After winning a Gold Medal in the 1992 Winter Olympics, Kristi Yamaguchi embarked on a successful career as a professional ice skater and sought-after corporate spokesperson.  She was afforded the opportunity to work with charitable organizations and in 1996 started her own Foundation which she named after her personal motto: Always Dream.

Since then she has continued to take on new challenges and in the 6^th Season of Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) she won the coveted gold Disco Ball that sits happily next to her many other awards, both big and small.  It was obvious that the professional dancers from DWTS embraced Kristi because many of them will be flying to San Francisco this Saturday, June 19^th, to attend the Always Dream Foundation annual fundraising event: Dancing the Night Away.  This one night only dinner/ballroom dancing extravaganza will showcase an all-star cast where guests strut their stuff next to the likes of Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke and Chelsie Hightower.

We asked Kristi a few questions about her upcoming event.

Vivanista: How have you leveraged your championship at Dancing with the Stars as a fundraising method for Always Dream?

DWTS is so widely watched and has such entertainment value that it was a natural to come up with an event based on the dancing with a cause related tie.

You’ve got an incredible line-up of stars at the upcoming event.  What is it that caused them to want to be part of this event?

I had to beg, borrow and steal to have this line up talent here!  Just kidding, they all are very generous with their talent and time to come and participate as a friend.

Is the revenue generated from the event mostly from ticket sales?

A portion is from ticket/table sales as well as our live auction and raffle tickets.

Which was more rewarding: winning Dancing with the Stars or your gold medal in ice skating?

Both were rewarding, but the Olympics was a life long ambition and on a whole different level.

What was more difficult to train for?

Olympics, for sure!  It took years of training, not weeks like the dancing.

Vivanista is launching a Fundraiser-In-A-Box called VivaStarDance where community leaders are paired with professional dancers for an evening of fun, similar to your event coming up on the 19^th.  Based on your experience what tips or advice can you give charitable organizations who may want to use this fundraiser to raise money?

Use up beat music and get community leaders who are willing to let loose and have fun.   It’s all about the learning and effort. Have fun with costumes, too.

Vivanista’s Annie Vranizan and Layne Gray with Kristy Yamaguchi

What are you wearing to the event?

I will perform in the costumes I actually wore on DWTS.

What is the best charitable event you’ve attended and why?

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS carnival is pretty impressive. Lots of fun for the families with games and activities for kids and they raise over $1 million. Fun celebrity sightings too.

Are your children learning to ice skate?

Not yet, We go for fun, but no lessons yet.

What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

Dance Halls. What a great night it would be to go out dancing with friends to a live band.

For more information on Kristi Yamaguchi’s Dancing the Night Away, click here

Event Name: Gala 2010: Flights of Fancy

Join the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in hosting  its annual black-tie social gala and afterparty at the Central Park Zoo.

Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010

Location: The Central Park Zoo

Charity/Nonprofit beneficiary: Wildlife Conservation Society

Event Chair: Gillian Hearst Simonds

Vivanista sat down with Event-chair, and animal lover, Gillian Hearst Simonds, to find out more about this fun and fabulous event to save wild animals.

What is it about the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) that made you willing to take on the role as event Chair?

I’ve always loved animals, and grew up with dogs, cats, cockatiels, goldfish and a parrotlet. Though these weren’t wild animals, I realize that the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) with the aquarium and the zoos around New York may be the only chance people have to see amazing creatures. It can just take one animal to make someone want to learn more about a species and how they can help them. Over the last few years, I’ve continued to become more involved with WCS and their events, and that is how I eventually became an event Chair.

What will be special about this annual event? And what new elements will be added this year?

Each year a different theme is selected based on areas or species that WCS works with around the world and in its five New York parks.  This year’s event is called “Flights of Fancy” and focuses on birds and their habitats. Last year was an exciting one because we introduced the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Exhibit and its new inhabitants, Zoe, Bo and Chocolate.

What constitutes success for the fundraiser?

Success for me is when someone attends an event and leaves wanting to learn more about the organization and how they can get involved. Each ticket or donation is incredibly important, but if we can also engage people to act on behalf of wildlife and wild places, we will make a much greater impact.

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

I think the two go hand-in-hand. Without the donations from all of WCS’s wonderful supporters we wouldn’t have the impact that we do, and through the trust that we have built as an organization we are able to broaden the goals of what we can accomplish. The economy can go anywhere, as we’ve all learned in the last year or so. If you have to narrow your fundraising down to a few things, make sure you’re supporting issues/topics that you personally care about.

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

I think the best plan is to be flexible! Problems arise, and you need to be able to adapt and deal with them. And don’t sweat the small stuff.

Are there any pre-event parties for benefactors?

