The Cause: The San Francisco Symphony’s Music Education Program for Elementary Schools

The Chair: Patricia Sprincin

The Coordinates: Bently Reserve, San Francisco

The Credentials: Tony Bennett and k.d. lang, Kool & The Gang, Tiempo Libre, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and Faith Evans are just a few of the headliners booked to perform at this year’s achromatic musical extravaganza which was toasted by event Chairs, committee members, and longtime supporters of the San Francisco Symphony’s blowout benefit. This year’s event decor will be masterminded by none other than Robert Foutain and his stellar team of visionaries and will feature a community-interactive “Build Your Own Ball” campaign whereupon votes can be cast online for everything from the superstar DJ selected for the evening to the Colleen Quen couture gown worn by Chair Patricia Sprincin.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography

“Before the earthquake, one third of Haitians didn’t have access to clean water. Today, it’s become an even greater need. Soon the cameras will be leaving. But the people will remain. Charity: water and a band of allies are leading a campaign to help Haitians build long-term freshwater solutions for their communities.”

ABOUT THE CAUSE
From February 19 through March 1, the charity: water team traveled in Haiti, meeting with local partners, assessing the needs of the people there, and mapping out a long-term investment strategy to provide sustainable water solutions. They are excited to launch Unshaken on March 22, World Water Day. At which point they will reveal the 11 areas in need of funding, the exact cost per project, and stories from each community.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. We give 100% of the money raised to direct project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need. Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years.

WHY WATER.
Right now, almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. That’s one in eight of us.

HOW YOU CAN HELP HAITI
Email your ideas, Record a video, send a picture, write a note, or leave a comment on the charity: water blog. The more creative, the better!

UNSHAKEN: give us your input. from charity: water on Vimeo.

Event

What is it about the organization that made you willing to take on the role as event Chair?
Initially, I was not aware of the San Francisco Auxiliary of The Fine Arts Museum. I had recently moved to the Bay Area from London and was introduced to the de Young by my husband. He and I had supported various exhibitions and philanthropic causes related to the arts. I was impressed by the dedication and commitment of the women in the Auxiliary and the fact that BTA (Bouquets to Art) was the single largest fundraiser for the museum.

What will be special about the event? If this is an annual event, what will be new elements added to this year’s event?
In addition to the first opportunity to view the spectacular array of floral arrangements by more than 150 of the most sought-after Bay Area, national, and international designers, the event will also showcase Floral Fashions, a fanciful parade of models in gowns and accessories made of real flowers, specially created for the evening by the students in the environmental design departments of participating Bay Area colleges. The Gala’s decor will be based on the theme of a French chateau’s garden, and the menu from McCall Associates will be exclusively French.

What constitutes success for you with regards to the specific event you’re chairing?
My co-chairs and I are fortunate that the organization has a 25-year history of producing this Gala and special exhibition. We continue to develop and grow our audience each year. This year we expect the largest audience ever and hope to attain our ambitious financial support goals.

What background do you have to take on the role as Chair?
I’ve always been a collector and supporter of the visual arts from an early age. I started my career in Vienna with a passion for the old world masters, while working at Christie’s. My passion evolved into my career, which is now primarily dedicated to philanthropic activities for both the SF Fine Arts Museum and SFMOMA – as well as several European arts organizations.

What are you wearing to the event?
Something sexy evoking floral motifs from La Perla, and something elegant and sophisticated from Dolce&Gabbana.

What external resources do you use in your fundraising efforts?
I am fortunate to be inspired and guided by dear friends who have track record of success in fund-raising for the arts. Margrit Mondavi, Athena T. Blackburn, and Lauren Ackerman have all inspired me and offered advice along the way.

What was the best charity event you’ve ever attended and why?
Auction Napa Valley is an annual favorite for my husband and myself. We love the energy, excitement, and fabulous week of parties and activities that lead up to the charity auction.

What is one fundraising tip you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?
Surround yourself with the best team of dedicated people who are both willing to write checks and put in long hours. It takes both to pull off an exceptional event.

