Why hold an event? -- The secret to successful event fundraising in good times and bad -- Organizing for success -- Learning the basics -- Event business plan -- Programs, policies, and procedures -- Negotiating agreements with service providers -- Creating the perfect setting -- Site selection, rooms, and setup -- Food service -- Entertainment and the master of ceremonies -- The mission and strategic speech making -- Publicity -- Donation acquisition -- Conducting the fundraising -- Tickets and other advance "sales" -- The live auction -- The silent auction -- Raffles and other moneymakers -- Putting it all together -- The big event -- Applying the rules and covering all the angles -- Laws, risks, and liabilities -- Tax matters -- Ethics and security -- Honing to a fine edge -- After the event -- Advanced techniques -- Where to go from here -- Nonprofit resources for nonprofits.