We asked several Vivanista members who have recently chaired fundraising events what an event Chair should do first when organizing their committee.

Here are their responses:

 

“I’m a realist. To ensure I get volunteers, I know I’ll have to bribe my friends and family members. I offer to host a brunch or luncheon wherein we’ll be doing our planning. Having myself been a volunteer, I know I’m always more amenable to helping out if I know there’s free food involved!”

Sid Korpi

Minneapolis

Co-Chair, 2nd Annual Geezer Gala

“An event Chair should start by not only rounding up her friends, but also organizing a good mix of different, yet like-minded people for her committee. I find that mixing up the committee with diverse members is extremely beneficial. My committees are versatile, and they bring an added variety of resources, skills, and ideas to the table. This is so important to do initially because by the time of the event, an amazing synergy is created, which translates directly into ticket sales, donations, awareness, etc., ultimately raising much more money and making your event that much more of a success.”

Abbie DeSantis

Chicago

Chair, 2010 A Night For African Education

“I would say that the first thing I would do to organize a committee of volunteers is to get to know them. Since people are giving up their free time to work on XYZ committee, they need to feel inspired and excited about the cause and the chair so I highly recommend keeping the first meeting (or two) informal, creative and fun. I dread the word, but “icebreakers” and/or informal activities that are purely for fun go a long way.”

Courtney Bocci

San Francisco

Chair, 2010 JLSF Fashion Show

“Critical to the success of any Committee must be a thoughtful strategy for inviting members to serve, a comprehensive orientation program, an ability to work towards and achieve consensus, a willingness to bring new and creative ideas to the group, a matrix for accountability, and a passion for the Mission of the Organization.”

Eliza Kraft Olander

Raleigh, North Carolina

Chair, 2010 Triangle Wine Experience

What would you do first when putting a fundraising committee together?

Join in the discussion, add your comments below