In this episode of The Million Dollar Nonprofit, Tom Kelly breaks down how to host a virtual gala without the tech headaches or Zoom fatigue that often derail online events. If you’ve ever hosted a virtual event that felt awkward or dragged on too long, this episode is for you. Tom walks you through a step-by-step system to create a No-Stress Virtual Gala that’s high-energy, smooth, and fun for both you and your guests.

You’ll learn how to design a 45-minute event that keeps people engaged, including a welcome energy boost, an emotional mission story, a dynamic main program, and a high-energy fundraising moment. Plus, Tom shares the three key tools you need to keep your event tech simple and seamless: Zoom or StreamYard for broadcasting, CharityAuctionsToday for live auctions, and DonorBooks for donor follow-up.

Tom also covers how to keep your audience actively engaged with interactive elements like live polls, shout-outs, and social media contests. He shares a real-world success story from a children’s hospital that raised $78,000 in under an hour by following this framework.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan to host a virtual gala that feels like an experience, not a Zoom call. Plus, Tom offers his full virtual gala script templates and AI prompts to help you create a seamless event. Tune in for actionable tips that will make your next virtual gala a hit!