimate events?  Today, I talk with Cara Abazari, Director of Community Affairs at St. David's Foundation, and Tobie Funte, Chair of the organization's signature fundraising event, Toast of the Town.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Toast of the Town party series is a one-of-a-kind signature fundraiser. Each year, St. David's Foundation hosts 20 bespoke events ranging from 10-50 people in one month that is a mix of experiences, guest speakers, and celebrity guests. The result: an event that raises over $1.5 million each year for the foundation Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund.

In this episode, Cara and Tobie talk about a wide range of topics including the importance of having a strong relationship between the organization and the event chair, the ways the event has evolved over the past 40 years, and how the team curates the 20 unique party experiences each year. This is one episode you will not want to miss.