What are three words that best describe you?
Determined, committed, and inspired!

When: Sunday, May 9, 2010

Where: New York City

Why: Join Oprah Winfrey along with some very special friends, as she leads the Live Your Best Life Walk to raise money for 10 deserving charities (listed here).

Walk registration is $30 plus tax and service charge. (This price is included if you register for the whole weekend.)

When registering, you will have (3) choices of how to get involved:

• Walk with Oprah and Fundraise: We invite you to sign up to walk with Oprah and thousands of others, as well as to select one of ten charities to fundraise for over the next few weeks. Top 10 Fundraisers will lead the Walk with Oprah!

• Walk with Oprah Only: We invite you to walk with Oprah and thousands of others in New York City

• Fundraise Only: If you’re not able to join the Walk you can still lend a hand by fundraising over the next few weeks for one of Oprah’s ten selected charities

Click here for more information about the walk and to sign up.

Event

Co-chairing an event can be tricky, especially if you’ve chaired big fundraisers solo. When it comes to collaborating, how do you divide and conquer?

Sid: There’s not much of a problem, I do 99.9% of the work, organizing and marketing, beforehand and make Anthony make the flyer copies. I make him be my indentured servant during the physical setup.

What’s new for this year’s event?

Sid: We’re having a silent auction with reto/’50s-related items, as well as a Name That Tune competition and Drive-in Movie Photo Ops, featuring the wonderful B-movies of local director Christopher Mihm. People can have themselves Photoshopped into a vintage convertible with “Terror from Beneath the Earth” playing on the “drive-in movie screen” in the background.

Why do guests like this event?

Sid: They get to revisit their youth (or simply play dress up for those of us who are a smidge too young to actually remember the ‘50s). It’s a delightful, freeing time, filled with wonderful music, provided by Rich and the Resistors, and fabulous dancing. They’re out having a nostalgic time and their so-called cover charge is going to a wonderful cause, supporting their local Alzheimer’s Association’s support and education programs. They can feel very good about being there and doing their part to help others who are facing such a debilitating disease themselves or through a loved one.

Anthony: We’ve lost several friends and family members to Alzheimer’s. I know it feels good to be honoring them at this event, too.

Where did you gain your fundraising experience?

Sid: I’ve been hosting such events since I was a child. I started out holding Muscular Dystrophy Carnivals in my back yard. I’ve done zillions of walkathons, garbage cleanups, etc. for charitable causes along the way.

Anthony: I was the president of my church’s men’s club for many years, so I’m accustomed to organizing things for large groups and soliciting donations. I’m never shy to ask for contributions for good causes.

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

Sid: Treat your volunteers well so they’ll be willing to help again in the future. Also, keep track of everywhere you’ve successfully advertised for free in the past.

The one word that best describes you?

Sid: Overachieving

Anthony: Enthusiastic

What is your greatest extravagance?

Sid: Having seven pets: three rescued Westies, Ambrose, Blanche and Keely; two rescued cats, Giles and Xander; and two finches, Atticus and Scout.

Anthony: Owning a 1990 Cadillac Brougham; I can usually only afford to drive it to weddings and funerals.

What famous person, living or not, would you like to have dinner with?

Sid: Henry David Thoreau

Anthony: Steve McQueen, I’m obsessed with “Bullitt”

Worker Bee

When it comes to chairing an event in the world of volunteer fundraising, it’s no question it takes a certain type of dedicated character who can pull off a successful event. The responsibility of managing committees, budgets, vendors, marketing, and all else in between requires an individual who can demonstrate leadership while being a team player.

Yet that’s not always the case as anyone who has served on an event committee can attest. More often than not, an event chair can range in extremes from someone who prefers to remain behind the scenes to the socialite wannabe who may have an ulterior motive or two up her Lora Piana cashmere sleeve. There are those that unite and those that dictate, those who hold hands and those that elbow their way to the top – also known as the Social v. Socialite Impact.

