Build Better Fundraisers
Gala Toolbox is a practical resource hub for nonprofit staff and board members who plan fundraising events—often without extra time, extra staff, or room for mistakes.
Instead of reinventing timelines, guessing at strategy, or living in last-minute spreadsheets, you get proven tools built from real fundraising experience.
We help you plan smarter, reduce stress, and run a stronger event—so you can raise more money without burning out your team or second-guessing every decision.
One Tool at a Time
Built for the people who get handed “the gala” on top of their actual job.
Why Gala Toolbox Exists
Fundraising events are often planned by capable, committed people who are stretched thin—and still expected to pull off something polished, profitable, and flawless.
Too often, that means:
Rebuilding timelines from scratch
Guessing at auction and event strategy
Living in spreadsheets that no one else understands
Hoping nothing important falls through the cracks
Nonprofits shouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel to run a great fundraising event.
Gala Toolbox was built to replace guesswork, frantic Google searches, and last-minute spreadsheet chaos with proven systems you can trust.
We’ve spent years creating the checklists, templates, scripts, timelines, and systems that actually make galas work. Instead of making you create everything from scratch, we’ve put it all in one place—so you can save time, reduce stress, and raise more money.
Start with the Right Tools
FREE!
Built for Real Nonprofits.
Built to Be Used.
We know the question comes up: Why isn’t it free?
Because real time, experience, and expertise went into building this—and because the goal is to save you time and energy.
You’re not just buying files. You’re buying back:
Time you’d otherwise spend creating documents from scratch
Confidence that you’re not missing something critical
Systems that help your event perform—not just look good
We’ve both worked in nonprofit roles where professional development budgets didn’t exist, consultants weren’t an option, and you had to figure things out as you went.
Not every organization can afford outside help—but every organization still deserves access to best practices.
Gala Toolbox is for do-it-yourself nonprofits who want to do it better.
Meet the Experts
Created by people who’ve been in the room
Bobby D. Ehlert
America's Favorite Auctioneer
Meet Bobby D., America's favorite Auctioneer, known for his expertise in nonprofit fundraising and beyond. With over two decades of experience, he excels at creating excitement and energy from the boardroom to the ballroom.
More than just an auctioneer, he's also an emcee, fundraising event consultant, professional speaker, performance coach, and podcast host.Bobby D. is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations nationwide fund their missions and grow their communities.
He advocates for Event Professionals by serving on the boards of ILEA and the Long Island Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2014, he founded Call To Auction Inc., driven by his passion to improve nonprofit events. In 2015 he won the World Auctioneer Championship.
In 2018, he and his wife co-founded Inspire Hearts Fundraising, the only Special Appeal Paddle Raise focused fundraising firm in the nation, and co-host the popular Gala-focused podcast "Heart of the Gala." Among fundraising auctioneers, Bobby D. stands out as the most experienced and knowledgeable.
Event Planner & Fundraising Systems Expert
Beth Sandefur
Beth Sandefur is an event planner and fundraising consultant who specializes in nonprofit fundraising auctions. Since founding her firm in 2012, she has had a hand in 489 fundraising events, including more than 100 virtual fundraisers in 2020–2021, and has led numerous educational workshops and webinars.
With a background in development and hands-on experience in theatrical production, Beth combines stagecraft, strategy, and systems thinking to build events that actually raise money. Her clients are primarily based in Northern California, and she has produced events across the country including Idaho, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Tennessee, Illinois, New York, Texas, DC, and Arizona. To date, she has helped these organizations raise more than $377 million for charity.
Beth speaks regularly at fundraising conferences and has been featured on multiple podcasts. She is known for her direct style, practical systems, and deep belief that great events are built on process—not panic. She loves process, lives in spreadsheets, and helps organizations integrate their gala into year-round donor strategy through auction data analysis and smart sponsorship planning. She’s happiest behind the scenes, spreadsheet open, making magic happen without needing the spotlight.
You don’t need glitter cannons.
You do need a solid strategy & the right tools.
Gala Toolbox helps nonprofit teams plan smarter, feel more confident, and raise more money—without losing their minds in the process.