Tales from the Chairs: Atlanta – Devika Rao and Nikelle A. Hamada
By Vivanista - February 1, 2010
Event: The 4th Annual Diamonds Over Georgia
Date of Event: February 5, 2010
Name of volunteer organization: Greater Atlanta Penn State Alumni Association
Beneficiary: The Four Diamonds Fund and Camp Sunshine
Chairs: Devika Rao (left) and Nikelle A. Hamada (right)
What is it about the organization that made you willing to take on the role as event Chair?
Devika: The organization is a part of the bigger picture to give back. I have been an advocate of pediatric cancer research since my days in undergrad (Penn State) and this organization, Diamonds, allows me to be connected to this cause and the spirit behind the fund raising, the message, and the kids.
Nikelle: My willingness and desire to chair Diamonds Over Georgia came from my love of the event itself. I have attended all previous events, at first as an attendee and then as an organizer. I loved how the event supported a cause I championed in college. It brings people of different ages and backgrounds together for a common goal. and everyone who attended the events said how great it was, and how much they enjoyed it. All of this made me want to take on the challenge of continuing a great tradition and make it even better.
What will be special about the event?
D: This event, like the past 3 years, will be holding a live/silent auction and a raffle to raise money. But, this year, we have amazing media sponsors who are promoting our event, donors who have been so generous and giving in this tough economy, and we have a celebrity auctioneer, famed Atlanta-writer and comedienne Hollis Gillespie from Atlanta magazine, to bring in the evening. A dance contest gets everyone excited and we have people who are ready to bring their best moves to the dance floor.
N: This event, like the past 3 years, will be holding a live/silent auction and a raffle to raise money. But, this year, we have amazing media sponsors who are promoting our event, donors who have been so generous and giving in this tough economy, and we have a celebrity auctioneer, famed Atlanta-writer and comedienne Hollis Gillespie from Atlanta magazine, to bring in the evening. A dance contest gets everyone excited and we have people who are ready to bring their best moves to the dance floor.
What constitutes success for you with regards to the specific event you’re Chairing?
D: Success would be the turnout and knowing that everyone who is there is there for a passionate and deserving cause. Everyone to have a good time and realize that with them being there at the event, they are fighting for the awesome kids that deserve the biggest army of hope and love there is.
N: There are two separate goals I have for Diamonds that, when met, I will know the event is a success. The first, and most important goal, is raising more money we said we would raise. In fact, Devika and I had two separate fundraising goals: the one we shared with the organizations Board of Directors, and the one we kept to ourselves. The latter was 25 percent higher than the former. I would love to see both of those numbers blown out of the water! The second goal and seeing that the people attending the event are enjoying themselves, opening their hearts and wallets, and telling us this was the best Diamonds event yet, that they cannot wait to come again next year.
How do you balance the quantifiable goal of raising money with the goal of broadening of goodwill?
D: Raising money is an important goal, but we don’t want people to think that if they come once a year, they have done their part. We want them to volunteer throughout and/or support the cause in their best ability. Throughout the year, we have set up opportunities for people to volunteer with our local beneficiary so this effort is year-long. If someone volunteers just once outside of Diamonds, but in the name of Diamonds, the bug will bite. The long-term goal of broadening goodwill will eventually spread; it is inevitable.
What plans have you made to address problems that may arise?
N: As a veteran event planner with over six years of experience, I go into an event like this looking for the holes and patching them well in advance. One way to minimize the chance of problems arising is to surround oneself with competent people. I do not use vendors whose track record is unproven. I do not ask people for assistance or go to people for guidance who have not already had successes in similar situations. However, I am not too proud to admit when I need help, and gracefully and gratefully accept it when offered. Also, I leave myself open to new ideas, knowing that there is always a better way. Unfortunately, there are some problems that may be out of my control – weather, epidemics, etc., but in a situation like that, I will take lemons and make lemonade.
What background do you have to take on the role as Chair?
De: I am a journalist and PR specialist in Atlanta. The year before, I was Media Chair of Diamonds, and we had a great success by getting recognized in local magazines and our attendance went up by 37 percent. This year, we have such great media sponsors so the event is sure to be a success.
N: As I mentioned earlier, I have over six years of event planning experience. This ranges from working a registration desk, to directing multi-day conferences. I have planned Galas, such as this one, wine tastings, distinguished speaker events, member recognition events, and more. Most importantly, I have a passion for the charities involved and a drive to see this event succeed.
