United Way Chef’s Gala is the Ultimate Donor Event — The Marketing Square
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United Way Chef’s Gala is the Ultimate Donor Event
4 Rivers Smokehouse is providing desserts at the Chef's Gala Creating a memorable experience for donors while raising money for charity isn’t easy. It’s tougher when there are more charities than donors and the economy is challenging. Creativity, planning and goal-setting have to drive the event. At the end of the day you want to be thoughtful and thankful for what the donations do for your charity while working on a tight budget that doesn’t look like your donations are going toward paying for donor thank yous. In fact, check state laws governing charity spending to be sure you’re following the tax rules. The Heart of Florida United Way celebrates its generous donors with the 21st Annual Chef’s Gala, a fundraiser featuring food and fun Saturday, May 4. The event is sold out! The Chef’s Gala invites 1,000 donors to dine, bid on silent auctions, enjoy a martini and sparkling wine reception, an array of special dinners, wines, desserts and coffees to celebrate in a massive party featuring Florida’s top chefs and restaurants.
The Chef’s Gala is hosted by Epcot® World Showplace and is hosted and sponsored by Walt Disney World®, which has underwritten most of the event since its inception in 1992. Now most charities will not kick off events with full sponsorship, but you have to ask to receive sponsorship and provide viable returns in the form of PR, website, social media and other advertising, media and publicity for participation. Before starting your own event, attend the biggest and best events held by charities similar to yours. Watch the experts who have exceeded their fundraising goals to learn what works for the type and level of donor you seek. See what they’re doing to engage donors, thank them, highlight them and reward them.
http://themarketingsquare.com/events-2/united-way-chefs-gala-is-the-ultimate-donor-event
5/7/2013
United Way Chef’s Gala is the Ultimate Donor Event — The Marketing Square
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Cask & Larder Chef James Petrakis is preparing a deluxe shrimp & grits dish Your donors drive the success of a charity and have to be first and foremost in your events, your social media, your website and your marketing. If you’re realistic, you’ve got a P&L with a calendar and chart to know the habits of your key donors. Can you count on them to come to your aid in the clutch?
When they do help you, how do your recognize them. You should have Thank You cards standing by along with mentions on your social media, your website. Get them a gift that is not too flashy, or expensive, but is warm and thoughtful. All donors are individuals and you should recognize them for what they do for your charity. If you have many donors, you can have a large event to thank them but don’t go overboard. Find sponsors to donate your venue, gifts and food, beverages. You should also have a series of event fundraisers and include your donors who will raise money on your behalf if they’re engaged. Plan carefully so that when you’re launching your next event you’ve seen what works and what resonates with your donors. Begin with the end in mind: your fundraising goals. Then establish a budget for your event. Then go after sponsorships for everything you want to offer. Provide exposure for those who sponsor you and reward your donors to thank them for their support.
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United Way Chef’s Gala is the Ultimate Donor Event — The Marketing Square
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http://themarketingsquare.com/events-2/united-way-chefs-gala-is-the-ultimate-donor-event
5/7/2013