We all love a magical gala event. But what we love even more is a magical gala event that raises a lot of money for the organization we’re passionate about. A high mark of success for any gala is a million dollars raised, or more

How do they do it!?

That’s exactly what we wanted to know. So we looked into five 2010 events that did just that, raised $1 million, and in some cases, much more:

• $88M: Robin Hood benefit, New York City;
• $28M: Power of Love Gala for Keep Memory Alive (KMA), Las Vegas;
• $1.6M: Illumination Gala for Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, St. Louis;
• $1.2M: Joffrey Ballet Spring Gala, Chicago;
• $1.2M: Dick Vitale Gala for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Sarasota, Florida.

Dedicated Support from a Well-Run Beneficiary

“Fundraising can’t go off on this level without dedicated staff,” says Anne Kaplan, honorary co-chair of the Joffrey gala. One of the first aspects of creating a great event is having a great staff at the benefiting organization that will work with your committee and chairs.

Jim Samalis, managing director, marketing, communications, and events for Robin Hood, notes the importance, when it comes to fundraising, of the organization being able to document where funds go. At Robin Hood, for instance, a unique and stringent set of metrics are used to track how funds are used by grantees; if grantees don’t meet the organization’s requirements, they don’t get their funding. “We do the research so the donor’s don’t have to,” Samalis says. “We want to give donors every reason to say, ‘Yes.’”

Strong Committee and Donor Base

It’s unanimous: A strong, dedicated, and passionate board, committee,and chairperson(s) are essential. “You need people on the committee to produce,” says Anne Robins, director or special events for KMA. “A lot of people want to be on committees, but they don’t always want to contribute much. This is a collaborative effort.”

“You need a strong board and key chairs to move the event forward,” concurs Amy Sinclair, manager of events at Robin Hood.

To start, personal contacts are invaluable, and the willingness to make the calls—“even those really difficult ones,” says Kaplan—makes the difference in dollars. (Especially in this economy, as the Obama campaign showed, it’s the accumulation of lots of smaller donations that often works best.) Samalis notes that not only did his board fill tables and get financial contributions, they helped bring in donors that provided key services at no cost, such as Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, which provided graphic and technical services gratis. “We received millions of dollars in services pro bono,” Samalis says.

Kaplan also notes that the passion of your committee is directly linked to their ability to inspire checks to get written. And it’s not just right around event time that your committee and chairpeople should be making efforts. “Most importantly, it takes dedicated stewardship of donors throughout the entire year,” states Weddle, “Our cause is such a noble one, but people are busy, so continuing to talk about its importance with our community of supporters throughout the year is crucial.”

Create a Memorable Event

Absolutely, an exceptional affair will result in more funds raised. Kaplan mentions the effective afterglow from the ballet’s gala; the organization received numerous post-event donations because people had had such a wonderful time the evening of.

What makes these events stand out?

Excellent décor, food, and environs are the base. “Add splashes of unexpected fun throughout the event,” Weddle says. “This will make guests remember it and want to keep it on their calendars next year. This year, in sync with our basketball theme, we had the TNT Dunk Squad and Traveling Marching band open the show, and basketball ‘characters’ that showed guests to their seats.”

Along with throwing a stunning event for over three thousand people, the Robin Hood benefit always has surprise entertainment; this year it was Sting. And Power of Love features outstanding wine (guests are welcomed with flutes of Dom Pérignon), world-renown chefs (attendance is limited so that the quality of each dish can remain superb; “We have a waiting list of people who want to attend,” says Anne), and top entertainment—for 2010, Barry Manilow performed.

The primary draw of the Dick Vitale Gala is guest appearances by sports celebrities; it’s their donation (each of them pay for their own expenses for the appearance; the high-profile attraction allows for the high-priced tickets, $1,000 per person, which account for a large portion of the monies raised). The Illumination Gala also utilizes celebrity appeal. “One of the keys to the success is choosing the right celebrity or spokesperson for the event,” says Illumination’s Sherman. “I think this distinguishes our event from others in town. Al Roker, Christina Applegate, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar all add sex appeal, and having them available for meet-and-greets and photos prior to the event at a patron, high-end donor cocktail is fun, and gets everyone jazzed for the evening ahead.”

