The Ask That Never Happened: Frann Leppla, President, TGH Foundation

What if removing the ask from your biggest fundraising event actually raised more money? Frann Leppla, President of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation, joins host Tracie Domino to share how TGH Foundation eliminated night-of fundraising from their signature gala and sparked one of the most productive donor engagement periods in the foundation's history.Frann breaks down the psychology behind major gifts, the rise of the investor-donor who wants a real return on their philanthropic investment, and why the hard work of fundraising begins after the check is written, not before. She also addresses the biggest misconception in healthcare philanthropy: that donors receive better care as patients. At Tampa General, the mission is simple. Every human being deserves the best possible healthcare regardless of their ability to pay. Philanthropic dollars make that standard of excellence possible for everyone.This conversation also covers the extraordinary growth of the Tampa General system, what it truly means to be a Level 1 Trauma Center, and why the TGH Foundation has turned down significant gifts in order to protect the integrity of the mission.Whether you lead a nonprofit, work in healthcare, sit on a foundation board, or simply believe in the power of community investment, this episode will change how you think about giving, gratitude, and the brands people choose to believe in.Frann Leppla has served as President of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation for nearly eight years, growing its philanthropic impact year over year and helping position TGH as one of Florida's most trusted healthcare institutions.The Bay Builds Podcast features weekly conversations with the founders and executives behind Tampa Bay's biggest brands, businesses, and boldest ideas.00:00 Why Events Fall Flat01:01 Meet Fran Leppla02:00 No Ask Gala Strategy03:27 Psychology of Giving04:41 Momentum After Events06:13 TGH Growth Vision07:35 Where TGH Operates08:24 Donor Motivations Today09:46 Showing Impact After Gifts11:31 Philanthropy Misconceptions12:47 Major Gifts Shift Works13:57 Proof the Model Worked16:13 Sales to Fundraising19:23 Building Team Culture21:12 Protecting Brand Trust22:51 Academic Care Difference24:18 Trauma Center and NICU25:58 Foundation Goals Ahead27:13 Lightning Round28:53 Closing Reflections