May 2026
A Spring Season for the Books!
Spring kept us busy in the best way. We had the privilege of supporting an incredible lineup of organizations this spring event season: the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute's Minds Matter Benefit, HHPLift's parlor meeting in Glencoe, the GLASA Gala, ICRF's Revolving Tables, Dragonfly Chicago's 5-year anniversary gala, and Horizons for Youth's 15th Annual No Ordinary Evening. And we have two more events in June to close out the spring season!
Every year we like to assess our Empowered processes, what lessons we learned, and what makes each event successful. This month, we're reflecting on what made this season so special — here are our top 5 takeaways!
What We're Taking Away
Ilissa’s Takeaway
MBTI selected an honoree with a deep personal connection to the cause — and she brought her whole network along with her. The result was 92% growth over the prior year. Your honoree isn't just a name on the program. They're a fundraising partner. Choose someone who will open doors and champion the mission like it's their own.
Julia's Takeaway
We helped HHPLift bring their Pilsen-based mission to Chicago's northern suburbs, gathering over 65 guests in Glencoe for an intimate evening of conversation and connection. Board leadership shared remarks, answered questions, and gave new supporters a real look at the work. A successful event doesn't require 500 people in the room — sometimes the most meaningful moments happen in a much smaller one.
Rashel's Takeaway
For every event—and especially for the GLASA Gala and ICRF Revolving Tables—our role was simple: handle every detail so our clients could focus on what matters most: building meaningful relationships. From registration and auction setup to A/V production and bid tallying, the Empowered Nonprofits team manages every aspect of event logistics and program execution.
Our goal is to ensure you can be fully present for your donors, your board members, and the moments that truly drive engagement and fundraising success. As an extension of your team, we prioritize your goals from the first planning meeting through the post-event debrief, providing the strategic support and seamless execution needed to create impactful experiences and maximize results.
Zelda's Takeaway
For Dragonfly's SOAR: Five Years of Flight, every detail — from cotton candy clouds to live golf activations — was built around the idea of lift and forward momentum. Guests didn't just see the theme, they experienced it, and the room raised nearly $250,000 for families navigating pediatric cancer.
Horizons for Youth took their Gotham theme just as seriously: burning torches, oversized Batman cards on the tables, moody lighting, dramatic florals, and a wine pull where every bottle featured bats. Guests weren't just attending an event — they were immersed in it. That level of creative commitment is what makes a night unforgettable, and unforgettable nights inspire generosity.
Stefanie's Takeaway
Sponsorships, silent auctions, live auctions, and paddle raises each offer unique opportunities for engagement, meeting donors where they are in their relationship with your organization. The goal isn’t to pressure anyone into giving—it’s to create meaningful ways for everyone in the room to participate and support your mission. By offering multiple avenues for involvement, you increase engagement across your donor community. And when more people feel connected to the cause, more resources are generated to advance the mission.
GLASA Gala: A Lesson in Day-Of Event Support
Because some moments are just too good not to relive — check out our spring events recap reel!
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