Sherman also suggests that “an after-party needs to be a highlight of the evening.” Among other features of the Illumination Gala’s post-event festivities, including a DJ, candy, and desserts, “flip flops were passed around to the ladies so they can take their Louboutins and Manolos off. These are the touches that people talk about for days and weeks after.” Keeping things fun and fresh is also paramount to continually bringing in new people every year, notes Robins.

Ways to Raise Funds

There are several different tactics these events employed to create generous giving. The Joffrey benefited from old-fashioned hard work; board members sent out hundreds of letters and made loads and loads of phone call. The personal touch from your chair people and committee members cannot be encouraged enough.

Robins singles out a particularly successful offering featured at the Power of Love: getting specific. Tables at the event feature donation cards, each for a KMA specific program: Give X number of dollars to fund this particular service. “People love to know where exactly their funds are going,” Robins says. During the live auction, the fund-a-need presents similar opportunities. For instance, asking those wanting to donate $1,000 to a certain program to stand. “Almost the whole room stands up,” says Robins. It’s also a way to get people to stand and give more than once.

“We tailor our tactics to the times,” notes Samalis. In the past, the Robin Hood fundraiser featured pricey auction items that only 3 or so percent of the attendees could participate in bidding for. This year, the event also provided devices at the tables that allowed attendees to donate any amount anonymously; to make it fun, the room was divided up into three sections and there was a competition between them to see which could raise the most money. Real-time totals appeared on big screens, and each section featured a celebrity “cheerleader” to encourage his or her group. Seventy percent of attendees donated with the device and the gala raised over $26 million from this effort alone. Every donation helps create a larger total.

At the Vitale gala, commemorative basketballs serve as table centerpieces and double as auction pieces; attendees at each table compete between themselves for the now coveted prize. It’s become such an anticipated tradition over the past five years the gala has taken place, that the bidding gets fierce, says V Foundation Vice President of Special Projects Joyce Aschenbrenner; bids have gone as high as $5,000 to even $10,000. The event also always features impromptu auction prizes (yes, totally unplanned, but they always happen), often game tickets: coaches regularly offer up great seats, and Vitale will, say, throw in a private jet ride to and from and himself as chaperon; this year, a walk-on role in Vitale’s annual Hooters commercial was on the block.

Exceptional service and a personal touch make a difference over at the Power of Love Gala. “We personally handle all of the details for the winners of the auction items,” says Robins. “We provide a unique level of hospitality.”

Build Your Message before and during the Event

Messaging, messaging, messaging!

“It’s all about the messaging,” Robin Hood’s Sinclair succinctly states. People need to have an understanding of what your benefactor does and feel that their money will be well spent, and they need to be excited about your event, so clear messaging about both is key.

One way to draw attention to your event: Create buzz. “Advance buzz is key,” says Sherman. “I would do more social networking in the future, maybe even getting a chairperson to have a blog, which she or he updates as the party moves forward. Use the social media more.” Also build up with “a kickoff party in someone’s chic home,” continues Sherman, “a cover story in a society magazine—advance press that makes it a ‘must attend’ is de rigueur.” The Joffrey gala committee convened months ahead of its event to work on its messaging verbiage.

At the Robin Hood event, building the charity’s message was a primary mission of the evening. “We hit with messaging at cocktails,” notes Samalis, “featuring many grantees in videos, pictures, and stories, showing what the funding has been doing. And we reiterate that throughout the night.” A good key speaker can also help this along; Samalis credits Robin Hood’s speaker, NBC’s Brian Williams, with inspiring donations.

“A combination of messaging and an enjoyable evening,” concludes Samalis, “puts people in the right frame of mind to give.”

