Attracting New Donors in Today’s Charity Marketplace

Charitable giving is the lifeblood for hundreds of local non-profit organizations, many of which form a core client base for most event venues, caterers, service providers, and planners. Join ISES Portland on February 24th for a lively discussion about the challenges of maintaining adequate giving revenues at these organizations, even in our challenged economic environment. How do they find new donors, maximize existing relationships, and keep all of them engaged through effective events? How can we, as event professionals, help? Our panelists will include Margie Hunt, CEO of Special Olympics Oregon; Gina Fleschner, Co Chair of Share our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Portland; and Sharon Brabenac, Director of Development of Self Enhancement, Inc. This month, we’ll meet for networking, lunch, and education from 11:30-1:30pm at the Elephant’s Garden Room, 115 NW 22nd, Portland.

RSVP Here

A “Higher Purpose” for Your Next Event

I came across a great article in the latest Meeting Planners International (MPI) magazine of “Optimizing the Positive and Minimizing the Negative Impact of Large Events”.  When it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility – helping the community where your next event is… eat at local spots, not just in the hotel, supports the local economy;  add post-conference tours to historical sites also add a “cash infusion” to the community that many conferences do not include, find local non-profits that donate flowers to hospitals and hospices (like Friends With Flowers in Bend), and of course using green products and recycle.

The NFL is a good example of this type of thinking… for about 15 years, wherever the Super Bowl is held, they give back to the community by building a youth center, which offers tutoring, career planning, sports, etc.  I just got back from the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, and they have free events throughout the week for “ohana” (families) and “keiki” (children) encouraging them to get active, have fun and they donate thousands of dollars to the local economy with scholarships.

This is a tough time for all of us, but “the beauty of this movement – event planners proactively working to minimize harm and enhance benefits to their host communities – is that it’s working from the grassroots up”, Dave Gazly, VP of Mtg & Convention Sales, Tourism Vancouver.

Plan a Bond Party – Great Idea!

Planning a fund-raiser?  There’s a cool article in Special Events Magazine this month of a company that planned an event to attract men – they created a James Bond Party – complete with “gorgeous” girls in bikinis and fur coats with a helicopter – that raised millions for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Their idea?  They made it “sexy” – just past the entrance was a naked, gold-painted woman a la Goldfinger lounged on a black satin sheet of a circular bed, entertainment and decor included LED video wall integrated clips from several Bond films, the all-woman band were outfitted in metallic costumes and “toys for the boys” were all over the event.  A fake webcam was in each arrangement of daffodils in silver champagne buckets, a flip-top light was attached to each guest’s “Moonraker” auction list.  To offset costs (like the helicopter!) they purchased the toys from dollar stores and discount shops.

Surpassing fundraising goals in today’s sour economy is no small feat.  How did they pull it off?  After orchestrating an extremely targeted mailing, they received responses from all but a couple of invitees by being “pushy yet charming”.  I guess it paid off!

Measuring your carbon footprint

I was reading an industry magazine and came across an article on how the city of Denver has one of the most eco-friendly convention centers. WWW.visitdenver.com provides the opportunity for meeting planners to measure the carbon footprints left after planning an event and the option to purchase carbon offsets. I came across another site www.carbonfund.org that allows individuals and companies to determine the carbon footprint left by daily activities. Check it out, we all have to do our part.

VIPlanner Event at El Gaucho

Tuesday night I attended an exclusive event with top meeting and event planners at El Gaucho. We had a wonderful time. The staff at El Gaucho is fantastic, they were continually on hand to refill drinks and to assist in anyway possible. El Gaucho provided an intimate private space for us to gather. The event planners were able to talk and share ideas without interruptions. Beth at El Gaucho took us on a tour to see other private spaces available, I would strongly recommend this place to hold an event.

Historic Caples House

Wednesday, September 17th, I had the great pleasure of attending a phenomenal event hosted by the Historic Caples House in Columbia City, Oregon.  Columbia City is on the other side of St. Helens, about 20 miles from Portland. The event included live music and catering by Vibrant Table, Katering by Kurt, Simpatica Catering, Devil’s Food Catering and Eat Your Heart Out.  

This beautiful facility just opened its grounds for private events. It includes one city block in a park-like setting with breath-taking views of the Columbia River, a Heritage Orchard with 130-year-old apple and pear trees, and includes a charming Country Store. Their grounds can accommodate in excess of 300 people, and they are available for Weddings, Corporate Functions, Company Picnics – you name it. For more information, go to their website at www.capleshouse.com.

Creatively Saving Money on Events

Budget is always an important factor in planning events and can often be the driving force behind decisions that are made by the planners. The challenge is to create a fantastic, eye-opening event while keeping the budget at a minimum.
By creating one major point for the décor to focus on, this takes away the expense of having many unnoticed smaller pieces. Many décor companies can help you transform unused space into a beautiful design.

Color is another piece that can dramatically impact an event. Try using variations of one color for all of the décor; this will create a beautiful and inexpensive backdrop for your event.

Lighting is a great way to add impact to your event. Gobos can be custom designed with color and /or logos to project throughout the event. Pay attention to the entrance to your event as well, as this is the first look that your guests will get.

Entertainment can take many forms. A new idea is to have an artist creating pictures during an event, try an art school or local artists to save money. Interactive entertainment will keep the guests involved and how about teaching them something as well; such as a bartender teaching how to make a specialty drink.

Source: BizBash Florida, July 2008