Getting your nonprofit into the public’s mind isn’t a simple task, but organizing a special event is an excellent way to accomplish it. Through special events you can recruit new volunteers, educate the community about your group, and solicit fresh donors in a casual atmosphere. Attendees will learn how to make any event, from bake sales to Gala Dinners, a real success, and how to know how much of an event they can pull off. This session is an intermediate to advanced course, but newcomers will learn a great deal as well. Covered topics will include: |
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Is It Right: Is it the right event for your organization? Is your organization right for an event? What are the pros and cons of holding one of the many types of events? |
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What To Do: Concerts, art shows, sports tournaments, displays, award ceremonies, formal dinner, and so much more! |
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What Are We Looking At: How much should you expect to make from an event? How much will you have to spend first? |
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Should you underwrite? Will you need a corporate sponsor? |
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Shout it Out: How are you going to market your event? What is your target market, and how will you reach them? |
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Speaker Profile
Mary C. Campbell
Director of Development
PCA Great Performances
Mary Campbell is the Director of Development for PCA Great Performances in Portland, ME, a presenting arts organization, where she directs the annual fund campaign, corporate solicitations, grantsmanship, and special events. Prior to her work with PCA, she has served Vermont LawSchool as Director of Alumni Relations; Hebron Academy as Associate Director of Development; Maine Public Broadcasting Network as Director of Major Gifts, as well as The Casco Bay Regional YMCA in Freeport, ME. An active volunteer, Mary serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professional Northern New England Division and The Wescustago Youth Chorale as VP of Development and Publicity. She has also served on the conference committee as co-chair for hospitality for the 2007 AFP-NNE conference and on the board of the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, ME.
Kathy G. Smith
Director of Development
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.
Kathy Smith is Director of Development for The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) in Malden, MA. She is responsible for raising an annual budget exceeding $1 million from the private and public sectors and from ILC fundraising events. She has over 25 years of experience in public relations, event planning, fundraising, speech writing and program administration within the corporate, non-profit and political arenas in Greater Boston and in Washington, D.C. She has worked for corporate and non-profit executives and members of Congress. She has a B.S. in Business Administration from Lincoln University and attended the Broadcast Center in St. Louis, Mo. Ms. Smith is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Associated Grant Makers and the Greater Boston and Malden Chambers of Commerce.
Susan S. Stendahl
Chief Development Officer
Pathways for Children
Susan Stendahl is the Chief Development Officer at Pathways for Children in Gloucester. Susan was awarded the CFRE designation in 2002 and was recertified in 2005. Susan is a member of AFP Mass. and the steering committees of the Essex County Development Group and Cape Ann Chamber Businesswomen. Prior to her position at Pathways, Susan was Development Officer at VNA Care Network, Associate Director of Development at Montserrat College of Art, and Director of Community Relations and Fundraising at CAB Health & Recovery. Prior to her career in fundraising, she was a marketing professional. Pathways for Children is on target for completion of a $5.5 million capital campaign in December 2007. Special events held in 2004 and 2006 played a critical role in community awareness and donor cultivation for the organization as a backdrop for the campaign. They also raised more than $300,000 for the organization’s programs for low-income children
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