There was a pre-gala event at the Judith Leiber store. Judith Leiber was gracious enough to sell 100 bags for $100 each with all proceeds benefitting the Wildlife Conservation Society.

What other organizations are you involved with?

I have helped raise money for ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America) and the High Line. I am the Event Chair for UNICEF’s Next Generation. I am a chair for Operation Smile, and I have been for four years, in addition to being a Smile Ambassador

What will be the most compelling event element?

When guests enter the Central Park Zoo and see the spectacular crystal trees and décor by Preston Bailey. You walk in at dusk and are greeted by the lit up sea lion pool. It’s a night that you, literally, see the zoo in a whole new light.

What are you wearing to the event?

I will be wearing Marchesa and carrying a Judith Leiber peacock bag to the event.

What is your fundraising motto?

The more the merrier!

What qualities do you think make an event Chair successful?

I think just as with everything else you have to be passionate about what you’re supporting. If you care about what you’re involved in, the people around you will see that passion and support you.

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

Twitter, Facebook, email! Anything and everything that will broaden my reach.

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

You never know unless you ask, whether it for an event space, a sponsor, a donation, whatever you need.

What are three words that best describe You?

Happy, honest and passionate

Event: Fashion Gives Back

A Fashion Benefit Show Presented by History Starts Now

Date of Event: June 14^th, 2010

Location: Stone Rose Lounge

Name of volunteer organization: History Starts Now

Chair Name: Kristina Lee Grandstaff

Vivanista recently spoke with Entrepreneur, Ambassador, and Fashionista, Kristina Lee Grandstaff to find out more about her organization: History Starts Now, and her upcoming event: Fashion Gives Back.

What is it about Fashion Gives Back and History Starts now that made you willing to take on the role as event Chair?

I founded History Starts Now in 2008 after attending a Women’s Conference in New York City and hearing testimonies of young girls that had been trafficked in our own backyard, I knew I had to do everything I could to fight against this horrific crime. I rallied up a group of young philanthropists in my life and since our launch in April 2009, we have held awareness event and partaken in speaking engagements to educate individuals on the topic.

What will be special about Fashion Gives Back this year? Will there be any surprises?

There is nothing like pairing a mission with fashion in Columbus Circle! Our team is incredibly thankful to be hosting for the second year in a row at Stone Rose Lounge. We are working with an assortment of designers and wonderful sponsors. The fashion show itself is based on the theme “Just Beneath the Surface.” We are going to position male models on the stage to represent victims in bondage as chic female models walk the runway around them. This is meant to depict how most New Yorkers go about their daily routines unaware of this injustice going on right in our backyard. To complete the evening, we have Kat Rohrer, Producer of the documentary “Fatal Promises” showing her trailer. This is truly going to be an amazing year!

What constitutes success for you with regards to the fashion show?

Hoping that aside from the glitzy spring fashion show, individuals leave with a true call to action and realization that modern day slavery is the highest it has ever been. That there are children all around this world that are enslaved in bondage and it is going to take the help of everyone to make this injustice come to an end.

What are the greatest challenges you’ve had to face?

Child trafficking is a subject that many find hard to talk about. Getting people to open up to let us share the stories of victims at times has been challenging because many are so awful and horrific; it is often hard to hear them. Also deadlines have been a challenge! But by grace, we have an amazing team working together on our projects.

What can other Chairs learn from your experience?

I believe we can always learn and be sharpened so I truly love to learn from my mentors. Having a positive attitude is important and realizing that everyone is truly fighting their own battles, so I feel having heart and compassion to others is something I continually try to do. Lastly, perseverance, this is one of the most important ingredients in life.

Have you chaired other charitable events?  If so, please name them.

Yes, believe it or not, 11 other successful events in a year all for History Starts Now, including :

1.)    TCNJ Dancing with the Stars

2.)    New York City Launch, W Hotel

3.)    Georgetown Law, Washington D.C.

4.)    Redeemer School Carnvial

5.)    Fashion Gives Back 2009, Stone Rose Lounge

6.)    Live Jazz at Pranna

7.)    Salt and Light Art Gala, Philadelphia

8.)    City Lights Gala 2009, Aspen Social Club

9.)    For the Love of the Children, Flander’s Valley

10.) Fashion For Reform, Chicago

11.) Fashion For Freedom, Minneapolis

What are you wearing to the event?

I usually try to keep my wardrobe classic. A white dress, turquoise necklace and nude heels.

What is your fundraising motto?

“Leave a Legacy” (We are just tapping into the fundraising season.)

What qualities make an event Chair successful?

Compassion, Perseverance, Dedication, Passion, Heart

What external resources do you use in your fundraising efforts?

Website, Newsletter, Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

What is the best charitable event you’ve attended and why?

Charity: Water Ball. I learn so much watching the leadership of Founder Scott Harrison. He is such a humble down to earth man!

