A non-profit disabilities foundation in Pennsylvania wanted its 60th Anniversary Gala to do more than celebrate a milestone. The organization wanted to significantly increase fundraising, introduce its mission to new supporters, and launch new programs for the next 60 years.
To help create a memorable experience, the foundation brought in NFL star Saquon Barkley and Philadelphia Eagles personality Dave Spadaro for a VIP meet-and-greet, fireside chat, Q&A session, and live auction support.
The result was the most successful event in the foundation’s 60-year history, with approximately 750 attendees, half of whom were new connections.
Event Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer | A Non-Profit Disabilities Foundation |
| Event | 60th Anniversary Gala |
| Location | Lancaster, PA |
| Audience | Approximately 750 attendees |
| Audience Mix | Current supporters and new connections |
| Featured Talent | Saquon Barkley and Dave Spadaro |
| Program Elements | Meet-and-greet, fireside chat, Q&A session, and live auction support |
| Outcome | The most successful event in the foundation’s 60-year history |
The Challenge: Increase Fundraising and Reach a New Audience
The foundation’s 60th Anniversary Gala was designed to be the largest event in its history. The organization wanted to surpass previous fundraising results, bring attention to its mission, and build momentum for future programs.
The event also needed to reach beyond the foundation’s existing supporter base. Approximately 50% of the 750 attendees were new connections, making the gala an important opportunity to introduce the organization’s work to a broader community.
The Solution: A High-Profile Sports Appearance With Mission-Focused Programming
Saquon Barkley and Dave Spadaro helped create an engaging event experience through several key program elements.
| Program Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| VIP Meet-and-Greet | Created a premium experience for sponsors, donors, and special guests |
| Fireside Chat | Gave attendees a personal and engaging conversation with Saquon Barkley |
| Q&A Session | Allowed the audience to connect directly with the featured guest |
| Live Auction Support | Helped generate energy, urgency, and audience participation during fundraising moments |
Spadaro moderated the fireside chat with Barkley, helping connect the conversation to the foundation’s mission. The discussion emphasized strengthening skills and abilities, which aligned with the organization’s work supporting seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
The Results: A Record-Breaking Fundraising Event
The gala significantly exceeded expectations and became the foundation’s most successful event in 60 years.
| Result | Impact |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Approximately 750 guests |
| New Audience Reach | About 50% of attendees were new connections |
| Gross Revenue | $650,000 |
| Estimated Net Proceeds | Close to $320,000 |
| Top Auction Item | Eagles helmet signed live by Saquon Barkley |
| Top Bid | $25,000 |
| Overall Outcome | Most successful event in the foundation’s 60-year history |
The silent and live auctions were a major part of the evening’s success. Barkley’s autographs and Spadaro’s auctioneering assistance helped increase excitement around the fundraising portion of the event.
The top bid of the night came from an Eagles helmet that Saquon Barkley signed live on stage, which sold for $25,000.
Why the Event Worked
This gala succeeded because the featured talent was integrated into the event in several meaningful ways. Barkley and Spadaro were not limited to a brief appearance. They supported the guest experience, the mission-focused programming, and the fundraising strategy.
Their involvement helped the foundation:
| Goal | How the Appearance Helped |
|---|---|
| Attract attendees | A high-profile sports guest created added interest and excitement |
| Engage new supporters | Half of the audience consisted of new connections |
| Strengthen the program | The fireside chat and Q&A gave the evening a central experience |
| Support fundraising | Autographs, live auction participation, and stage presence helped drive bidding |
| Connect to the mission | The conversation tied into themes of skills, abilities, resilience, and growth |
Key Takeaway for Non-Profit Fundraising Events
The right sports speaker or celebrity guest can help a non-profit fundraising event feel more memorable, more energetic, and more successful.
For this Pennsylvania disabilities foundation, Saquon Barkley and Dave Spadaro helped transform a milestone gala into a record-breaking fundraiser. Their participation helped introduce the foundation to a new audience, energize the room, and drive auction activity that contributed to the most successful event in the organization’s 60-year history.
Book Sports Speakers for Galas, Fundraisers, and Donor Events
The Mollie Plotkin Group helps organizations book athletes, sports personalities, keynote speakers, entertainers, and celebrity guests for live and virtual events.
To learn more about booking Saquon Barkley, Dave Spadaro, or another sports speaker for an upcoming gala, fundraiser, or donor event, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at 215-995-0905 or email mollie@mollieplotkingroup.com.