Robin Hood

Power of Love Gala

Illumination Gala

Joffrey Ballet Gala

Dick Vitale Gala

When it comes to describing Charity Event Chairs, what do each of the following terms have in common?

• Ambassador
• Volunteer
• Buck-stopper
• Team Coach
• Role Model

You bet – the best Chairs have all those qualities.

But what each of those terms have in common is that none of them include the letter, nor allude to the self-promotional word, ‘I’ .

Why is that important?

We have found that the most respected and admired are those Chairs who express their sincere appreciative of the committee that supports their effort.  It is the event Chair who receives the accolades for a successful event yet rarely (never?) could she have done it without the hard work of her committee.

Two of the Co-Chairs: Melissa Lamkin & Debra Hall

There are two ways to plan for an efficiently successful new fundraising event. One, of course, is to have Vivanista plan it for you, but as a second alternative, you can also follow these basic guidelines, as exemplified by Melissa Lamkin, one of four co-chairs for a first-time fundraiser this past May. A fashion show, Girls Night Out: Glamour and Giving, raised funds for Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, N.C. The non-profit provides housing for families with seriously ill or injured children, accommodating them while their child is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

No matter what the actual fundraising affair consists of, you should make sure that the event itself fits well into the fabric of the community. If there are other charitable fashion shows taking place locally, for example, go for something different. The chairs of Girls Night Out knew that there were various women-oriented events going on in other major North Carolina cities like Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and therefore decided to design an event that targeted a similar audience.

It is also very important to have as many inside connections as possible, such as with the venue that is hosting the event, or better yet, with the non-profit. Ari Harris, one of the co-chairs of Girls Night Out, worked for the Ronald McDonald House, and therefore was able to help spearhead the event, curving it to really mirror the goals and fulfill the needs of the non-profit, which should always be the number one priority. Connections with the venue, which Girls Night Out also had, is additionally very beneficial and can lead to discounts.

While accumulating donations is the main purpose of throwing a fundraising event, the money should not be the main focus of a first time event. Building up a well organized, fun event should be the main priority. Money will follow if the event is successfully entertaining for the donors. “One of the highlights that evening was when a mother staying at Ronald McDonald House thanked us for including her in the Fashion Show. She explained how her world centers around her child and it was nice, even for a few short hours, to lift that burden and make it about her”, Lamkin said.

Co-Chairs of Girls Night Out!

While Girls Night Out had over sixty-five volunteers, it’s expected that for a first time fundraiser, the chairs would be doing a majority of the work and therefore should not depend too heavily on volunteers. However, to avoid an overload of work for the chairs, it is important not to bite off more than you can chew. Start small; you can always layer on more facets at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th annual version of your event. It is always better to build up over time rather than starting with a huge goal and having to cut back or having something fall through.
And give yourself time! Six months should be the minimum for the amount of time it will take to plan a notable, enjoyable event. Lamkin told us, “We had enough time to execute our event in an organized fashion and we sold-out at around 300 attendees.”

As for Girls Night Out, Lamkin is looking forward to planning the next one, especially after such a successful first event. With ideas like having mothers from the Ronald McDonald House model on the runway, Lamkin and her co-chairs have designed, organized and hosted a unique yet relevant fundraiser for their community.

5 Easy Steps to Starting Your Own Fundraiser:

1. Do Your Research: Check the calendar for events that are going on in your community. Also, make sure this event does not compete with any other fundraisers the Nonprofit may already implement.

2. Set Goals: Be conservative and realistic as to what you want to accomplish. Remember to KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)!

3. Rally the Troops: Get the Chair(s), subcommittee Chairs and volunteers in place and make sure they know what they’re supposed to accomplish.

4. Execute the Plan: Expect the unexpected at first time events! Unforeseen things will happen, but try to stay on track, keeping in mind your ultimate goals.

5. Follow-up: If you hope to do another one, make sure you thank everyone along the way and let them know how their participation helped your nonprofit.

