Charity Gala or Fundraiser? Book an Awards Host Who Can Strike the Right Tone

Every fundraising event has the same goal: to leave guests inspired enough to give. And while entertainment, auctions, and speeches all play their part, the person holding the microphone sets the tone for the night. Get it right, and you can energise a room, spark generosity, and surpass your fundraising target. Get it wrong, and the atmosphere never quite lands. That’s why the choice of host matters – and why so many charities come to us every year to get it right.

At The Speakers Agency, we’ve seen first-hand how the right charity awards host can transform fundraising results, creating unforgettable evenings that raise both spirits and vital funds.

Why Can the Right Host Make or Break a Fundraising Event?

How do great hosts balance entertainment and emotion?

Fundraising events are unique because they have to entertain while also carrying a serious purpose. The best hosts know how to transition smoothly between laughter and heartfelt moments. They can lift the energy of the room with humour when needed, then create space for reflection during moving speeches or appeals. 

How do hosts keep audiences engaged all evening?

Guests at charity galas often include a mix of corporate supporters, long-time donors, and first-time attendees. Attention spans can be short, especially once dinner and drinks are flowing. A professional fundraising host knows how to hold the room, keep the pace lively, and maintain momentum through the programme. They make sure no moment drags, and that the energy in the room supports your fundraising goals.

What Should You Look for in a Charity Awards Host?

Why does experience with auctions and fundraising pitches matter?

Charity galas often include auctions, pledges, or fundraising calls-to-action. Not every presenter is comfortable driving bids or asking directly for donations. That’s why we often recommend specialists like Hamilton Bland, a seasoned charity auctioneer who has raised thousands for good causes. Hamilton doesn’t just manage the bidding – he actually brings along his own auction items tailored to your audience, from sports memorabilia to music collectibles, and guarantees to generate strong returns for your charity.

Why are poise and empathy essential qualities?

Unlike corporate awards, charity events carry a personal and often emotional weight. Stories of impact, hardship, or hope are central to the evening. A great host can read the room and strike the right tone in these moments, showing genuine empathy without losing professionalism. That’s why we often recommend actors such as Jason Watkins, who combine stage presence with emotional intelligence, making them ideal hosts for charity evenings that require both gravitas and warmth.

What Are the Common Mistakes When Choosing a Fundraising Host?

Why shouldn’t you prioritise celebrity over suitability?

It can be tempting to choose a famous face to draw attention to your event. While celebrity appeal has its place, profile alone doesn’t guarantee a successful evening. If a host lacks experience with auctions, doesn’t connect with your cause, or isn’t comfortable engaging directly with donors, the fundraising potential can suffer. The right host is someone who blends credibility, relevance, and presence – not just name recognition. We can help advise on this to find the right balance. 

Why does overlooking your audience create problems?

Every fundraising event is different. The style that works for a black-tie gala may not suit a community awards night. When hosts don’t align with the audience’s demographics, expectations, or the event’s overall purpose, it can feel disjointed. That’s why it’s vital to choose someone who understands both the formality of the occasion and the fundraising mission behind it.

Real Client Example: Severn Trent’s WaterAid Ball

One of our clients, Severn Trent, recently hosted a spectacular ball to raise funds for WaterAid. We recommended Pierre Novellie as their host and the result was nothing short of phenomenal. Here’s what the client told us afterwards:

“The event went very well! We raised over £278,000 for WaterAid which is simply fantastic. Our aim was to raise more than £220k but secretly hoped we’d better what we raised last time which was £250k. So, to raise £278k was just phenomenal.

Pierre was lovely! He fit the event so well and was such a pleasure to work with. He was engaged in the purpose of the event and genuinely seemed to want to do everything he could to help us raise as much as possible and get as many people in attendance to engage with the various fundraising activities. He was flexible and really kind when our timings were a little off. He helped to keep me calm at a few points during the night and I really felt like we were a team – I honestly can’t thank him enough.

Also, sometimes you worry what kind of character someone will be i.e. will they be really high maintenance (or a bit of a diva 😉)? But Pierre was none of those. He was so easy to work with. He was happy to be in the same space as the volunteers, was very low maintenance and in no way was he a diva!!

We received great feedback from the guests too, with the WaterAid Chair at Severn Trent (Jude) singing his praises. They thought he did a great job, really liked the small lines he added here and there throughout the evening. Said he fit the theme and feel of the event well and that we would consider using Pierre again for future events.”

This is a perfect example of how the right host doesn’t just support the programme, they actively work as part of your team to help deliver fundraising success.

Why Book a Host Through The Speakers Agency?

What makes our roster of charity awards hosts stand out?

We work with a diverse range of presenters who bring both experience and heart to charity events. From comedians like Pierre Novellie, to fundraising auctioneers like Hamilton Bland, Martin Bayfield and JJ Chalmers, to actors such as Jason Watkins, we represent hosts who combine entertainment, empathy, and professionalism in equal measure.

How do we support clients in choosing the right talent?

Initially, we take the time to understand your fundraising goals and your audience before recommending a selection of hosts. You review our selections and once you have decided on a host, we manage the contracts to lock this in their diary. We also manage logistics and preparation, so you can focus entirely on your cause.

A note to all our clients: while many of our speakers are happy to reduce their fees for charity events, we can’t guarantee that they will waive them altogether. Most of them already support their own chosen charities, so every request is handled on a case-by-case basis. What we can guarantee is transparency, support, and access to hosts who will add real value to your event.

Let Your Host Carry the Room While You Focus on Fundraising

At The Speakers Agency, we’ve seen how pairing the right person with the right cause can take fundraising events to the next level.

Looking to host a memorable and effective fundraising event? Contact The Speakers Agency today, and we’ll help you book a host who fits the brief perfectly, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: raising funds and making an impact.