Mountain Climber

To better understand the Socialite Impact, it is important to note an unequivocal truth that, when done the right way, chairing an event can elevate one’s social standing in the community. When someone demonstrates that she (or he) can successfully fundraise for a cause without ruffling feathers along the way, said person can become elevated to new heights in the social stratosphere. In many cases, those who were not born into an affluent lineage will seek the position of event chair for a city’s most illustrious black tie galas in an effort to become accepted by the “bluebloods.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum exists the philanthropists who care merely about the Social Impact of their contribution and how the monies raised can better their community. These are the event chairs who do not need recognition and public praise but rather are comforted in knowing they made a difference and choose to remain private in their successes.

After analyzing the various personality types who chair events, there are four quintessential categories that best encapsulate each character.

Robin Hood

Which one are you?

Worker Bee: You’re slightly “green” in the fundraising arena and prefer to follow than lead. You’re anxious to learn, take orders well, and have more energy than a two-year-old. You’ll eagerly roll up your sleeves to stuff envelopes and be an event day gofer for virtually no recognition and little financial return to the nonprofit. (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between 0-2: you are a soldier born to serve.)

Robin Hood: You have a decent amount of experience in fundraising and are inspired by your accomplishments but aren’t jaded. You have one goal and one goal only: to raise as much money as possible for the charity. You need no glory or recognition and do whatever it takes (emcee the event, sweep the floors, clean the aftermath) without thinking. (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between 3-5: you’ll use authority when needed.)

Mountain Climber: You’re a total pro at chairing an event and have the resume of galas to prove it. You have both personal and philanthropic motives that drive you and can often become seduced by seeing your name in lights on the promotional materials. You’re a star doing good which is better than just being a star. (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between a 6-8: you may have to step on a few stilet-toes along the way, but it’s for the greater good.)

Diva

Diva: You are the gold ring and you simply never, repeat never, take no for an answer when asking for donations. Your contributions as an event chair are the pinnacle of charity work where not only are the events a must-attend from a social standpoint, but they raise record amounts for the beneficiaries. There are only a couple of you in the community, but you are the best.  (On the Viva attitude-ometer, you fall between 8-10: You are the Queen bee, the rest couldn’t possibly compare.)

For some it’s all about the journey, and for others, it’s the destination that counts. But for those who truly set the standard as an event Chair – it’s finding a harmonious balance of both.

Event

Date: Friday, March 19, 2010

Chair: Courtney Bocci

Event411: The Fashion Show is one of the largest annual fundraisers for the Junior League of San Francisco and this year, we will celebrate the 84th anniversary of the show and our 22nd year of partnership with Macy’s. The Fashion Show events consist of a champagne luncheon and black tie diner gala. Both events include cocktail receptions, silent and live auctions, and a runway fashion show featuring Macy’s spring apparel. All of the models in the show are Junior League women and family members that have been professionally trained for this event.

Beneficiary: Currently, the community programs that JLSF supports are: Compass Community Services, International Rescue Committee, San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center and Support for Families of Children with Disabilities.

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

I have wanted to chair the JLSF Fashion Show since before I was a member of the Junior League! I grew up in the Bay Area and I remember attending the Fashion Show with my mother when I was a teenager and thinking to myself that one day, I wanted to be standing on stage as the chair of this event. After joining the Junior League in 2005, I worked on several sub-committees for the Fashion Show and I received an enormous amount of training in all aspects of the event so I felt perfectly prepared to take on this role. I am also very fortunate to have the guidance of more than two dozen past Fashion Show Chairs who are actively involved as advisors and supports of 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?