What fundraising innovation do you wish would be invented?

Twitter donations! Fundraising through social media done the right way can be very successful.

Favorite Quotations:

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”  -Audrey Hepburn

When you attend a charity event and see the Chair up at the podium expressing her appreciation to all those in attendance for their support, you are viewing only one facet of who she is – someone obviously committed to that cause.  But most volunteer leaders are much more complex.  When it comes to Wine, Women & Shoes Co-Chair, Kathryn Hall, that is definitely the case.

Sure, she was an Assistant City Attorney, developed Safeway’s heralded Affirmative Action program, co-founded the North Texas Food Bank, served four years as Ambassador to Austria, not to mention raising 4 children. But it is her long-term involvement in the wine industry – from running her family’s Mendocino-based winery for 10 years to now contributing to her and her husband, Craig’s, HALL Wines as Vintner, that represents her true calling.   So it came as no surprise that her response to our question of three words that best described her being “I work hard”.

The June 27^th Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser for Planned Parenthood will take place at the beautiful art-filled Hall Winery in St. Helena.  Kathryn’s commitment to the organization is quite personal. “Planned Parenthood plays a critical role in supporting healthy, wanted babies. Many years ago I was a PP patient so I have experienced the compassion of this great organization from the perspective of a receiver of services as well as a volunteer.”

“I only chair events for causes I am totally committed to. I can’t ask friends to support an event if I am not passionate about it myself.” added Kathryn.
Asked the goals of the event, she responded with three: 1. Raise lots of money; 2. Guests are reminded why Planned Parenthood is as important today as it was when it began; and 3. Folks have so much fun that they want to come back and give next year.

Great wine, great women and great shoes.  We agree with Kathryn Hall that those are the perfect fundamentals for what will surely be a great party. Click here for tickets.

As a successful media relations expert who has worked with the likes of NBC Universal, Paramount Domestic and Twentieth Television over the past 15 years, Daniella Cracknell did not expect to find herself a new resident of Knoxville, TN.

“I lived the Sex and the City lifestyle in L.A. and N.Y.,” explained Cracknell about moving to the South. “I was terrified and thought my life was over.” Despite Cracknell’s former employer Scripps deciding to move their headquarters in order to be amongst real people, Cracknell continued to travel to both entertainment capitals.  But having now gone off to start her own media relations company, Leonard George, which is named after her late actor-father, she’s decided to stay put in Knoxville. “It’s absolutely beautiful here, Tennessee is really an underappreciated state.”

Ms. Cracknell’s physical location has not precluded her from representing interesting start-ups, up-and-coming television personalities and nonprofits.  She has reconnected with one of her old bosses, a former executive of A Current Affair, on a fundraiser this August in Los Angeles, which will benefit disabled orphans in Vietnam. Another organization that has become near and dear to her heart is Airline Ambassadors, which provides humanitarian aid internationally, often by flying to disaster-struck locations that might otherwise be unreachable by plane.

Her efforts with Airlines Ambassadors, and even having been invited to join the emergency rescue crew to Haiti, one of the first planes to touchdown and bring supplies to the Port au Prince after the 2010 earthquake, has built awareness.  While Cracknell did not end up joining Airline Ambassadors to Haiti, she secured the Oprah Show to be on that flight. This later inspired Cracknell to lead her first humanitarian mission to South Africa, an inspiring and life-changing experience she hopes to mirror in a future visit to the orphanage in Vietnam.

“I just experienced so much love from these kids,” Cracknell said of her South African trip. “They were like ‘I love you just because you’re here with us.’”

While Cracknell has concentrated a fair amount of her time on international philanthropic endeavors, her career as a media relations expert has had its fun perks too. Cracknell reflected fondly on her work with the legendary Dick Clark, one of the hosts of short-lived but groundbreaking male-hosted talk show The Other Half, which she led the national publicity campaign for. After seeing the celebrated TV personality stress over his overflowing workload one day, Cracknell tapped into her role of mentor, encouraging him, “But you’re Dick Clark! You can do anything!” Establishing that trust allowed her to later convince Clark to do a photo shoot for “People Magazine” which he did…dressed in drag.

In her spare time, Cracknell has managed to squeeze in an old hobby of hers—long distance bike riding. Somehow she got coerced into riding in a 65-mile fundraiser sponsored by Fitness Magazine which she agreed to so she could raise money for her new young friends in South Africa.

Cracknell proves to be a perfect example of a professional who can incorporate philanthropy into almost all aspects of her life. Despite working in the fast-paced, money-focused entertainment business, Cracknell spends time and money to help less fortunate internationally-based children.  She is an ideal role model for all.

