Are Galas Dead? Not if They Raise Six Figures!
Katie Thiemann, Senior Partner

I’ve heard people say Galas are dead, a thing of the past.  If your Gala isn’t making at least six figures, perhaps you could get me to agree with you.  But if you’re over the $100,000 mark, I say bring it on!

Why?  It’s the beginning of February. The excitement of the holidays has passed, the days are short, and the weather is cold and dreary. For Catholic schools, this is a crucial time to reengage and reenergize your community. What better way to do that than by hosting a gala?

A well-executed gala can be much more than just a night of dinner and dancing. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your school’s mission, vision, and impact while fostering deeper relationships and generating significant support. To ensure your event is truly transformative, it must meet these four essential criteria:

 


1. Builds a Greater Sense of Community

A gala provides a rare opportunity to bring together your entire school family—parents, alumni, faculty, clergy, and friends—for an evening of connection and celebration. It’s a chance for individuals who might not cross paths in daily life to share in the joy of being part of your Catholic school’s extended community.

By bringing stakeholders back to campus, your gala can deepen relationships among stakeholders and remind everyone of their shared commitment to the school’s mission. My personal goal for a gala is to have the audience be parents of alumni, current parents and alumni.  Your current parents will come and go, but the other two groups are key to a sustained successful event.  Don’t be afraid to offer a young alumni price (never less than your cost!) to begin to cultivate your alumni to be repeat gala-goers.

 


2. Celebrates the School’s Mission and Vision

At its core, a gala should amplify your school’s mission and vision. This is your moment to tell your story—how your Catholic school provides a foundation of faith, education, and service to the world.

Use the event to highlight key achievements, whether it’s the success of your students, the dedication of your faculty, or the school’s impact on the wider community. Visual displays, speeches, and video presentations can powerfully communicate the values that make your school unique. Make sure every element of the evening—decor, messaging, and programming—reinforces the sense of purpose that drives your school’s mission.  Don’t overspend on decorations – no one bids more because there is a lava lamp at their table!  Keep it classy and simple.  And remember, it’s HARD to get the audience’s attention at a gala.  If you have a speaker, it must be someone who can project and command attention.  Videos and music work much better to tell your story.

 


3. Raises Significant Money

Of course, one of the main goals of a gala is to raise funds to support your school. From ticket sales to sponsorships, auctions, and paddle raises, a gala can generate substantial revenue when planned effectively.

To maximize the financial impact, focus on sponsorships, live auction items, and the paddle raise.  Everything else is fun but a small part of your net revenue. The paddle raise must be heartfelt, emotional and tie directly to a critical need, such as tuition assistance or a facilities upgrade.

 


4. Allows Strategic Cultivation of Your Major Prospects

A gala is more than a fundraiser—it’s a golden opportunity to cultivate relationships with your most important donors and prospects. Use the event as a platform to engage them in meaningful conversations about your school’s future.

Consider hosting a pre-event reception for key supporters, giving them a more personal experience and the chance to connect with school leadership. Assign staff or board members to sit with major prospects during the event to deepen those relationships. Afterward, follow up with personalized notes of thanks and opportunities to continue the conversation.

Strategically leveraging your gala in this way can turn attendees into long-term champions for your school’s mission.

 


Make Your Gala an Unforgettable Evening

A gala is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for community engagement, mission alignment, and financial support. By focusing on these four pillars, your school can transform a cold, dreary winter night into a celebration of faith, learning, and hope for the future.

Start planning today and watch how your gala ignites new energy and enthusiasm within your school community.