Raising Paddles offers a unique approach to providing educational sessions on fundraising strategies for your next gala or golf outing. This event is run just like a Speakeasy themed gala, starting with a special entry via password only.  Once inside you will be taken back in time with cocktail service, poker tables and jazzy entertainment.  Enjoy morning mimosas, revenue enhancers and the ambience of the historic Gem Theatre.  A delicious meal will be served as you participate in all of the fun by being a part of a mock fundraising program.  This opportunity is designed to put best practices in motion to replicate at YOUR next event.  Along the way we will provide valuable sessions on topics such as board engagement, establishing fundraising goals, donor development strategies, making the ask, and enhancing the guest experience, etc.

We will demonstrate a live auction and a paddle raise, along with other innovative revenue enhancing strategies that will help keep your event fresh each and every year.

The silent and live auction, along with raffles will be stocked with valuable prizes you can win by using “play money” we hand out to you to make it fun and engaging. Many attendees will take home prizes as valuable as $5,000 to use at their next gala! Please see a list of our sponsors in a separate section, who provide these prizes for you to win!

Come Join Us! A fun day of learning, a chance to win some amazing prizes, and a chance to network with other similar organizations as you strive to maximize fundraising at your next event!

Please check out the Agenda Page for more details on the schedule for the day.