Houston SPCA Howl-O-Ween Ball With Julie Kuenstle and Patrick Plunk

How does a nonprofit successfully host a gala or signature fundraising event on their campus or headquarters? Today, I talk with Houston SPCA (https://houstonspca.org) VP of Marketing and Communications Julie Kuenstle and VP of Philanthropy Patrick Plunk to discuss the organization's signature fundraising event: the 2026 Howl-O-Ween Ball (https://houstonspca.org/ways-to-give/...) . One of the most fun and financially successful animal welfare galas in Texas, Houston SPCA’s Howl-O-Ween is a genius event concept that allows the organization to bring its mission to life for existing and potential new donors. The Halloween theme invites guests to embrace the holiday in full costume or attend in cocktail or black-tie attire, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Held on the grounds of the Houston SPCA, the event also gives donors a firsthand, real-time connection to the organization’s mission. The event's results speak for themselves, with the 2025 gala raising more than $1 million. Julie and Patrick provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including how to develop strong relationships with event chairs to maximize relationships and impact, determining which of your donors is most ideal for a holiday-themed event, the importance of creating an effective event communications strategy to convey your mission to the broader community, and so much more. This is one episode you will definitely not want to miss.