Co Chairs: Mediha Abdulhay and Carrie Ting

Event: DIGNITY: A one night photography auction and exhibition benefiting Acumen Fund

Date of Event: Saturday, August 7

Name of volunteer organization: San Francisco for Acumen Fund

Charity/Nonprofit beneficiary: All proceeds will benefit Acumen Fund, a non-profit venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to alleviate global poverty.

Charity/nonprofit websites: San Francisco for Acumen

Vivanista recently sat down with co-chairs Mediha Abdulhay and Carrie Ting to learn about their fabulous upcoming event, Dignity, the organization it supports: The Acumen Fund.

What is it about the Acumen Fund that made you willing to take on the role as event Chair?

I first found out about Acumen Fund after reading “The Blue Sweater” (by Acumen Fund’s Founder Jacqueline Novogratz) and was interested to find out more about this organization.  I started getting involved with Acumen Fund’s San Francisco chapter and am now a chapter leader, along with Carrie, of SF for Acumen.

Chairing an event like the DIGNITY photo auction is definitely a commitment, but one that I was excited to make given my strong conviction in Acumen Fund’s mission and approach to poverty alleviation.  I like knowing that Acumen Fund will direct the donor dollars SF for Acumen raises towards high impact investments that empower individuals with choices rather than limit them with charity.  Since 2001, Acumen Fund has invested $40 million in 44 businesses in East Africa and South Asia, serving over 30 million low income people and creating over 22,000 jobs.  That’s a great track record and one that I look forward to building upon.  (MA)

What will be special about Dignity? If this is an annual event, what will be new elements added to this year’s event?

This year’s Dignity event will feature a special exhibition of photographs taken by Acumen Fund Fellows.  Each year, Acumen Fund recruits highly talented and passionate young professionals as Fellows to reflect on their role as leaders, build their leadership capacity, and provide management support to Acumen Fund investees.  By working directly with the investees, Acumen Fund Fellows experience dignity firsthand – helping others to make choices for themselves and pursue lives of greater purpose. (CT)

Are there any pre-event parties for benefactors?

There will be an intimate VIP reception prior to the event, with a private viewing of the gallery and a reception with Acumen Fund Fellows & Yasmina Zaidman, Acumen Fund’s Director of Communications. (CT)

What plans have you made to address problems that may arise?

Having a well prepared team of volunteers is the best way to manage unforeseen complications on the day of the event. We started recruiting our volunteers and assigning roles a few months before Dignity to ensure that the day of programming runs smoothly.  We’ve also made sure to test out any equipment in advance to avoid messy technical problems.  Ideally, our volunteers who have worked so hard will also be able to participate in the auction and enjoy the event! (MA)

What are you wearing to the event?

I love the concept of renting beautiful dresses for a fraction of their price.  It’s a great business model and is the perfect solution for fashion hungry girls on a budget.  I’ve decided on a sequined shift by Christian Cota from Rent the Runway.  (MA)

What qualities make an event Chair successful?An event chair should trust, empower, and inspire her team.  She should genuinely listen to ideas – with the insight of when to support vs. challenge – and connect the dots to execute on a shared vision. (CT)

What external resources do you use in your fundraising efforts (i.e. websites, mentors, etc.)?

Finding the right audience is important.  For example, our Silicon Valley chapter partners helped us establish a connection with Kereitsu Forum, the world’s largest angel network which then offered to help us promote the event through its membership newsletter. This was an exciting win for us! We’ve also tried to increase our online footprint by asking other organizations with deep roots (like Hub Bay Area and Net Social Impact) to add our event to their calendars.  We’ve also jumped on the social media way; for example, you can also follow us on Twitter (@AcumenSF) and PlanCast (AcumenSF).  (MA)

What is one fundraising tip you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?

Fundraising can be a slow process so it’s important to start building relationships early.  (MA)

What is your fundraising motto?

“Give choice, not charity.” (CT)