The Fashion Show has been at the same location (the Fairmont Hotel) for the past 51 years and it has been produced by our incredible event partner, Macy’s, for the past 22 years so it’s challenging to come up with new elements that haven’t been done before. However, this year’s event theme, “Through the Looking Glass”, has proven to be quite inspirational. We have themed the event from start to finish; from the event décor to the set design and show segments, to the gift bags and even the menu. Every aspect of the event heavily reflects the theme. I don’t want to give away too much, but the ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel is being transitioned to the point where it should be unrecognizable to annual attendees of this event… You’ll have to attend the show to see what I mean! I am also very excited to have Trina Turk as our celebrity designer this year. We will have a special segment in the show featuring Trina Turk clothing and she will be making appearances at both events.

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

I am truly honored to be overseeing such an important event, in terms of its historical significance to the League and also in terms of its ability to align so many individuals, groups and corporations together to help support the current focus area of the Junior League of San Francisco, Supporting and Strengthening Families in Need. In my mind, the event will be a success if we surpass our fundraising goals and if we leave attendees excited to return to the show in 2011. The JLSF Fashion Show is the longest running event of its kind in the nation so it’s extremely important that we build momentum each year so that we can continue its legacy.

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

The mission statement of the Junior League of San Francisco is that we are an organization committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Since its inception in 1911, the Junior League of San Francisco has provided the community with an estimated 6 million volunteer hours so while raising money is vital to the continued success of our organization, we believe it is equally as important to develop and train our members to their full potential so that they can give back to the community.

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

Having worked in the special event industry for years, I know that problems arise with almost every event. It’s inevitable. Instead of being afraid of the unexpected, I have surrounded myself with an incredibly talented Steering Committee in addition to the most talented and trusted vendors in the events industry and I am confident that we will easily overcome any challenges that arise.

Are there any pre-event parties for benefactors?

We hosted a wonderful Patron Cocktail Party in the end of January for our individual patron and corporate sponsors. The event was a “Mad Hatter Cocktail Party” and was held at RF-80, Robert Fountain’s design studio. We were so fortunate to have Paula LeDuc Fine Catering partner with us to do themed passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as Bartender’s Unlimited, Patz and Hall Vineyards and Jax Vineyards. It was wonderful to see men and women of all ages cocktailing in their finest hats – people didn’t want to leave!

We will also be hosting an exclusive cocktail reception in the newly renovated Penthouse of the Fairmont Hotel preceding both shows for our individual patron and corporate sponsors.

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

I have worked in the special event industry for more than ten years and have planned events ranging from dinner parties for ten to sporting events for tens of thousands so the planning of this event has been second nature to me. My professional experience has taught me that if everyone does not share the same goal and work together as a cohesive team, the product will suffer. It wasn’t until I joined the Junior League in 2005 that I learned how to fundraise, but the training that JLSF provided enabled me to couple my professional experience of planning events with fundraising. I have found my role as chair to be strikingly similar it to my position and daily interactions at Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, only I’m having interactions with my steering committee, advisors, committee members, corporate partners, donors and the League Board as opposed to clients and vendors. While the Fashion Show Chair is responsible for guiding the process, it takes the efforts of the entire Fashion Show team to bring the event through to fruition

What will be the most compelling event element?

The most compelling event element will be the same as it is every year – the models (our League members as well as a few of their significant others and children) walking down the runway in this professionally produced show. This has always been the highlight of both the luncheon and dinner events.

What are you wearing to the event?

I have a red, Oscar de la Renta dress for the Champagne Luncheon and a black and white Monique Lhuillier gown for the Black-Tie Dinner Gala. I never intended to dress in my show colors of red, black and white, but it happened to work out that way… I think I was destined to own these dresses! I will also be wearing a Macy’s gown on the runway at the close of both shows, but I don’t know what it looks like yet as our show fittings haven’t occurred. Stay tuned!

What is your fundraising motto?

Don’t be afraid to ask for a donation – the worst you will get is a no!

What qualities make an event Chair successful?

