That is why it is important that guests don’t feel nickel and dimed to death at the event itself.  Take for example, a Fund In Need.  Trust me, I am the biggest proponent of Funds In Need – huge upside potential with virtually no work.  But often people who have no affiliation with the charity feel pushed into raising their paddle.

I don’t propose and charitable organization forgo a Fund In Need.  Rather there should be better communication pre-event as well as when the auctioneer starts the program.  A table host can pre-warn guests that a Fund In Need is happening and they are surely not obligated to participate. The auctioneer can let the attendees know what his ultimate lowest level is going to be so people can gauge what level of donation they plan to make.

Photo courtesy of Flickr, Wintersoul1

Good communication is the core to best practices in charitable fundraising.

2012 JLSF Fashion Show Chair, Schuyler Hudak

Event: The Junior League of San Francisco, Inc.’s 86th Annual Fashion Show

Date: Friday, April 13, 2012

Chair: Schuyler Hudak

Location: San Francisco Fairmont

Purchase Tickets: Click here

Beneficiary(ies):  Community Programs: International Rescue Committee, San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center, Support for Families with Disabilities and the Janet Pomeroy Center.  Additionally, The Junior League of San Francisco Enabling Funds Committee provides emergency and bridge funding grants to San Francisco Bay Area non-profit organizations that face an urgent and unexpected short-term financial need. The grant recipient organizations must clearly demonstrate that their program goals and priorities align with the JLSF Mission and JLSF focus area of Support and Strengthen Families in Need.

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

I grew up watching my mother volunteer for the Junior League, and that exposure to community involvement taught me the importance of volunteering. When I was given the opportunity to chair the Fashion Show, which is the longest running fundraiser of it’s kind in the United States, I was honored to be a part of this amazing tradition, while also knowing that I could bring some innovation to a fundraiser that is trying to modernize.

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

The thing that makes this charity fashion show unique is that all of the models are JLSF members. This year we are celebrating the accomplishments of the League and the women of the League who have taken their League training to go on and do amazing things in the city. As such we have some amazing role models to the community modeling in the show including Sallie Hunting, Patricia Spincin, Stephanie Anderson Pugash, Marie Hurrabiel, Mary Poland, and Anett Harris!

What constitutes success for you with regards to the specific event you’re chairing?

First and foremost, I want to exceed our fundraising goals, but fundraising events are typically about more than just fundraising. They are opportunities to build affinity for your organization. This year, the Junior League is celebrating it’s Centennial, which means that the show needs to fulfill members expectations of honoring the League. I want people to walk away from the show feeling fulfilled by the reflective but festive tone of the celebration.

How do you balance the quantifiable goal of raising money with the goal of broadening goodwill?

This is such a challenging question, particularly for the JLSF. Our goal is to train volunteers, so my role is not just to fundraise but to mentor and teach (as I myself also learn). The Fashion Show is also the League’s most high-profile event so it is a key recruitment tool for the League itself. The goal becomes finding a way to inspire each one of the hundreds of members of the Junior League to want to reach out to their networks to get them involved, to make each JLSF member feel invested in the success of the event.

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

Build excellent support systems. It doesn’t mater how much you plan, something will go wrong. The first thing is to accept this at the outset, so that you are prepared to deal with whatever arises. The other key is to make sure everything is as well prepared as possible, so that when you need to divert your attention to an unexpected issue, the other pieces can move along without much supervision. But the best advice I ever received about putting on events was this: On the day of the event, the Chair should be in charge of nothing. Every committee chair should have their work fully under their own supervision. This way, as chair, you can respond quickly to unforeseen problems.

Are there any pre-event parties for benefactors?

We have some exceptional pre-events:

·      Our Launch Party was on March 14^th at the Maritime Museum and featured PopRocks.

·      The Patrons Party for our benefactors will be at the Conservatory of Flowers and will be a truly beautiful evening.

·      Finally, prior to both shows, we host a pre-party for our Patrons in the Swig Suite Penthouse at the Fairmont.

What background do you have to take on the role as Chair?

I worked professionally in fundraising for a couple of years early in my career, and then moved back to politics where I manage up to 15,000 volunteers. This combination of high-pressure campaign work, and more long-term fundraising relationship building is a great skill set for large-scale fundraising events with lots of moving pieces.

What will be the most compelling event element?

In years to come, the Fashion Show will be adapting to the changing fundraising climate. This show is going to be a true celebration of the League. We are incorporating a lot of elements that are meant to honor the work of the League and the amazing women who received their training with the JLSF. It’s going to be a very special show.