Have you chaired other charitable events? If so, please name them.
D: I have not chaired, but was a Communications Captain at the 2007 Penn State IFC/Pan-Hellenic Dance Marathon, which has well-prepared me for the role of chair of Diamonds.
N: 2009 ACCESS Entrepreneur’s Night Young Leadership Council of the Jewish Federation’s Kosher Wine Tasting.
What are you wearing to the event?
D: Easiest question thus far! An amethyst Ralph Lauren dress with silver shoes and accessories.
N: A vintage, black, strapless gown. If the classic LBD had a mentor, this dress would be it!
What is your fundraising motto?
D: Think big. The worst thing you will get is a NO, so ask. You just may get a yes.
N: It never hurts to ask!
Who is your fundraising role model?
D: Everyone involved with the Penn State IFC/Pan-Hellenic Dance Marathon, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. The student body, 10,000+ of us, have come together year after year getting pledges, corporate sponsors, canning on streets, at grocery stores, and finding every avenue to get every penny towards pediatric cancer. This camaraderie is admirable and over the course of 30-plus years, we have been able to donate over $50 million to The Hershey Medical Center and The Four Diamonds Fund. If 18-24 year olds can come together like this to make such big impacts, there is no excuse for any of us on the outside.
N: Jennifer Kapp has easily taken this role. I met her only recently when she volunteered to help Diamonds. She offered to help with corporate fundraising, and very quickly proved herself to be an all-around amazing fundraiser. I have a lot to learn from her.
What qualities make an event Chair successful?
D: Trust, good listener, and to always remember that their idea may not always be the best. Although there is a certain leader(s), there has to be an environment of collaboration and communication. Most importantly, being a chair is exhaustive and exciting at the same time, but its when it is exhaustive, you have to remember the bigger picture and the reason why everyone you are working with is involved.
N: Organization, follow-through, and the ability to listen to others. Also, I think that passion for charities involved, if not the event itself, is a must.
What is the best charitable event you’ve attended and why?
D: Again, the Penn State Dance Marathon. For 48-hours, 700 dancers cannot sit or sleep, and you have an army of 1,000 captains and committee members working in the background making sure that the dancers are fed, hydrated, entertained, and taken care of in the best way possible. But the last four hours, which includes the Family Hour, is by far the most emotional, moving, and humbling time of the weekend. That’s when the bug bit me because you get to meet the kids, play with them, and you realize that after all they are going through, they have the widest smiles and the loudest laughs of all. After being on the “inside” in 2007 (when we raised $5.2 million!!!), it just all came together to see how much passion so many people can have for this cause. It will always be the best event I have attended and been a part of. But, this answer will change on February 6, 2010. 
N: This question is actually a very tough one! Being a member of the morale committee at Penn State’s Dance Marathon was an amazing experience – the energy, the passion, and the commitment shown by the students is overwhelming. I have been to a variety of dinners and galas that all hold a special place, not only because of what I learned, but because of how I felt knowing that I was a part of something greater than myself, and that my contribution, be it financial or otherwise, was making a difference. I have loved being a part of Diamonds Over Georgia because I have seen it evolve and grow. I have a feeling that the 2010 event is going to be the best one I have attended because I have seen it through from beginning to end, and I will know that I have made a difference in my community and in the fight against pediatric cancer.
What is one fundraising tip you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?
D: Don’t be afraid to ask…anything! Your passion is obvious, but no one expects perfection.
N: Sometimes the smallest ask can have the greatest impact. Not every donation needs to knock everyone’s socks off. If you could get everyone you know to donate $5 or $10, you can raise a significant amount of money.
What fundraising innovation do you wish would be invented?
N: I would like to see a well respected, professionally managed database of people across the country and their interests, hobbies, and passions. As a fundraiser, I could enter my parameters into a search field, and be given a list of people who are interested in the charities or organizations I support. There would also be a way for those people to indicate that they have already donated or supported certain causes so that their names to do not appear in searches for a set amount of time, and they are not over-tapped.
About the author: Vivanista
Vivanista is a member-based, lifestyle community for fundraising volunteers. Sharing of unique insights, expert tips and a spirit of giving empowers members to improve their own lives and the lives of others.