A biotech patent attorney with a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience, Carol Tran has not surprisingly been labeled a geek throughout her life. However, she’s also a Director of the San Francisco Opera Bravo Board with a passion for fashion. Tran has no doubt broken down the walls of her nerdy classification and incorporated elements of glamour and sophistication into every aspect of her world. To put it simply, she has learned how to synthesize her inner geek with her exterior chic, an art she is helping to spread through the burgeoning community she created – Chic Meets Geek.

Critical of her generation’s necessity for a fast-paced environment, Tran wanted to create an event that would help people hit the breaks, slow down, and really get to know one another beyond the surface. She encouraged her swankier pals to socialize and connect with the squarer young professionals from Silicon Valley, or as Tran called it, “the most intelligent city in the world.” Believing that everybody is innately both chic and geek, with usually one side more dominant than the other, Tran is pushing for cross-collaborations of the two types, which she is confident is more likely to lead to successful world change than would homogenous pairings.

On June 3rd, Tran will host her third Chic Meets Geek event; helping to connect her “geek” Silicon Valley business associates with her “chic” glamorous friends, while also raising money for the Glide Foundation. A San Francisco-based non-profit started by the Glide Memorial United Methodist church, the organization provides free meals, health, medical and housing services for those affected by poverty.  Chic Meets Geek will auction off diamonds, clothing designed by Jay Nicholas Sario of “Project Runway,” and tech gadgets with 100% of the proceeds going to Glide. Moreover, her out-of-the-box thinking has lead to a line-up of speakers from the homeless community who will discuss their struggles on the street.

“People say they want to help the world, but why can’t you save your own community?”

Tran asks, a question that has helped fuel her ambitious event. In addition to focusing on a local cause, Tran also emphasizes her desire to connect people. Tran hopes that by being put out of their comfort zones, attendees are more likely to be inspired. Discomfort, she believes, can often be beneficial, leading to thought-provoking learning and opening up the minds of both her chic and geek participants.

While some tech nerds might feel awkward in a pair of heels, Tran loves glamming it up and believes all women should embrace their feminine qualities and use them to feel empowered. To Tran, being chic is “being able to express who I am and being comfortable in my gender, but not leveraging it to a point where I downplay my intelligence.” In a male-driven world, she acknowledges that women have always been both praised and criticized for their physical appearances, and that in this day and age women should hold their heads up high (with the help of a pair of stilettos) and break down misogynistic barriers.

With five hours of food, cocktails, and entertainment, Chic Meets Geek will be hosted at the Automattic Lounge at Pier 38 in San Francisco and tickets can be purchased on the website, www.chicmeetsgeek.com. With over four hundred attendees at past events, Tran hopes that there will be just as much support at this upcoming fundraiser, with everyone feeling sharp, inside and out.

Do you have some tips of being chic or geek?

Event: An Evening of Giving and Saving Lives

Join Sean Penn, Frank Ferrante, Joan Baez and a host of other celebrities to raise needed funds for Haiti

Date of Event: May 25, 2010

Location: Teatro ZinZanni, San Francisco

Name of Benefiting Organization: J/P HRO

Co-Chairs: Frank Ferrante, Norman Langill, Sean Penn

Vivanista sat down with Event Co-Chair and comedian-extraordinaire, Frank Ferrante, to find out more about this fun and fabulous event.

Why were you willing to take on the role as event Co-Chair?

Well, the event was my idea so that was a natural. After the tragedy…I did what many Americans did and sent a donation for Haiti via text. And then I see my friend Sean on television in Haiti and and he is doing it! He is there. And I thought what more can I do? I had two resources to pull from to make it happen…my friend Norman Langill, founder of Teatro ZinZanni, where I opened last night and my connection to Sean. I called Norm to see if Teatro ZinZanni would like to be involved and he did not miss a beat. So here we are.

What are your goals for the event?

The goals for the event are to raise funds from ticket sales and auctions for J/P HRO, create more awareness for this remarkable organization and its cause and do it in a manner that celebrates life. In other words, we are devising a spectacular evening that is driven by music and humor and food and drink. A personal goal is to challenge other arts organizations like Teatro ZinZanni to use their venues to raise funds and encourage communities to give. So many theaters are empty on the nights off…Mondays and Tuesdays. There is opportunity to do more of this work…and succeed…if you make enough calls and send enough emails!

What can guests expect from the evening?

Guests should expect a night of first class entertainment. The legendary Joan Baez who is an admirer of Sean and his work as actor and humanitarian will sing two songs, several Teatro ZinZanni world class cirque acts, Tony Award-winning legend Liliane Montevecchi will sing, Jerry Hannan is performing his song “Society” from the Sean Penn directed “Into the Wild,” yours truly will MC. Two short documentary pieces will be premiered. And at the end of the show there will be two hours of dancing to the sounds Lakay & Mystic Man.