One of the gowns designed by Karen Caldwell

What are you wearing to the event?

I’m still looking for the perfect dress. I absolutely love everything Karen Caldwell designs and would love to get to wear something by her.

What is your fundraising motto?

Your imagination is your only limitation.

What qualities make an event Chair successful?

Being direct and decisive. I think early on I was being too diplomatic and democratic, and throughout the process I have learned that I need to function as more of an executive.

What was the best charity event you’ve ever attended and why?

This is going to sound like a shameless plug, but it’s true! The Junior League Fashion Show is the best show and fundraiser in town. Entirely run and produced by volunteers, there are endless parties and you feel like you are really having a full experience. Every year the show outdoes itself. It’s spectacular!

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

Be kind and thankful. It seems intuitive, but you would be amazed what a difference it makes to go out of your way to truly express your gratitude and be kind (even when you get a “no”). You are representing an organization and as such it’s part of your job to be the best possible ambassador.

What are three words that best describe you?

Kindhearted, driven, & diligent.

Who are you grateful to?

The Macy’s Special Production team, led by the most fabulous partner, Larry Hashbarger, and executed fabulously by Natalie Smith.  We are so appreciative of their support and expert execution.

Photos from the Models Try-Out and Past Fashion Show Chair Tea:

Past Fashion Show Chairs, Anne Marie Massocca and Sallie Huntting

Susie Hall, Hooman Khalili of Alice Radio and Nicole Bonar

Past Fashion Show Chair, Victoria Yeager Sawyer

Sustaining Advisor, Jane Inch, and Fashion Show Chair, Schulyer Hudak

Nicole Bonar, Whitney Hudak, Susie hall, Schuyler Hudak

Past JLSF Vice President, Linda Hudak, with daughters Whitney and Schuyler

Photos courtesy of Monalani Jeffrey

Source:LiveScience

How would you describe yourself in Wordle?  Post your comment below!

Last year, this sold-out event raised $135,000 for Parca with approximately 400 guests in attendance. Since the Auxiliary was created in 1985, it has raised over $1 Million for the organization.

Theme: Luncheon in the Serengeti

Co-Chairs: Liat Bishko and Tara Klein

Date: Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Location: Home of Kelly and Bruce Bligh, Hillsborough California

Cause: Enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families in and around San Mateo County

To find out more and to order tickets: Click here

Here are highlights from the 2011 fundraiser, Bienvenue a Parca!

Kristen Evans shows off an adorable Labradoodle puppy who secured a loving home (and fetched a big price for Parca) in the 2011 live auction!

Auxiliary member, Alice Chang, delivers fresh baked cookies to the lucky 2011 winner of the "Cake Auction"

2011 guests prepare for the live auction

Paige Cattano and Tiffany Mills enjoying the luncheon and fashion show!

Model, Michelle Sloat, walks the catwalk in a dress from Wilkes Bashford, the premier Bay Area retailer

Parca Auxiliary President, Julie Lev, with 2011 Honorary Chairs, Shashi and Dipanjan ('DJ') Deb

2011 Co-Chairs Colleen Saglimbeni & Lara McDonald

Kelly Bligh and Amy Underwood enjoy Parca Auxiliary's 23rd Annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show

A very successful Silent Auction

2011 Luncheon & Fashion Show fundraiser logo

To find out more about the 2012 Luncheon and Fashion Show and to order tickets click here and enjoy!

WHAT IS VivaSpellbound: A charitable fundraiser similar to the Scripps National Spelling Bee yet in a fun, team format for all ages.  VivaSpellbound also leverages on-line crowdsourcing fundraising  for incremental pre-event revenue generation.

A Spelling Bee works especially well as a school fundraiser, whether it be pre-school, elementary school, high school or even college.  It is easy to put together and requires only a small committee of volunteers. One to two months prior to the actual event, the community i.e. parents, students, and friends are encouraged to put teams together.  Teams can range from 3 – 8 individuals.

