If your board freezes when they hear the word “fundraising,” you’re not alone — and you’re not doomed. According to fundraising strategist and benefit auctioneer Bobby D. Ehlert, the secret to a successful gala (and long-term fundraising) isn’t just your paddle raise or silent auction — it’s your board.
Bobby joined BetterUnite CEO Leya Simmons for a 501(c) Drop session that could only be described as equal parts masterclass and mindset shift. Drawing on more than two decades of experience and over a billion dollars raised, Bobby shared how the right board engagement can transform an event from transactional to transformational.
Why Board Engagement Matters
A board's job isn't just to attend the gala — it's to help amplify it.
Their role goes beyond donations. It’s about visibility, leadership, and relationships. As Bobby put it:
“We don't need board members to ask for money. We need them to bring relationships to the fundraising table.”
By leveraging their networks, setting expectations early, and embracing their “why,” board members can exponentially expand their reach and raise the energy (and dollars) in the room.
Connection Over Cocktails
Forget the “cocktail hour.” Bobby rebrands it as the "connection hour” — a time to focus on conversations, not cosmos.
Board members are challenged to meet at least two new people and ask one simple, magic question:
“How are you connected to the event tonight?”
That one sentence builds community, starts relationships, and turns a good event into a great one.
The Ripple Effect of Gratitude
The event doesn't end when the lights go down — that's when the honest fundraising begins.
Citing research from donor expert Penelope Burke, Bobby shared that when board members personally thank attendees within 48 hours, donors are 30–80% more likely to give again, often at higher levels.
A call, text, or even voicemail from a board member can spark long-term loyalty. Gratitude isn’t an afterthought — it’s the growth engine.
From “C” to “A” Students
Bobby's Board Superpower Checklist challenges members to choose their level of engagement — C, B, or A student. Whether it’s posting on social media, bidding in the live auction, or personally calling donors, each step builds momentum.
The goal? More A-students, more connections, and more impact.
BetterUnite + Better Boards = Bigger Impact
As Leya noted in the session, BetterUnite’s upcoming Moves Management Module will take these lessons even further — helping nonprofits move supporters from event guests to recurring donors through strategic, automated stewardship.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you raise in one night.
It’s about how far those ripples reach afterward.
Watch the whole conversation with Bobby D. Ehlert now, and get your board on board for success.
Are you ready to build donor relationships that actually last?
Request a demo with BetterUnite or email sales@betterunite.com.
Want more from Rachel? Visit rachelmuir.com and check out her League of Extraordinary Fundraisers — it’s a fundraising mentorship that pays for itself (and Max-approved).