Any surprises up your sleeve?

Always…some remarkable attendees that I’m not at liberty to divulge…and my comic alter ego “Caesar” may make an interactive appearance.

Will Sean Penn be in attendance at the event?

Sean will be at the event and will give us his perspective on the Haitian experience, his work, the work of J/P HRO. Here is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who is in the trenches of this tragedy for weeks now. Sean is one of our most honest, compelling story tellers…I can only imagine what he will share with us on May 25th…tales of the Haitian plight and hope and coming together. His participation is certainly the highlight of the evening.

What will constitute success from the fundraiser?

If we raise funds, if our guests are entertained and informed and moved than we have succeeded. I have a feeling that this evening will resonate for years to come and will engage our guest and supporters. And I believe many will commit to this cause and will be inspired to do more when they can…and perhaps with J/P HRO.

How will the funds raised be put to use in Haiti?

Funds will go directly to J/P HRO and will be used to continue their extensive work. It is absolutely mind-boggling what they have accomplished. Maintaining a camp that serves 60,000 Haitians, medical supplies and equipment, water filters, the list goes on and it is living proof that a difference can be made and I am proud that we can honor Sean and all the volunteers and staff of J/P HRO as they continue to serve Haiti. Their list of accomplishments is highlighted at www.jphro.org.

What are you wearing to the event?

As host…I’m thinking a tux with a little glitz befitting of the Teatro ZinZanni experience. Dean Martin meets Liberace.

What should other guests wear?

Not black tie…but festive.

A bit more about you:

Have you chaired other fundraising events?

Never…I have performed for them…but never chaired…and I look forward to doing it again.

You have such an interesting background. Has your life led you to where you thought you would be?

I am exactly where I wanted to be. For 25 years I have worked in a profession that generates laughter and as I get older I appreciate that fact more and more. I’ve had the privilege of working on stages in New York, London…and Paducah and Altoona. And I love what I do and feel blessed for that.

What is the best charitable event you’ve attended and why?

It’s happening this Tuesday! And for all the above reasons!

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

Reach out to be people, co-hosts who know what they are doing and know how to connect with those who can lend support in name and/or in person. Hilary Armstrong for example has made all the difference in making this event magical…and it will be.

What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

Sock garters…I’m a traditionalist. If there is a faded tradition out there then you’ll see it in full bloom Tuesday.

To purchase tickets to what will surely be a great event, please click here.

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About Frank Ferrante

Frank Ferrante has spent 25 years mastering the art of improvisation and audience interaction. At 23, Frank portrayed the legendary Groucho Marx from age 15 to 85 in off-Broadway’s Groucho: A Life in Revue. The New York Times described him as “artful” and his timing as “digital sharp.” Awards and nominations followed as did a West End run where he was nominated for London’s Laurence Olivier Award. A Hirschfeld drawing. Cover of American Theatre. Multiple feature stories. A profile on NPR’s All Things Considered. The subsequent national PBS broadcast was produced by Frank and picked as a New York Times television highlight.

Over corned beef sandwiches in Manhattan’s Carnegie Deli, Henny Youngman dubbed Frank “better than the original Groucho.” Onstage in London, Albert Finney described Frank’s work as “sheer joy.” In reference to his roles as Groucho and Caesar, Sean Penn recently said to Frank, “You’re just a giantly talented guy…with one foot in yesterday…one foot in today…and you make it all your own.”

Between ‘Groucho’ gigs, Frank evolved into a first rate stage director developing the premiere of Pulitzer finalist Old Wicked Songs at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. At the Walnut Frank is the ‘go to guy’ for comedy since 1993. There he invigorated Neil Simon revivals with critically acclaimed productions of Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, Broadway Bound, Lost In Yonkers, The Sunshine Boys and Laughter on the 23rd Floor in which he also starred as the Sid Caesar inspired lead Max Prince.

More regional theater credits and BBC radio programmes. And then the circus called in the name of Teatro ZinZanni. For nine years in the cirque show Teatro ZinZanni, Frank Ferrante’s alter ego Caesar has ferociously attacked the San Francisco and Seattle theater going public with his relentlessly brash humor, puns, pomp, frenzied mania, flirtations and quick wit. The Latin lothario with the quotable catch phrases “Look at you!” and “You’re a beautiful man” is a favorite among audiences and critics as well. Said the Seattle Weekly, “See this man. He is comic genius.”

Frank graduated from the University of Southern California in 1985 with a degree from the Division of Drama. His first paying job in show business was operating marionettes at age 11 for legendary puppeteer Virginia Austin Curtis at her Puppet Theatre Workshop in Sierra Madre, California – the town where Frank grew up. Mrs. Curtis sculpted the original Mortimer Snerd for Edgar Bergen and toured in vaudeville with her own marionette creation Clippo – the little boy clown. For that gig Frank received $2.50 and is eternally grateful for it.

