When it comes to chairing an event in the world of volunteer fundraising, it’s no question it takes a certain type of dedicated character who can pull off a successful event. The responsibility of managing committees, budgets, vendors, marketing, and all else in between requires an individual who can demonstrate leadership while being a team player.

Yet that’s not always the case as anyone who has served on an event committee can attest. More often than not, an event chair can range in extremes from someone who prefers to remain behind the scenes to the socialite wannabe who may have an ulterior motive or two up her Lora Piana cashmere sleeve. There are those that unite and those that dictate, those who hold hands and those that elbow their way to the top – also known as the Social v. Socialite Impact.

To better understand the Socialite Impact, it is important to note an unequivocal truth that, when done the right way, chairing an event can elevate one’s social standing in the community. When someone demonstrates that she (or he) can successfully fundraise for a cause without ruffling feathers along the way, said person can become elevated to new heights in the social stratosphere. In many cases, those who were not born into an affluent lineage will seek the position of event chair for a city’s most illustrious black tie galas in an effort to become accepted by the “bluebloods.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum exists the philanthropists who care merely about the Social Impact of their contribution and how the monies raised can better their community. These are the event chairs who do not need recognition and public praise but rather are comforted in knowing they made a difference and choose to remain private in their successes.

After analyzing the various personality types who chair events, there are four quintessential categories that best encapsulate each character.

Which one are you?

Worker Bee: You’re slightly “green” in the fundraising arena and prefer to follow than lead. You’re anxious to learn, take orders well, and have more energy than a two-year-old. You’ll eagerly roll up your sleeves to stuff envelopes and be an event day gofer for virtually no recognition and little financial return to the nonprofit. (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between 0-2: you are a soldier born to serve.)

Robin Hood: You have a decent amount of experience in fundraising and are inspired by your accomplishments but aren’t jaded. You have one goal and one goal only: to raise as much money as possible for the charity. You need no glory or recognition and do whatever it takes (emcee the event, sweep the floors, clean the aftermath) without thinking. (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between 3-5: you’ll use authority when needed.)

Mountain Climber: You’re a total pro at chairing an event and have the resume of galas to prove it. You have both personal and philanthropic motives that drive you and can often become seduced by seeing your name in lights on the promotional materials. You’re a star doing good which is better than just being a star. (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between a 6-8: you may have to step on a few stilet-toes along the way, but it’s for the greater good.)

Diva: You are the gold ring and you simply never, repeat never, take no for an answer when asking for donations. Your contributions as an event chair are the pinnacle of charity work where not only are the events a must-attend from a social standpoint, but they raise record amounts for the beneficiaries. There are only a couple of you in the community, but you are the best.  (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between 8-10: You are the Queen bee, the rest couldn’t possibly compare.)

For some it’s all about the journey, and for others, it’s the destination that counts. But for those who truly set the standard as an event Chair – it’s finding a harmonious balance of both.

Related posts:

1. Ten Ways to Successfully Chair an Event
2. Fundraising Tutorial: Event Feasibility Quiz 1 of 6
3. Template: Event Action Plan
4. Tales from the Cheer
5. Are Charity Galas Facing Extinction?