Annie Vranizan, Kristy Yamaguchi, Layne Gray & Joanna Rees

Vivanista has developed a new Fundraiser-In-A-Box: VivaStarDance.   Based on extensive  research of several organizations who have successfully completed fundraisers such as this, including Kristi Yamaguchi’s Dancing The Night Away, and Center for the Homeless in South Bend, Indiana, with their Dancing With Our Stars event which this year raised over $300,000. Kristi Yamaguchi, having been the winner of the 6th Season of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, is fortunate that several of the DWTS professional dancers participate in her fundraiser. But even without such star power, charitable organizations can create a powerhouse line-up of civic leaders who are willing to cut loose on the dance floor. Based on the feedback we have received coupled with our own experience in charitable fundraising, VivaStarDance can be a sure-winner for organizations across the country.

WHAT IS VIVAStarDance:VivaStarDance is a charitable fundraiser in which seven community leaders are
partnered with professional dancers.  Each pair learns one two-minute long ballroom dance-style routine which they perform for attendees at a fun-filled evening fundraiser.

One month prior to the actual event, the public is encouraged to vote for their preferred participant on-line.  Each vote cast costs a nominal amount which is a direct donation to the charity. Hence, donations are generated far in advance of the actual event.

The event will include an Auction and a Fund-In-Need.  After the seven performances a winner is crowned.  All guests are then invited to the dance floor to strut their stuff.

HOW IT WORKS:

• Identify seven community leaders who are willing to give of their time and energy to learn a ballroom type dance and will generate advance buzz

• Pre-event promotion encourages voting and ticket sales
• Tickets to the event include cocktails, dinner, the performances, and dancing

REVENUE:

• Ticket pricing (dependent on city):Regular priced ticket: $75 – $250
  • VIP ticket: $250 – $1,000
  • Pre-event online voting: $25 – $50 per vote

• Auction Ideas:
  • Ballroom Dance Lessons
  • Tickets to a taping of ABC Show ‘Dancing With The Stars’
  • Fund-In-Need

• Additional revenue opportunities:

DETAILS:

• Audience:  Men and Women
• Volunteers: Moderate
  • Dance coordinators: 7 (one for each pair)
  • Ticket sales: 2
  • Promotion: 1
  • Finance: 1
  • Production: 2 – 4
  • Auction: 2 – 5
  • Partner/sponsor relations: 2
  • On-site: security: 2
  • On-site: Auction & Fund-In-Need spotters: 1 per 40 guests
  • On-site: Clean-up: 2 – 4

• Major Costs:  Venue, catering, marketing, costumes
• Level of effort:  Moderate
• Planning Cycle:  6 – 9 months

HOW VIVANISTA CAN HELP:

• Download for Free
  • Budget template
  • Committee formation tips
  • Timeline
  • Job descriptions
  • Solicitation letter to prospective donors
  • Graphic design
  • Event invitation
  • Final Report

• Premium Program: Vivanistamanages the event logistics for a fee
  • All templates and guides as listed above in a ‘Chair Bible’ binder
  • Pre-event
  • Creative direction
  • Credit card processing, including ticket sales and pre-event voting
  • Marketing including graphic design, and social media marketing
  • Interface with volunteer committee
  • On-site: Oversee event volunteers
  • On-site: Manage logistics
  • Post-event: Final Report
  • Post-event: Revenue reconciliation
  • Cost: Depends on scope of work and timeframe.  Minimum of $5,000 + expenses.

SUMMARY:

VivaStarDance is a fun community-oriented fundraiser that as potential to become a must-attend annual event and generate substantial revenue for your charity.

Email events@vivanista.com to find out more about how you can host your own VivaStarDance!