Event: Success: You Wear It Well

Annual Gala to help raise money for the Dress for Success organization.

Date of Event: June 10, 2010

Name of Organization: Dress for Success

Chair Name: Andrew Freeman and Beth Schnitzer

Andrew Freeman: Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing stylish professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Worldwide has assisted over 550,000 women since 1997 with 106 affiliates in nine countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Mexico, Australia, the West Indies, and Poland. In nearly five years, Dress for Success San Francisco has assisted 1,100 Bay Area women to date.

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

Andrew Freeman: I’ve been passionate about the organization for ten years. I believe in what they do and I’ve seen their great work put women into great careers. I first heard about the organization through my relationship with Kimpton and my mentor Nikki Leondakis is the national board chair.

Beth Schnitzer: This is my 3rd year in a row serving as co-chair and enjoy it more each and every year. I love the organization and dedicating my energies to promote the event and to raise funds. I am also able to engage PIER 39 and Spritz Marketing clients and partners to support the event.

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

Andrew Freeman: There are always new elements added each year but I think a fun element that is being added is having children in the fashion show. We are also having more people attend this year and shooting for bigger and better auction items

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

Andrew Freeman: A sell-out crowd, meeting our fundraising goal and most importantly that everyone has an amazing time for the amazing cause.

Beth Schnitzer: Success is when we sell out and also gain new supporters of the organization who become permanent DFS Fans. Success is also defined by the awareness we create through media coverage and our viral campaign.

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

Andrew Freeman: I think they go hand in hand. Raising money allows you to do the goodwill. Without the money it’s hard to fulfill the mission of the charity. Raising funds really is the goodwill — it lets us do our job.

Beth Schnitzer: Raising awareness is a big component of our overall goal which results in word of mouth marketing and viral marketing creating more supporters and more funds for the organization.

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

Andrew Freeman: The board of directors works really closely together. We all plan on being there to act as hosts and troubleshoot if anything does come up.

Beth Schnitzer: We have an experienced, talented event committee and army of on-site volunteers who are great at troubleshooting on-site. We also have learned from previous events what works and how we must always plan for the unexpected and be prepared.

Are there any pre-event parties for benefactors?

Andrew Freeman: We’ve had a couple of in-store fashion events and a wine dinner. They have been fundraising events but we use them to promote the big gala.

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

Andrew Freeman: I’ve been in the public light through my business for the last 10 years. I’ve been very involved in the charity in San Francisco and understand its mission. I’m also in PR and Marketing, which gives me the ability to help plan the event and then promote it.

Beth Schnitzer: I serve on several non-profit boards (Richmond Ermet Aids Foundation-REAF, Women In Sports and Events-WISE,) and committees with The Red Cross, American Heart Association, Dress for Success Advisory Council, and have chaired many fundraising galas. All of my non-profit work includes events throughout the year which I am integrally involved with in various capacities. My role as VP of Strategic Alliances at PIER 39 has also provided me experiences overseeing events from 20 people to 1200 at our Annual PIER 39 Fleet Week VIP Party. I also attend many gala benefits where I pick up new tips that can be integrated into events I am associated with directly.

What will be the most compelling event element?

Andrew Freeman: Definitely the fashion show. The fashion show is highlighting Banana Republic and the designer Christopher Collins. It will be showcasing women through their different careers and phases of life. The silent and live auction is always really fun. But, the most important thing is when the client speaks about what the charity has done for them. It’s always the highlight of the event.

Beth Schnitzer: I find the most compelling part of our event when a Dress for Success client speaks about how Dress for Success has impacted her life and in many ways “saved” her life. It is always emotional; touching and moving so many of our guests when they listen firsthand to their stories. I also find it the most fulfilling for me to see the results of our collective efforts in this genuine, human way of sharing.

What are you wearing to the event?

Andrew Freeman: I’ll be in a suit for success.

Beth Schnitzer: Colorful cocktail dress with my favorite shoes and Spritz jewelry.

What is your fundraising motto?

Andrew Freeman: Give ‘till it hurts.

Beth Schnitzer: Being passionate and truly caring is contagious. People love people who care.

What qualities make an event Chair successful?

Andrew Freeman: I think knowing a lot of people, being out and about, not being fearful of promoting the event, being a gracious host and definitely the gift of gab. Truly, being passionate about the mission of the charity is the most important quality.

Beth Schnitzer: Deep and broad connections to secure the resources to offset costs of the event and the connections to assemble the best event committee possible. It is essential to have contacts in sponsorship, event-related companies, the media, and philanthropic/community-minded companies who can donate money/auction items. These connections drive the event and its success. It is also important to have a significant database to promote the event and the organization.

