Reflections on a recent Fundraising Event
Ryan Dean, 8/9/2024

 

Almost a year ago, I met with Shamso Issak to discuss how we might help her raise funds for her nonprofit organization differently than she had done in the organizations 10-year history.  We agreed to establish a fundraising event that could both celebrate their work as well as raise unrestricted operating funds for their organization.

 

It was also important to do this work in a manner that was authentic to Living Well Kent as an organization and consistent with its values.  This aspiration coincided with a growing movement in nonprofit fundraising to drive more “community-centric giving” versus the traditional “donor-centric” model.

 

As a cisgendered white man with enormous unearned privileges, I was curious how we could implement more community-centered ideas into the event.  Now that the dinner has concluded and some time has passed, I wanted to reflect on specific decisions made and why we felt that they were consistent with our desire to produce the event in the manner we did.

 

• Hosted the event in a location central to the organization’s mission. Dinner was held on its 4-acre operating farm at the beginning of the growing season instead of a ballroom or community center.
• Utilized Kent area business wherever possible.  All food, banner printing, Audio/Visual, deejay, photo booth and tent/equipment rental were provided by Kent businesses.
• Sought event sponsorship from a wide variety of organizations who felt this approach was consistent with their community support efforts.
• Encouraged family participation by offering free admission for people under 19.
• Aspired to produce an event in which staff could relax and enjoy the event versus being on deck to support the experience by hiring key support staff.
• Accessible ticket price of $20 per person.
• Incorporated a variety of cultural programming during the dinner including an authentic Somali hut recreation with artifacts, Ethiopian coffee service, culturally relevant food offerings from five distinct regions of the world.  Guests were encouraged to wear dress reflective of their cultural heritage.
• Youth fashion show highlighting the cultural diversity of Kent, WA.
• Following a compelling story of an Afghani refugee now thriving in our community, LWK used a single fund-a-need ask in lieu of a paddle raise in the form of a personal written commitment.  This allowed guests to privately commit time or money to support LWK's mission.
• Provided silent auction opportunities to support mission work in addition to the typical selection of donated goods or services.
• While alcohol was available to guests who wanted it, its presence was deemphasized in respect to cultural norms present in many immigrant and refugee communities.
• An inaugural award was presented to a person in the Kent community who best exemplifies the values of Living Well Kent.  The organization is excited to make this an annual staple in the event.

 

Was it successful? I think many guests were pleasantly surprised by the joy and happiness felt by nearly everyone.  There were approximately 20% more attendees than expected and tickets were sold out two weeks prior to the event date.  The event raised approximately $50,000 -  a great start for a first-time event!

 

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