5 Different Ways Nonprofits Have Taken Fundraising Events To The Next Level
Fundraising is some of the most crucial work non-profit organizations must do to finance their operations and programming. Some of the most successful fundraising campaigns involve hosting an event, where they can engage donors and stakeholders, maximize participation, and inspire people to take action. Here are five different ways that non-profits have taken fundraising events to the next level.
Image Source: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/about-shedd/press-releases/2019-gala
Shedd Aquarium: “Reflections” Black Tie Gala
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium sure knew how to make a splash with their 2019 black-tie gala, “Reflections”. Uniting leaders from Chicago’s philanthropic community, the event raised nearly $2 million and was held to advance the aquarium’s mission to spark compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic world. Attendants commenced their night strolling through the aquarium’s lobby which was adorned with giant mirrored decor and perusing exhibits featuring the aquarium’s diverse array of sea creatures, including a rescued red-tailed hawk, sea urchins, and two unique species of penguins. Gala refreshments included bubbly cocktails and sustainably sourced seafood such as king prawns, ahi tuna sashimi, fish filets, and oysters. In fact, guests even had the opportunity to learn how to shuck oysters themselves at the ‘Oysters with the Otters’ installation at the Regenstein Otter Habitat. The gala also included musical performances by a local west Chicago music group, Musicality, and a heartfelt presentation that highlighted the aquarium’s marine and freshwater research, global animal rescue and accessibility efforts, and more.
Rise of Broken Women: Roaring 20’s Valentine’s Day Gala
In the spirit of giving and receiving love on Valentine’s Day, Rise of Broken Women (RBW) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the unique needs of women and families experiencing homelessness – invites guests to grab their dancing shoes, travel back in time, and relive a night in the roaring 20s. This year, the gala was held in Hell’s Kitchen, New York and featured jazz music, a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and prohibition-style drinks, belly dancers, an open bar and buffett, a raffle, and a dance floor for guests to dance the night away. Not only were guests encouraged to dress up to the style of the 1920s, but they were also encouraged to bring feminine hygiene products and toiletries to donate. The fundraiser is held to advance RBW’s mission of bringing women and families experiencing homelessness or in low-income communities the necessary resources, from basic necessities to vocational training, to liberate themselves from the poverty cycle.
Image source: https://skate.rmh-newyork.org/
Ronald McDonald House New York: The 28th Annual Skate With The Greats
Imagine lacing up your ice skates next to hockey legends like Adam Graves and Brian Leetch. Our friends at the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) never fail to surprise with their creative and engaging fundraisers. Every year, the nonprofit organization teams up with RBC and the New York Rangers to host an evening of ice skating alongside hockey legends, delicious finger foods, silent and live auctions, autograph sessions, and cocktail parties. This year’s Skate with the Greats fundraiser was held at the Lighthouse & Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers and raised $825k to support RMHC’s mission to provide vital resources and compassionate care to children and families when they need it most.
Image source: https://thecolorrun.co.th/gallery/?lang=en#jp-carousel-7118
The Color Run: The Happiest 5K On The Planet
Founded in 2011 and available in 36 US cities, The Color Run is a five-kilometer, untimed fundraiser race. Runners start the race wearing white clothes and are doused from head to toe in multi-colored powders at each kilometer, leaving them coated in color by the time they reach the finish line. Once the race is over, runners continue to the Finish Festival, where they are greeted with music, dancing, photo ops, installations, food and drink vendors, and more color throws. Although The Color Run is a for-profit event management company, they have partnered with 80+ local and national nonprofit organizations since 2012 and donated over $5 million.
Image source: https://www.wvnews.com/theet/hot-wing-eating-contest-in-bridgeport-west-virginia-raises-funds-for-united-way-of-harrison/article_36a8f47a-2408-11ed-a41b-0ff31b4c6723.html
United Way: Competitive Hot Wing Eating Contest
Easily the most delicious way of fundraising, competitive eating fundraisers are a great way to engage guests who are seeking a spectacle and hungry for change. This August, the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties hosted its 17th annual hot wing eating contest at Buffalo Wild Wings. Sponsors pledged a dollar amount per wing or made a flat donation, while contestants downed as many hot wings as they possibly could in eight minutes. The competition also included a dunk tank, fun activities, and themed trophies, including the Little Chicken Trophy which went to contestants who couldn’t handle the heat. United Way raised over $80,000, which went towards its $780,000 fundraising goal which will serve a broad range of social service initiatives for communities in the Harrison and Doddridge counties.
