To Gala or Not to Gala?

“If your organization can pull off a gala event that’s akin to a coronation, don’t be shy about it. You’ll probably bring in dollars that you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise, for a cause that’s obviously supported by at least as many members of the public as show up. And so what if it’s glitzy and attracts the rich and famous? Someone’s got to give them something to do on a Saturday night! If they don’t spend their money on your gala dinner, they’ll spend it down the street at the latest celebrity chef’s restaurant.”

— Sept. 17, “Are Gala Fundraising Events Frivolous?” by Ilona Bray on Nolo’s Fundraising Tips for Busy Nonprofits (http://blogs.nolo.com/nonprofits/2007/09/17/are-gala-fundraising-events-frivolous)