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

Andrew Freeman: Monthly newsletter, facebook, twitter, online newsletters, company newsletter, word of mouth, PR (press release about the event), mailing invitations and just about any way people can hear about the event.

Beth Schnitzer: This is my 3rd year in a row serving as co-chair and enjoy it more each and every year. I love the organization and dedicating my energies to promote the event and to raise funds. I am also able to engage PIER 39 and Spritz Marketing clients and partners to support the event.

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

Andrew Freeman: Call me partial but I think that the last four years of DFS galas have all been terrific. We learn and grow each year. There’s such passion for what we do. Seeing our clients in action and hearing their stories reconfirms why I’m involved.

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

Andrew Freeman: Don’t assume that anyone has gotten anything. Follow up follow up follow up. Just like sales put it out there until you hook them.

Beth Schnitzer: I use my own personal connections and Spritz Marketing clients/colleagues to engage and support me and my non-profit involvement.

What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

Andrew Freeman: Going back to regular mail and getting glamorous invitations and not relying on email and facebook.

Beth Schnitzer: More snail mail invites and snail mail personalized thank you’s.

What are three words that best describe You?

Andrew Freeman: Driven, enthusiastic and committed.

Beth Schnitzer: Passionate, Motivated, Caring (and fun!)

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For more information on Dress for Success, please click here.

To find out more about the Gala, please click here.

Laine Buckingham, Co-founder of WATCH

Women At The Center Honors (WATCH) is a fundraising event that benefits the Junior League of San Francisco (JLSF) Endowment Fund.  Produced by JLSF Sustainers, this luncheon honors two exceptional women who through their personal, professional, and volunteer lives have had a positive effect on their communities.

Vivanista: The WATCH Luncheon has been in existence for 6 years now. How did you come up with the idea for the WATCH Luncheon?

Laine Buckingham: I was the JLSF Sustainer Council Director that year and Catherine Pyke, Program Officer for the Hearst Foundation, and I wanted to do something Sustainers could be in charge of. Catherine spoke so glowingly of fundraising maven, Dede Wilsey, and her ability to speak extemporaneously on nearly any topic that a lightbulb went off.  We wanted to honor extraordinary women in our community who volunteer their time to charitable endeavors.

Mistress of Ceremony, Belva Davis, Honoree Dede Wilsey, Co-Founder Laine Buckingham

As the Sustainer Director I put the program together to garner support from the JLSF leadership and develop a budget that would make it through the approval cycle.  To put it mildly, it was not easy but well worth the effort.

What was your vision for WATCH when you first started?  Has that changed over the years?

The vision has remained constant: honor women who have contributed in a very substantial way. The annual event has grown substantially in both attendance and donations.  I believe this year the fundraiser generated over $50,000 for the Endowment Fund.

Why do you think WATCH has resonated with women?

There are so many worthy of honor. We all know them. We all are them. I love the opportunity to bring together women from all parts of the community.

All honorees have been inspiring but who has been the most surprising recipient?

We try to select a JLSF member as one of the honorees each year which is not difficult since the Junior League provides meaningful training for women who go on to great accomplishments.  It was no coincidence that Sandra Day O’Connor was a member!

The sad thing for me that is that we never got to honor Libby Pfau, an amazing civic leader and JLSF Sustainer, before she passed away.

Honoree, Katie Cardinal, with Watch co-founder Catherine Pyke

Here is the criteria we developed to evaluate honorees.

• Exercised leadership during times of change or extraordinary challenge
• Demonstrated skill as a visionary
• Participated in a major effort to contribute something new and necessary to the community
• Served in a continuing leadership role in one or more of the city’s leading organizations that serves the needs of the Bay Area
• Given generously of her own time and resources through philanthropy or community leadership, and
• Successfully inspired others to give of themselves to follow in her footsteps.

What can other charitable organizations across the country learn from WATCH, especially when it comes to engaging Sustainers?

Sustainers are trained and experienced community volunteers and fundraisers. We know what we’re doing and how to do it. Give us the ball and let us run.

As a fundraiser, what qualities do you think make an event Chair successful?

The Chair needs to take in the big picture at the high level and also pay attention to detail. The balance is in letting people do the jobs they signed on for while guiding the event to its best performance.

What fundraising innovation do you wish would be invented?

This started me thinking. I wish we had a way to connect with others based on interests. For instance, I’m not going to plaster my charitable endeavors across Facebook, but there are people I’d love to connect with who are associated with similar organizations and disciplines.  What if we could figure out a way to capture that for everyone we know or want to know?

[Editors Note: Vivanista is already working on this and will release the capability by end of Q2, 2010]

What is your life motto?