Photos courtesy of Cunningham Photo Artists

In June of 1966 after the immense success of In Cold Blood, Truman Capote, the famed American author, decided that he was going to throw a party to celebrate all his hard work and good fortune. However, this was not to be just any celebration. Capote invited 500 of his closest friends who happened to be the most prominent and popular celebrities at the time (Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow to name a few), and also requested a swarm of journalists and photographers for this so-called “private” party. No expense was spared for lavish decorations or the toothsome cuisine, and on November 28, 1966, guests arrived at the exalted Plaza Hotel in New York City to attend the party of the year or what some would later call “The Party of the Century”.

The most eye-catching and memorable aspect of this party, however, was not the location, food, or even the A-list attendees; it was the title. Capote dubbed the celebration, “The Black and White Ball” and ever since then, party planners and event organizers alike have been running with the theme. A black-tie gala in which guests dress in black and white attire, Black and White Balls are a sure way to keep guests intrigued, excited, and amused.

In recent years, the aims of a Black and White Ball have changed; that is to say that many organizations, companies, groups, and celebrities are hosting annual Black and White Balls not only for extravagant celebration, but also as a benefit to raise money for charities and nonprofits. Guests are guaranteed all the perks and fun of a black-tie affair, while they build awareness and acquire funds for a selected charity at the same time.

One of the most famous Black and White benefits in the country is San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball. This elegant biennial event is held at San Francisco’s Civic Center and repeatedly attracts San Francisco’s finest as well as many from around the country. Guests can expect a stirring concert (Tony Bennett and k.d. lang performed this year), dancing, music from an array of bands, a catered feast, scrumptious cocktails, beautiful decorations, and the Symphony’s own midnight surprise, a highly anticipated tradition.

Proceeds from the Ball benefit Adventures in Music, an organization that brings music programs to the San Francisco Unified School District. Tickets to this event might cost you a pretty penny (prices range from $200 for a party pass to $25,000 for a patron table), but the children in San Francisco’s schools certainly appreciate all that this event accomplishes in just one night. Because the San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball is one of the nation’s oldest annual galas of its kind (its first in 1956 even before Capote’s), this Ball’s guest list and profits only seem to be growing with time.

While the San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball boasts a “midnight surprise”, other black and white balls across the nation offer special traditions and unique touches to keep patrons coming back. Give Kids The World hosts an annual Black and White Ball in Orlando, Florida and presents an extensive silent auction. Such items include a 2010 American Music Awards Experience, VIP Space Shuttle Launch Experience, Weeklong Hawaiian Getaway, “Grease” poster signed by John Travolta, 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational Badges for 4, and much, much more. The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Black and White Ball, which supports the Theatre’s educational and outreach programs, awards the Nevada Ballet Theatre Woman of the Year at their event. Past recipients such as Marie Osmond, Paula Abdul, Celine Dion, Bette Midler and Twyla Tharp, have not only supported the theater, but also all their philanthropic and charitable endeavors.

Many other organizations have used big names to garner media attention and up their charitable revenue. Nelly, a hip-hop artist and celebrity in his own right, hosts an annual Black and White Ball in St. Louis, Missouri. This social event of the season boasts an impressive A-list attendance and therefore, brings in more and more money year after year. This southern celebration benefits Nelly’s Scholarship Program for Lindenwood University, which pays the full tuition for select University hopefuls. Even Chaka Chan returned to her hometown Chicago, Illinois to attend this year’s United Negro College Fund Black and White Gala. This event has raised over $5 million since its inception in 2001.

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce takes unique to the extreme. Their annual Black and White Ball is an outdoor event located in Auburn, California’s historic downtown at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume or to simply wear anything that is black and white, fun and comfortable. After a thrilling evening of festivities benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Auburn, guests can even set up camp and sleep under the stars.

Many Black and White Balls still see great success by keeping their events simple. Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation of Fort Worth, Texas, Bayhealth of Dover, Delaware, and Winthrop University Hospital of Huntington, New York all host annual Black and White Balls supporting health initiatives, hospital programs, and children’s centers. Guests can expect to dine and dance the night away for a good cause.

