Beyond the Gala: Create Events Where Everyone Belongs

Wed, Oct 7th, 2026 6:00 PM (UTC)

Celebrate every way people make a difference

Walk into almost any traditional charity gala and you’ll immediately notice the hierarchy.

There’s the VIP reception behind closed doors. The head table at the front of the room. Reserved seating. Long speeches filled with organizational jargon and insider references. Before the evening has really begun, first-time guests have already received a subtle message:

“You’re welcome to watch. But this isn’t really your community yet.”

That’s unfortunate because one of the primary purposes of an event shouldn’t simply be to raise money. It should be to help people feel they belong.

Eliminate the “Best Table in the Room”
Celebrate Every Way People Make a Difference
Put a Human Face on Your Mission
Give Everyone a Shared Purpose
Create a Shared Moment
Open Q+A with Claire

Claire Axelrad

Fundraising Coach

Philanthropy, not fundraising. Passionate, not forgettable. A journey, not a destination. Claire will be your guide, so you can be your donor’s.After working briefly as an attorney, and then in legal publishing, I decided a better way (for me) to help people was through philanthropy. After a 30-year career as a frontline leader helping raise millions of dollars Claire is now a sought out thought leader and fundraising coach.

Laurie Hochman

Laurie Hochman has a passion for helping groups exceed their fundraising goals. After using Auctria for many auction fundraisers, she joined the team to help others boost their auction fundraising for many wonderful causes. Auctria has been used for auctions and events raising over one billion dollars.

“The beauty in what is done with the money raised with Auctria is what motivates me every day to help auction teams succeed. Hope all your bids soar!”