You have to be approachable to your committee members, event partners and vendors and you have to recognize where your downfalls are. I have volunteered for organizations where after working as a committee member for almost a year, the chair didn’t know my name. It made me feel horrible about myself and it was frustrating that all of my hard work had gone unnoticed. One of my goals for this year was to make all 65 of my committee members feel recognized and appreciated, but I knew that would be challenging because I am horrible with names! So I decided to take Polaroid headshots of every committee member at our first meeting and I studied those photos as if they were flashcards until I knew everyone’s name by heart. This extra step enabled me to have a personal relationship with each of my committee members which in turn made them want volunteer alongside me.

What external resources do you use in your fundraising efforts?

My mother-in-law, Debbie Bocci, is my fundraising mentor. She actually chaired the JLSF Fashion Show in 1990 and is still actively involved with the League. This year, I am fortunate to have her serving as my Sustainer Advisor and I am thankful for her wisdom, advice and ongoing support. She is a brilliant fundraiser and her guidance has been invaluable.

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

I absolutely love the Black and White Ball. Aside from being able to wear my favorite color combination of black and white, I love rotating through the most beautiful venues in San Francisco all in the same night and being treated to such a wide variety of musical performances. I always leave this event feeling thankful that I live in this incredible city.

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

Always say thank you – the easiest donations to secure are from people who have donated to your charity before; but it is highly unlikely that someone will donate twice if they weren’t properly thanked the first time around.

What are three words that best describe you?

Organized, passionate, dedicated.

Do you have a fabulous fashion show theme think is worth sharing? Tell us in a comment below!

The Cause: The Junior Committee of the Fine Arts Museums – an exclusive group that brings together the next generation of prominent young couples and individuals of San Francisco and the Bay Area who have an interest in the arts.

The Chairs: Honorary Chairs – Vanessa Getty and Trevor Traina; Co-Chairs – Kathryn Lasater and Allison Speer 

The Credentials: When you combine the city’s fine art-supporting gen X and Y taste-makers with a top DJ, Cartier baubles, and glamorous gowns, it’s no wonder the product is one of the most fun and highly anticipated parties of San Francisco’s elite. This year’s gala paid homage to the Cartier and America exhibition (on display at the Legion of Honor through May 9, 2010) with a dazzling 200 objects from the private Cartier Collection housed in Geneva. The exhibition covers the history of the House from its first great successes as the “king of jewelers and jeweler to kings” during the Belle Epoque through to the 1960s and 1970s. Prior to dinner and dancing in the clear-tented courtyard, guests sipped and sashayed throughout the corridors of the Legion as Cartier bellhops willingly accepted photo ops and ushered the crowd to their tables peppered with gardenias at each place setting.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography

Raise money for Haiti now and own a piece of fashion history from Diane Von Furstenberg, Versace, and more…

The Cause: NET-A-PORTER.com has partnered with Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief™ 2010 ‘Superstars Walk The Runway’ to help raise much needed funds for mothers and babies in Haiti.

For two weeks only, clothes from the New York and London Fashion For Relief™ shows, as worn by Agyness Deyn, Karen Elson, and Naomi Campbell, will be available for purchase at NET-A-PORTER with all net proceeds going to The White Ribbon Alliance. Don’t miss glamorous designer pieces donated by some of the world’s leading designers included Chloe and Matthew Williamson.

The White Ribbon Alliance is an international coalition bound together by a common goal: to ensure that pregnancy and childbirth are safe for all women and newborns in every country around the world.

SHOP AND SUPPORT FASHION FOR RELIEF™ NOW

The Cause: Proceeds from the Winter Ball enhance every aspect of the School’s extraordinary ballet training program helping provide scholarships to SAB students — as well as supporting faculty, maintaining world-class studios and offering vital student programs beyond the classroom.

The Chairs: Pamela Joyner and Marissa Mayer

The Credentials: Amid notable guests such as Sir Paul McCartney, this year’s attendees ranging from Al Roker to Kelly Rutherford danced the night away in the David H. Koch Theater of the big apple’s Lincoln Center for the black tie affair. Models bedazzled in Van Cleef & Arpel’s baubles lined the staircase as socialites and ballerinas toasted this year’s fete while taking in a performance by the School’s Advanced students.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography