Presented by AFP FL, Miami-Dade County Chapter

20260318 The Power of Storytelling: Inspire Bigger Gifts Through Heartfelt Connection

About This Event

The Power of Storytelling: Inspire Bigger Gifts Through Heartfelt Connection
March 18, 2025, 12-1pm

Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to spark generosity at fundraising events—but many nonprofits struggle to use it intentionally. In this session, Hallie Peilet Young, CFRE, BAS—an Emmy-nominated, 2x Telly Award–winning former journalist and TEDx speaker—and Jennifer Downes, CFRE, BAS—a fundraising strategist who has guided 100+ nonprofits—will show you how to harness storytelling to inspire donors and boost event revenue.

Drawing on years of experience crafting impactful “mission moments,” Hallie and Jennifer will teach their proven formula for designing stories that build emotional momentum and set the stage for a powerful ask. You’ll learn practical strategies to engage your audience, deliver an ask that resonates, and turn heartfelt moments into meaningful, lasting support.

Whether you’re planning a gala, luncheon, or donor-focused event, this session will give you the tools to make every moment count.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will learn how to:

  • Craft and deliver a compelling story that emotionally engages donors and highlights mission impact.

  • Transition from storytelling into a strong, effective donation ask.

  • Design a strategic “mission moment” that builds emotional momentum and deepens donor connection.
     

Speaker Bio:

From The Heart Fundraising is a fundraising event consulting and auctioneering firm co-founded by licensed auctioneers Hallie Peilet Young, CFRE, BAS, and Jennifer Downes, CFRE, BAS. Together, Hallie and Jennifer combine years of nonprofit leadership experience with dynamic on-stage presence to help organizations amplify their missions and maximize event revenue.

From The Heart specializes in live benefit auctioneering, paddle raises, mission-moment storytelling, and comprehensive fundraising event consulting. With their background as former Development Directors, Hallie and Jennifer bring both strategic insight and practical know-how to every partnership. They guide nonprofits not only through the event itself, but also through pre-event planning and post-event stewardship strategies.

Since launching From The Heart, the team has raised millions of dollars for organizations across Florida and beyond. Their unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and energy inspires generosity and strengthens donor relationships, ensuring events don’t just raise money, but also build lasting impact.

Learn more at www.fromtheheart-fundraising.com
info@fromtheheart-fundraising.com
@fromtheheartfundraising

About This Event

The Power of Storytelling: Inspire Bigger Gifts Through Heartfelt Connection
March 18, 2025, 12-1pm

Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to spark generosity at fundraising events—but many nonprofits struggle to use it intentionally. In this session, Hallie Peilet Young, CFRE, BAS—an Emmy-nominated, 2x Telly Award–winning former journalist and TEDx speaker—and Jennifer Downes, CFRE, BAS—a fundraising strategist who has guided 100+ nonprofits—will show you how to harness storytelling to inspire donors and boost event revenue.

Drawing on years of experience crafting impactful “mission moments,” Hallie and Jennifer will teach their proven formula for designing stories that build emotional momentum and set the stage for a powerful ask. You’ll learn practical strategies to engage your audience, deliver an ask that resonates, and turn heartfelt moments into meaningful, lasting support.

Whether you’re planning a gala, luncheon, or donor-focused event, this session will give you the tools to make every moment count.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will learn how to:

  • Craft and deliver a compelling story that emotionally engages donors and highlights mission impact.

  • Transition from storytelling into a strong, effective donation ask.

  • Design a strategic “mission moment” that builds emotional momentum and deepens donor connection.
     

Speaker Bio:

From The Heart Fundraising is a fundraising event consulting and auctioneering firm co-founded by licensed auctioneers Hallie Peilet Young, CFRE, BAS, and Jennifer Downes, CFRE, BAS. Together, Hallie and Jennifer combine years of nonprofit leadership experience with dynamic on-stage presence to help organizations amplify their missions and maximize event revenue.

From The Heart specializes in live benefit auctioneering, paddle raises, mission-moment storytelling, and comprehensive fundraising event consulting. With their background as former Development Directors, Hallie and Jennifer bring both strategic insight and practical know-how to every partnership. They guide nonprofits not only through the event itself, but also through pre-event planning and post-event stewardship strategies.

Since launching From The Heart, the team has raised millions of dollars for organizations across Florida and beyond. Their unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and energy inspires generosity and strengthens donor relationships, ensuring events don’t just raise money, but also build lasting impact.

Learn more at www.fromtheheart-fundraising.com
info@fromtheheart-fundraising.com
@fromtheheartfundraising