REVENUE

Pre-event revenue:

• Team entrance fee: $1,000 – $5,000 per team
• Dinner Tickets: $50 – $150/person
• Benefactor Tickets: $250 – $1,000 (includes dinner)
• Spelling Bee attendance only: $5 – $40 (depends on what is served i.e. cocktails)

PLANNING PROCESS

• Announce timeframe for team sign-ups
• Create minimum entry fee i.e. $1,000 (allow teams to raise more)
• Implement targeted promotion to constituents
• Offer ticket price range, as highlighted above
• Sell tickets
• Set up venue to include a stage, dinner tables and theater seating (for those who just purchase tickets to the spelling bee itself)
• Let teams and their supporters purchase ‘cheats’ for incremental $$$
• Include ceremony for winning team

DETAILS

• Audience:  Men and Women
• Volunteers: Moderate
  • Team coordinators: 1 for every four teams
  • Ticket sales: 2
  • Promotion: 1
  • Finance: 1
  • Production: 2 – 4
  • Fund-In-Need: 1 – 2
  • Partner/sponsor relations: 2
  • On-site: security: 2
  • On-site: Fund-In-Need spotters: 1 per 40 guests
  • On-site: Clean-up: 2 – 4

• Major Costs:  Venue, catering, stage set
• Level of effort:  Moderate
• Planning Cycle:  2 – 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: Vivanista manages 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

VivaSpellbound 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 ownVivaSpellbound!

Here are the steps to creating a Facebook page with the timeline style.

Also, check out 11 Facebook pages Nonprofit Orgs likes (me too).

Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social networks out there? If you aren’t familiar with it you need to get on board, especially if you’re a nonprofit or volunteer organization. Why?  It is a fantastic way to communicate the soul of the organization.

Here’s how it works:

1. Request an invitation.

2. Design your pin-up boards to communicate the style and interests of the organization.  You can create as many boards as you wish.  But they should work together.  Here are boards I would recommend:

• How we help.  This board would include what your organization ultimately benefits, whether it be animals, people or world peace.
• Our vision.  This board could include where your charity is going over the next few years.  This gives your followers a sense of your future.
• What we need.  This board would include what donors would be contributing to.  For example, your organization may need a new shelter for the homeless you help.
• Organizations we admire.  Here you pin up nonprofits that you would like to be aligned.
• Our sponsors. This is a great board to showcase your donors, whether individuals or corporations.
• Our events.  This could be a great way to showcase fundraising events you’ve had in the past.

3. Start following people and organizations on Pinterest.

4. Reach out to your constituents to let them know you’re now on Pinterest.

5. Get a ‘Pin It’ badge on your website, just like the Facebook LIKE and Twitter tweet buttons.  That way, when people come to your website and they like it, they can pin it on their boards which will drive more traffic back to you.

Other articles:

- 10 Strategies For Non-Profits on Pinterest from Mashable.

- Pinterest infographic

- Driving traffic with Pinterest

Overview:       Why is one event more enticing to prospective guests than another?  From theme development to invitation design attendees will develop a comprehensive marketing plan so as to execute a cohesive and compelling program.

Length:           Half or Full day

Category:        Event Marketing

Deliverables:

• Design an event theme
• Create a marketing plan

Components:

• Graphic design: Do It Yourself or Hiring a designer
• Theme and how to implement it
• Marketing components: Save the Date, Invitation, On-site signage, on-line
• Impact of video & photos
• Create a plan
• Develop a timeline
• Keeping message consistent
• Email versus direct mail, personalization how and why
• Leveraging current contacts and previous attendees

Exercises:

• Break-out: Create a plan
• Create an event theme and graphic

Case Study:

• Examples of real recent marketing programs for fundraising events

Hand-Outs:

• Templates: invitation components, sample plan, action timeline

Vivanista offers in-person training seminars to nonprofit organizations and volunteer organizations in a variety of fundraising topics. This training session focuses on event marketing to ensure the event is represented in its best light.

Overview:       The most viral way to build excitement around a fundraising event is through social media.  But where to start and how to maximize exposure without spamming friends?  This session provides an in-depth look at setting up a Facebook event page, a twitter account, Flickr group, YouTube channel and LinkedIn profile.  All to drive attendance and awareness.

Length:           Half to full day, can be combined with Event Promotion training session.

Category:        Event Marketing

Deliverables:

• How to setup various media presence
• How to use each of the social media to build awareness for your event
• How to use social most effectively for your event
• How to use social media during an event

Components:

• Set up
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  •       Scheduling tweets
  •       Advanced: using other platforms i.e. HootSuite, Tweetdeck

• Using specific social media to target certain demographics
• Setting up a Vivanista event page
• Which social medium is most effective
• Power of visuals
• Keeping messaging consistent across platforms
• Setting up a plan as to when and where to communicate
• Keeping it fresh:
  • Strategy
  • Implementation

Exercises:

• Hands-On: With laptops each attendee can create a presence on each of the platforms

Quiz:

• Match Social Media Terms
• Setting up Facebook
• What are people looking for

Hand-Outs:

• Vivanista’s Social Media e-book

Vivanista offers in-person training seminars to nonprofit organizations and volunteer organizations in a variety of fundraising topics. This training session focuses on event promotion using social media.