An Eventful Discussion: Exploring the Future of Fundraising Events

Daniel Morford has dedicated nearly his entire career to the nonprofit sector, driven by a deep passion for fostering community impact and meaningful change. With a degree in Nonprofit Management, Daniel combines academic expertise with years of hands-on experience to create innovative strategies that enhance organizational growth and engagement.

Daniel’s leadership at The Pando Initiative has resulted in groundbreaking approaches to donor engagement and event development, consistently expanding the organization’s reach and impact. His commitment to innovation and strategic growth has made him a key figure in advancing Pando’s mission of empowering students and families.

Beyond his professional achievements, Daniel and his husband recently celebrated the adoption of their three daughters, a life milestone that reflects his dedication to nurturing and supporting others both personally and professionally. After attending Raise 2024, Daniel is eager to share his insights and collaborate with other nonprofit leaders at the 2025 conference, helping them bring new life to their missions.

Darren Port is the Founder and CEO of Powered by Professionals (PBP), a nonprofit fundraising and event management firm that has helped raise over $300 million for nonprofit organizations of all sizes, all around the country. With more than 25 years of experience, Darren is an expert in donor engagement, corporate sponsorships, and strategic fundraising events. He has launched 14 nonprofits and partnered with over 200 organizations, using sound business practices and leveraging technology to help them exceed their fundraising goals and produce engaging events.

A frequent speaker at industry conferences, Darren brings personal passion and professional expertise to every initiative, helping turn missions into movements. He’s also a proud University of Maryland alum, marathoner, and Ironman finisher, and resides in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.

TiWanna “TK” Kenney is a dynamic auctioneer, emcee, and speaker whose resilience shines through adversity, inspiring audiences nationwide. A veteran and trailblazing entrepreneur, she champions diversity in the auction industry, shattering glass ceilings with unwavering strength.

Despite the heartbreaking loss of her son, TK transforms her grief into a powerful force for good, advocating passionately for vital causes and igniting philanthropy with her infectious energy. A beacon of hope, she embodies the enduring human spirit, proving that even in the face of tragedy, we can rise, find purpose, and inspire positive change in the world.

T. Clay Buck, CFRE, is the Founder & Principal of TCB Fundraising, an individual giving and communications consultancy that focuses on strategy, systems, and storytelling. Clay (the “T” is silent) has been in leadership fundraising roles at nonprofits across the country and has served as a senior consultant at prominent, international fundraising consulting firm. He teaches fundraising and strategic planning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is the co-host of the #1 ranked fundraising podcast, Fundraising Is Funny. He and his family make their home in Las Vegas, NV, with two poorly trained golden retrievers who are experts in the ask at dinner time.

Emily Newberry is sales and strategy leader in the nonprofit SaaS world. She’s passionate about technology and the impact it has on people, organizations and communities.

At OneCause, Emily works directly with national nonprofit organizations and their leaders to understand challenges and opportunities and collaborate on ways to engage donors and use technology to meet fundraising and stewardship goals. She works cross functionally with internal leaders in marketing, product, and operations to ensure we build process and product for today and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Prior to joining OneCause, Emily worked in the nonprofit space, helping align donors to mission, and raising money for life-saving research, treatment and care, and monitoring grant spending and care at two multi-disciplinary health clinics.