No matter how diverse these Black and White Balls may be, they do have certain things in common. They all offer dinner and entertainment (at the very least live music and dancing) and most hold auctions or raffles to generate additional revenue. Many have a long list of sponsors and donors, a devoted group of volunteers, and all are put together, organized, and backed by dedicated committees and chairs. Photographers are also great to have on hand. Not only do the guests get to feel like celebrities for a night, but the photos can also be used later for advertisement and media attention.

Regardless of personal touches or special traditions, Black and White Balls are a classy and fun way to raise money for charity.

[Photos by Drew Altizer Photography - www.drewaltizer.com]

Event: Hampton “Splash” Party

Date of Event: Saturday, July 10^th, 2010

Location: Watermill, NY

Name of volunteer organization: OCEANA

Co-Chair Name: Lois Robbins

Susan Cohn Rockefeller, and Lois Robbins

Vivanista recently sat down with actress, philanthropist, and event co-chair, Lois Robbins to chat about her upcoming event:  Hampton Splash Party, and the organization it supports, Oceana.

Tell us more about Oceana’s history and mission. How has Oceana redirected efforts and funding to address the devastation in the Gulf?

Oceana’s teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other sea life. Their experts are addressing the Gulf Oil disaster by helping to raise awareness about the status of wildlife in the Gulf, testifying in Congress, working to reduce human caused harm to wildlife, studying the potential impacts of the spill, disseminating information to the media and general public on the harm the oil spill will cause, and working to prevent future oil spills through policy measures.

They have rallied together with local fisherman, environmentalists and community leaders in New Orleans and Washington, DC to call for an immediate ban of all new drilling in US waters. People can support their efforts at www.StoptheDrill.org

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

I am concerned about the future health of our oceans.  I have three children and we live on the water.  If we don’t get serious about cleaning up the devastation we’ve caused, my future grandchildren won’t be able to swim in the ocean!

What will be special about Oceana’s Splash in the Hamptons?

It will be a fabulous and fun party! Jackson Browne will be performing.  The setting of our home is magical.  The most special part is the opportunity we are giving people to learn about Oceana.

What constitutes success for you with regards to the event?

To raise awareness and support for Oceana would constitute as success.  I also want the people to have a great time and make sure they leave wanting to come back next year!

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

I think at this point they are quite intertwined.  With the crisis in the Gulf, people should feel really great about supporting Oceana! Sure, we want to raise a lot of money.  At the same time, I can’t imagine that goodwill towards our children’s future isn’t also a goal.

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

We have a great team so it hasn’t felt challenging.  It’s frankly been invigorating!

What can other Co-Chairs learn from your experience?

Start early and have a great time.  Have a formidable co-chair as I do in Susan Cohn Rockefeller.  Sue is also Chairwoman of Oceana’s Ocean Council.

What background do you have to take on the role as Co-Chair? Have you chaired other charitable events?

I chaired the Roundabout Theatre Gala for three years.  I grew up with parents that were very philanthropic and watched them do this all my life.

What is your fundraising motto?

Don’t sweat the small stuff!  Feed them, and they will come!  If it’s an outdoor party, which ours’ is, pray for good weather!

Only fundraise for things you feel passionate about.  It makes the job easy!

Lois Robbins, Sam Waterson, Susan Cohn Rockefeller

What qualities make an event Co-Chair successful?

You have to be willing to ask people for help.  You need to be organized, tenacious and resourceful.

And again, a great co-chair which I have in Susan Cohn Rockefeller!

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

Only fundraise with people who are as passionate as you are.  The co-chairs of an event are only successful if they have a happy, organized and solid team!

What faded tradition do you wish would be resurrected?

This one has nothing to do with fundraising.  I wish people would “dress-up” when they went to the theater.  It used to be a special evening out.  Now they dress like they’re going to the movies!

