Last week wrapped up the final two virtual galas I worked in 2020, finishing up a total of 33 virtual events for the year. Many more virtual galas are already on the calendar for spring 2021. One question from new clients has been about themes. "What are people doing for themes? Are they doing anything special?" Over the last few months, 73% of the committees I worked with kept the same theme they'd intended to use for their 2020 in-person event. The remaining others adopted new ... Read On >
Benefit Auctions Blog
2020 recap of free virtual gala training
Some great partners asked me to speak this past year and I've consolidated the list below. Though some of the earlier programs I gave on virtual galas might already be dated, there are often tidbits in the mix that make it worthwhile to hear anyway. If you're seeking some educational resources over the holiday downtime, you might enjoy one or all of these. Fired Up Fundraising with Gail Perry, April 2020: "Let's talk about virtual events" The Grow Report with Pamela Grow, May ... Read On >
Your first decision after deciding to host a virtual gala
At first, organizations tried to skirt around COVID-19. Nonprofits and schools with galas scheduled in March and April rescheduled to May and June. Then they rescheduled to fall. Then spring 2021. “Surely by spring we’ll be able to hold an in-person event,” they told me, “We don’t want a virtual gala.” As coronavirus rages on, organizations that skipped hosting a spring 2020 event are recognizing the need for funds. They will be hosting a virtual gala out of necessity. Once you ... Read On >
Election Day – My simple political platform
When COVID-19 arrived in March, the advertisements and emails landing in my in-box started to change. Most companies and organizations addressed what was dominating the news cycle -- coronavirus. They expressed concern for those who were ill, those working on the front lines, and those who lost their jobs. But not Wayfair. Wayfair pounded my inbox with a steady stream of emails each week, advertising cheap ottomans, discounted lighting, trendy decor, and more. Their inattention to the ... Read On >
Three tips for boosting attendance at your virtual gala
This I know ... If you are able to get people to watch your virtual gala, you'll raise money. The challenge for all of us these days is that our hours are filled with multiple distractions. It can be harder to get your guests focused on logging in and attending. I myself have been an organizational mess the last few months. I've forgotten meetings. I've double-booked myself. I shown up in Zoom when it was a teleconference meeting. I can only imagine what a wreck I'd be if ... Read On >