The ZNEF Party With a Purpose DOLLAR$ for $CHOLAR$ By Dr. Shirley Chevalier Zeta National Educational Foundation Member Pandemic, virtual, Zoom, fundraising, $$$, Centennial, and parties. These are all significant terms for the ages that brought loads of angst, consternation, and, finally, resolute resolve and change to Zetas in 2020. What does this list of words have in common, and how might you shape them to formulate a boon for the financial wellness of the Zeta National Educational Foundation (ZNEF)? The following equation is one way of reflecting how the misfortune of an international crisis led to what may be described as the most successful single fundraising effort in ZNEF history: pandemic + Zoom + virtual parties – Centennial = ZNEF Fundraising $$$. To appreciate the favorable outcome of this formula, one must travel the rocky journey that included two huge blows: the COVID-19 pandemic and cancellation of the Centennial Boulé. ZNEF receives funds from a small percentage of the Zeta membership dues and various fundraising efforts of its undertaking. In 2020, in addition to the funds from Zeta membership dues, the Foundation was blessed with a committed and supportive ally in International Grand Basileus Valerie Hollingsworth Baker. Following her election as the 25th International Centennial Grand Basileus of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Grand Val strode into the 2018 ZNEF Annual Board Meeting, expressed her desire for the success of the Foundation, and committed her time, talents, and available resources to assist the board in reaching those goals. One of those stated goals was to greatly increase fundraising efforts to facilitate the value and number of scholarships awarded. True to her word, where feasible, in 2020 Grand Val set out to capitalize on the Centennial year activities to bring funds into ZNEF’s coffers. As Centennial President, she arranged for members who purchased the Centennial Members’ Directory online to also be able to donate to the Foundation. The Foundation undertook its usual fundraising efforts, including AmazonSmile, in which a fraction of ZNEF supporter’s total Amazon purchase is donated to the Foundation; the End-of-Year Giving Campaign, in which donations are solicited from prospective donors; and Giving Tuesday, a globally celebrated day of giving that takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving when individuals may contribute to orga-
56
nizations providing services to communities and the world. With plans to capitalize on the Centennial frenzy, ZNEF also planned to market products, including a stadium bag with the ZNEF logo imprinted on the side, at the regional meetings and Centennial events. A test marketing of the bags demonstrated some success; however, a larger profit potential was required in order to achieve the required financial goals while establishing a sustainable, annual, notable fundraising campaign. All of the funding sources in play were somewhat successful; however, they were not nearly as lucrative as desired. Then, in early March, the COVID-19 virus spread across the United States. Events were canceled in strategic spots around the United States, especially California and New York. Businesses and organized large attendance venues were closed and events canceled, schools were closing, and jobs were being lost. Everyone was requested to wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and use hand sanitizers or wash their hands. Likewise, Zeta membership, including Zeta affiliates (youth, Amicae, and Zeta Male Network members), were asked to follow state and local guidelines and to avoid congregating in groups, which meant no organized meetings. The COVID-19 outbreak was now officially labeled a pandemic. As the pandemic spread with no end in sight, official word came that the Centennial Boulé had been canceled. There is no more dire circumstance to a nonprofit organization than losing its key funding sources of donors and the availability of venues with which to market your services and mingle with donors. It was truly a difficult time for ZNEF fundraising, as ZNEF had planned its major fundraising efforts around Centennial Boulé events and large venue Zeta gatherings. ZNEF Board Member and former U.S. Representative Donna Edwards offered up the perfect solution: hosting virtual parties. Soror Edwards, ZNEF Treasurer Vanessa Elkins-Rogers, and ZNEF Board Chair Dr. JacQueline Lawton developed the idea of the ZNEF virtual cocktail parties. Once the idea was approved, the ZNEF Board went to work developing a plan for the individual chapter parties with a designated registered host. Grand Val made available Zeta resources (e.g., the National Graphics Team, Zeta News Network (ZNN), and the Social Media Director) to market and advertise the events. Soror Elkins-Rogers established a method for individuals to sign up for the event with the motivation of a $1,000 scholarship for the chapter of the hostess collecting the largest amount of money from participants and donors for her party. Virtual parties consisted of a variety of themes, including celebrating birthdays, game night, bingo, and trivia contests. Some events included disc jockeys, live musical talent, comedians, silent auctions, and many more. This idea of a small celebration during the five days that would have been the scheduled Boulé turned into a 35-day event involving the participation of 100 chapters and 150 virtual parties that raised over $75,000, and the sorors wanted the opportunity to extend the deadline and raise more.
THE ARCHON MAGAZINE • SPRING & SUMMER 2021 REMEMBERING CENTENNIAL 100 (1920 – 2020)