[Photos Courtesy of Jon Dee]

Congratulations! You have the media’s attention! Journalists have RSVPed, and it’s all positive. To ensure they accurately reflect in words and pictures the beauty of all your labor, however, you need to make sure they have access to what they need to tell the story; journalists can’t write about what they don’t see, hear, taste, or experience.

Backing up for a moment, note that any media you do host at your event—that is, any publication representative granted a press pass—should be expected to deliver with coverage. It is completely appropriate, especially with bigger, most costly events, to voice these expectations with press representatives before granting complementary access to your event, and inquire as to when you can expect the coverage to appear.

However, you shouldn’t expect coverage if you don’t offer a press pass to your event, nor should you expect a warm reception from journalists if you offer to let them experience only a portion of the evening’s offerings. “We are clear with events that it’s important for us to [for instance] be seated at dinner,” says Society and Travel Editor for the Tennessean in Nashville, Tennessee, Rusty Terry when addressing this topic. “And the press should also be served the same meal as the guests.” Terry’s sentiments about inclusion are echoed by Linda M. Herold—who runs the society blog lindalandaz.com in Scottsdale, Arizona—as well as social writers in various other regions. All note they and their colleagues have refused to cover events where the press was excluded from all (yes, all—it’s happened) or portions of the goings-on. Again, one cannot write about what one does not experience.

A key component to ensuring proper coverage is to make sure that media representatives have the information they need. For starters, make sure that they know where to check in and be sure an event representative is there to receive them when they arrive. Terry notes that the Swan Ball, one of Nashville’s premier annual galas, does this seamlessly. Each publication has an event representative assigned to it; that representative can then point out and introduce the publication’s journalist and/or photographer to key participants at the event, such as sponsors and event chairs; this is critical. The journalists and photographers cover the people they interact with or know or are introduced to.

Of course, most events can’t supply each publication with its own event representative, but it is very important to have at least one person dedicated to greeting and assisting the media at your event. “I don’t think people always understand how important it is to provide a press liaison at an event,” says Terry. He goes on to note that this is especially true of photographers, who are put in charge of photographing key people but may not always know who those people are.

If your event is a seated affair, it’s advisable to incorporate media into the general seating chart, instead of at a media-only table. Would you prefer to have a write-up about conversations with other local press or about your key sponsor’s wonderful hospitality and great sense of humor? If your event does decide to seat media separately, make certain they’re not placed too far from the action and at least have access to the main event.

In sum, treat the media with respect and guide them to the best your event has to offer. They are event supporters, too, just as much as your sponsors or other guests. And as such, relations with them are key for any gala. Give the press something delightful to cover, and they will cover it with delight.

[Photo from Flickr]

The Event: On June 10, 2010, guests gathered at the Spanish Suite of the Clift Hotel to celebrate Glam Media’s launch of GlamAdapt, an ad-serving platform built for brands.  This new platform aims to find and target the most engaged consumers online.  Its website says GlamAdapt is “a platform poised to alter the entire online advertising ecosystem.”  Guests at the event socialized, drank champagne, enjoyed appetizers, and danced the night away in celebration of what aims to be a breakthrough in the online world.

Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer Photography.

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

We asked Vivanistas to name the favorite Silent Auction items they had seen.  What became abundantly clear is the most popular items were ones that couldn’t be purchased.  Even more interesting is the simplicity of the packages.  Here are ten of our favorite:

1. Cooking Class with a well-known chef
2. In-home chef for a dinner party
3. Eco-trip to the Galapagos sponsored by National Geographic
4. Tour of the jail with the sheriff and then a ride in his car
5. Free valet parking for your next event (up to a certain number of cars)
6. Preferred parking spot at a child’s High School
7. Photograph of child in major print advertisement
8. Front row seats at NY Fashion Show
9. Private winery tour by winemaker with vertical tasting of wines
10. Shoe of the Month Club

What about you: what’s your favorite Auction package?

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