[Sherry Shaffer]

Hello! My organization feels like we need some type of fundraising event this fall. Other nonprofits in the area use the old-fashioned gala model of drinks, dinner, silent and live auction, and a paddle raise followed by dancing. As you might expect it is the same party with pretty much the same people at every one. They historically net about $100K-$300K. These events survive on the fact that they’ve been going for 20-30 years and are established traditions, especially the ones during the summer season. (We are in an area that has been the summer lake retreat for wealthy families from nearby cities for well over a century.)

My organization is about three years old. There was a “gala” in 2023 that was lavish with an extremely high ticket price. It went over very well but netted nothing – I believe it even lost money (I wasn’t here yet). The board and development committee are divided on what needs to be done. We have no history of a fall fundraiser so we can do anything!

Of note is that we are an historic observatory that has recently been reborn as a place for “astronomy, art, and arboretum.” In certain respects we’re still finding our way. Suffice to say we’re about creativity, discovery, imagination, and science learning.

I’d love to know what works for everyone else. If we want to make a “signature” event I think it needs to be fresh, fun, and appealing to many ages.

Thanks!