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” I had this on my resume for years but then I noticed it on a whole lot of other resumes. Wish I had thought to trademark it!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Cooking. I make the time to cook. Whether it’s fine dining or comfort food, I love working with good, fresh ingredients. I sometimes make desserts to give away. I keep a tiny, tiny piece for me and let someone else enjoy the rest.

Obsolete item you won’t toss?

I don’t know that I’d say obsolete but I keep emails. They are a snapshot of the world at the time they were delivered.

What talent would you most like to have?

Maybe in my next life I can be a professional tennis player.

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For more information on the Junior League of San Francisco and the Watch Award Luncheon, please click here.

On May 11, 2010 leading humanitarian organization CARE gathered some of the most influential women from around the world to urge lawmakers to improve the lives of women and girls globally.

The conference agenda focused on three key issues:

1. Fighting global hunger with a global food security initiative

2. Protecting and empowering girls by preventing child marriage

3. Mothers matter: Protecting mothers and children from senseless deaths.

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton joined actress and humanitarian Maria Bello, CARE advocate for Maternal Health Christy Turlington Burns, the first Ladies of Mozambique and Sierra Leone, humanitarian and author Malaak Compton Rock and nearly 1,000 other attendees to share knowledge and demand a world without poverty or oppression.

Secretary Clinton captivated the audience in an inspiring and powerful keynote address in which she presented solutions to CARE’s key issues, explained why ‘Caring is not enough’ and committed to getting results not measured in dollars but in lasting changes in people’s lives. The Secretary was one of the most highly anticipated and outstanding presenters of the day.

“She sets an ideal standard for all of us to follow as women”

– Gayle M. Anderson, Nevada commission of economic development.

But Secretary Clinton was not the only leader in attendance, the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center was buzzing with influential women, politicians, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, community leaders and activists as young as 8 years old.

Below we have highlighted five of the leading ladies of CARE, with quotes they shared at the event as to why they are so passionate about CARE and women’s leadership.

Hilary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State

“Focus on women if you want lasting, measurable results.”

Secretary Clinton could have easily been a member of the CARE team as she endorsed their mission and advocated for CARE’s initiatives. “The women and men whom I’ve met who against the most daunting odds, have made a difference for their families and their communities and just didn’t know the meaning of the word impossible. Well, CARE has been on the front lines of that struggle for such a long time. And I so admire the work of this organization, its global mission, its can-do spirit, its fearlessness in the face of insurmountable odds.”

Helene Gayle, President and CEO of CARE USA

“When love and empathy intertwine with skills, one can conquer the world.”

Helene has dedicated her career to making sure that the building blocks of healthy, secure lives are available not only just to citizens of wealthy nations, but to people everywhere. As a doctor and a public health expert, she has significantly advanced the global fight against AIDS, she’s championed the critical issue of health, particularly women’s health, and she’s made CARE – a great organization – even greater. Helen Gayle believes in the mission of Care so much that she even turned down the opportunity to join Secretary Clinton’s initiative. No one better to describe Helene Gayle than Secretary Clinton herself “In fact, when I became Secretary of State, one of the very first people I reached out to was Helene. And I said, “Helene, do you have any interest in joining the Administration?” And she said, “Well, of course, I’m very excited about what can be done, but I care about CARE and I’m committed to CARE.”

Helene Gayle with TeamViva’s Annie Vranizan

Malaak Compton Rock, Humanitarian and Author

“If it takes a village, build one”

In a conversation about ‘Doing Good in Tough Times’ Malaak Compton Rock asks attendees not to be shy, to take that first step and act. In order to create a global economy she believes we have to give what we can, and it does not necessarily have to be a monetary donation. Instead she suggests that you can lend your services to charity. If you’re a designer, florist, photography someone can benefit from these skills. In reference to leveling the playing field Mrs. Rock says  “I can’t donate what Oprah donates, and Oprah can’t donate like Bill Gates, but we all have to donate and adjust to give proportionately to what we make.”

Madam Maria Da Luz Guebuza, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique

“The lack of skilled health care practitioners can be the difference between life and death.”

Madam Maria spoke discussed the importance of ‘catalyzing a movement’ for providing health care and nutrition for mothers and children. She believes that “nutrition is the cornerstone of survival and general development of a nation.” It starts with pregnant mothers and the ability to provide for a healthy baby. If they are unable to do so, it can be a viscous cycle, which is why she is so passionate about the things that CARE, is doing to support the global community.

The Honorable Carolyn Maloney, U.S. House of Representatives

“The biggest way to make change is have a plan – Pass a bill!

Start with something achievable, then go for something impossible.”

Representative Maloney plans is working to get a National Womens History Museum across from the National mall in Washington D.C. and she believes this is achievable by the end of 2010. She is also outraged that the U.S. has not joined The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and is lobbying to make this happen. Read more about CEDAW here: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/