With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is everywhere—cards, flowers, overpriced chocolate. But it’s also a good moment to ask an important question: How does your event show love to its guests?

Not every nonprofit needs a gala. There, we said it. Gala season rolls around, and suddenly every organization feels the pressure to rent a ballroom, order the chicken-or-fish, and squeeze their mission into a three-hour program with a paddle raise and a plated dessert. But here’s the hard truth: just because galas are popular doesn’t mean they’re the right move for your organization.

A Case Study on HSDC's Accessible Fundraiser At GFS Events, we believe the most impactful events are the ones that reflect the mission of the organization at every turn. That’s why we were so inspired to partner with the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC) for their Cheers & Connections Annual Fundraiser—a uniquely immersive and accessible celebration of their work. This wasn’t your typical gala. No ballroom. No plated dinner. No silent auction. Instead, the team at HSDC env

The auction paddles have dropped, the dessert dash is done, and you crushed your fundraising goal. Cue the confetti! But before you tuck away the event binder, remember there is still important work to do.

In a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are being challenged, questioned, and even set aside, it can feel difficult to know whether your DEI initiatives are making a lasting impact.

Fundraising committees should be a nonprofit’s secret weapon—bringing energy, ideas and community connections to the table. But when the table gets too crowded, things can fall apart fast. Unclear roles, delayed decisions, and too many voices can stall your event before the venue is even booked.

At the halfway mark of 2025, we have partnered on dozens of events across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, from elegant galas to lively festivals to mission-focused luncheons. And while every event is unique, we've seen few clear trends that are worth noting as we look ahead to the busy fall season.

Big Mistakes We Always See at Events and How to Say Goodbye to Them There’s a moment after every event where your team exhales and says,...

When planning an event, we often focus on exciting visuals, vibrant music, and high energy (all of which are important)! But sometimes, more isn’t always better. Sensory overload can turn what should be a joyful experience into an overwhelming one.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of nonprofit events. They help set the tone, support your guests, and make the magic happen behind the scenes. When you manage your volunteers well, your entire event runs more smoothly. However, if your volunteers leave feeling frustrated or confused, they are not likely to come back. Here are five of the biggest missteps we see—and what you should do instead.

When it comes to planning an event, staying within budget is often a top priority. That is why it is important to tap into one of the most

Your event catalog is more than just a guide for the evening—it’s a key tool for setting the tone and keeping your guests informed and engag