Having spent the last twenty six years as a major gift
fundraiser, I must admit that I am not the biggest fan of event fundraising. I have seen over and over again organizations
that spend extraordinary amounts of staff and volunteer time to have an annual
gala. Many organizations tap their major
donors to be table sponsors and sometime give away tickets to fill the room.
I want to highlight two success stories and examine
the reasons for their success. A client
of mine had their 8th fundraising dinner in March. The event has the
typical elements of reception with a silent auction, dinner followed by remarks
and a live auction. The Executive Director has gone to great pains to have the
event in a venue other than a hotel ballroom. The event is always sold out and
the auction proceeds have risen each year.
I think this event is a success mainly because
it is FUN. The event committee brings their family and friends and welcomes all
who attend. This organization raises
funds to assist intellectually disabled children. The children
greet the guests as they arrive.
Siblings are involved as volunteers.
The mission of the organization is highlighted throughout the
evening. New relationships are forged
each year that help the organization to grow.
Recently,
I attended a fundraising gala for an organization that is related to a cause
that my husband and I support monthly. I had not planned to attend, but did
because I was invited personally by two friends. This event was held in the
building that houses this Dominican educational institution. There was an opportunity to socialize in
areas of the building that are not often open to the public.
The
reception atmosphere allowed for much interaction among the guests. I had ample opportunity to talk with friends
and acquaintances that I do not see often, and to meet new people. Music, singing and entertainment provided by
those who will benefit from the money raised.
The silent auction items were unique and most of them related to the
mission. One item was beer brewed by the
brothers who would be benefited by the money raised from the event. Two of the
live auctions items were rare experiential opportunities.
The
event ended with the night prayers of the Church held in the chapel, once
again, an experience that is not commonly available to the public. It is an event that I will invite others to
attend next year because it was fun and unique.
The
common denominator for these events is that they were not just throwing a
pricey party, but a social event that featured their very unique missions. Each event had a specific target audience, the
venue was distinctive, and those who came were inspired by the evening and left
being pleased with their involvement and contribution to the mission
