Five Favorite Fundraisers: The Gala

I wish pivoting from an in-person gala to a virtual one was as easy as flipping a switch. It takes incredible thought, creativity and consideration to recreate the outstanding experience your guests are used to in a virtual setting. The examples below all used Blackbaud Peer-to-Peer Fundraising™, powered by JustGiving™ in conjunction with other tools to plan, raise money, and execute gorgeous events. 

 

#TaskForceGala with National LGBTQ Task Force

By working with Blackbaud's Professional Services team, the #TaskForceGala is able to beautifully convey the event's purpose and options for supporters to get involved. Table Hosts create a fundraising page and share it with their community to invite guests. 




Breakthrough Greater Boston's Virtual Gala



I hear so many nonprofits looking for ways to get their board involved in peer-to-peer fundraising. I love how this campaign created an opportunity for the associate board to participate as fundraisers. Breakthrough handled registrations for the watch parties through eTapestry and encouraged online donations with Blackbaud Peer-to-Peer Fundraising™, powered by JustGiving™. Additionally, they highlighted promotional videos, sponsors and hosts by utilizing the campaign's story section. 

The Associate Board is a group of young professionals in the Boston area who are dedicated to educational equity and to advancing Breakthrough’s mission. We achieve these goals by hosting events geared towards young professional engagement including trivia nights, an annual young professional’s Bash, and ongoing special events throughout the year to raise awareness about Breakthrough’s mission and successes!

Mary's Center #2020Vision Gala - Pandemic Recovery Campaign
I love how they open the fundraising efforts well beyond the actual event date. The benefit of a virtual gala is that you are no longer restricted by the ballroom rental time. Mary's Center does a great job of articulating purpose, providing clear calls to action, communicating impact and ensuring supporters feel backed with various resources (like these recommended solicitation letters for fundraisers).

Our goal is to raise $65,000 by Friday, October 16, the night of Mary's Center's first ever #2020Vision Virtual Gala. Leading up to the Virtual #MCGala, we will have challenges and prizes to keep all fundraisers engaged and put the fun in fundraising. Please join us and help spread the word. Make sure to invite your friends, neighbors, and family through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and E-mail.

College of Lake County Foundation 's "No-Gala" Gala
For the health and safety of their communities, CLC foundation decided to host a "No-Gala" Gala, a week-long online fundraising campaign benefiting CLC Foundation Scholarships and Grants. Besides exceeding their goal, it was great to see how the foundation utilized embedded videos and alumni quotes to make the experience come to life. 




SAY's Under One Moon: A Live Virtual Benefit
While this event has come and passed, it was built beautifully on JustGiving, leveraging mixed-media to make the experience epic.

Well, we promised you EPIC and that's just what it was! We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for Under One Moon. From Laila, a SAY: DC participant, kicking things off by sharing her 10th birthday with us, to Kelli O'Hara singing us into our finale with a beautiful signature tune, Under One Moon was an unforgettable night of special guests, incredible performances, big laughs, and powerful moments. You can catch or relive every sensational minute (Um, Worm-Off!) of the broadcast recording above.

Are you considering a virtual gala and not sure where to start? Check out these articles:

1. The Definitive Guide for Virtual Galas
2. Tips for a successful virtual gala experience
3. Q&A from a Virtual Gala webinar

Peer-to-peer fundraising traditionalists may only consider DIY, runs, walks and rides as ideal use cases but you all are incredibly impressive and encouraging with how you incorporate team and individual participation with your 2020 Galas!