Event Overview

Fundraising Galas
Houston, TX

For Philly Connect’s Fundraising Gala, I lead the strategy, planning, and production of a large-scale nonprofit experience designed to unite the Houston community, celebrate local leaders, and generate meaningful support for the organization’s mission. The event brings together donors, sponsors, community partners, business leaders, and young professionals for an elevated evening centered on connection, recognition, and impact.

My work spans the full event lifecycle, including creative direction, team leadership, sponsorship strategy, vendor management, guest experience, fundraising initiatives, VIP programming, marketing coordination, budget oversight, and on-site execution. I collaborate closely with Philly Connect leadership, committee members, brand partners, honorees, and vendors to ensure every detail supports the event’s goals and reflects the organization’s values.

From developing the event concept and building the planning team to shaping the program flow and securing strategic partnerships, I bring structure, creativity, and momentum to a complex, high-visibility production. The goal is not simply to host a beautiful gala—it is to create an experience that strengthens community, inspires generosity, and helps move Philly Connect’s mission forward.

Role & Scope

Lead the strategy, planning, and production of Philly Connect’s 2026 Fundraising Gala, an elevated nonprofit experience designed to strengthen community engagement, celebrate local leaders, and generate support for the organization’s mission.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building and leading the gala planning committee across marketing, sponsorships, partnerships, awards, and guest experience

• Developing the event concept, creative direction, program flow, and overall attendee journey

• Managing the event budget, production timeline, vendor relationships, contracts, and operational logistics

• Leading sponsorship outreach, fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, and community partnerships

• Coordinating VIP programming, entertainment, catering, gifting, auctions, valet, and on-site experiences

• Partnering with Philly Connect leadership, honorees, sponsors, vendors, and community stakeholders

• Overseeing marketing communications, ticketing strategy, promotional campaigns, and team deliverables

• Directing event-day execution to ensure a polished, mission-aligned experience from arrival through close

The work combines nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, creative production, and operational management to deliver an experience that inspires generosity, strengthens relationships, and advances Philly Connect’s long-term impact.

© 2026 Amanda Carter. All rights reserved.