1. Special Events That Yield Great Results! Presented by Mary Ann Maltz Executive Director, March of Dimes and Terry Quinn Development Director, Trinity Episcopal School

2. It’s about more than having a great party Copyright © 2005 - Laurence A. Pagnoni & Associates, Inc. (LAPA)

3. Wrapping paper ain’t gonna get you there Raise funds Attract new donors/cultivate existing donors Engage board members and leadership volunteers in fund raising and donor cultivation activities Increase visibility for and awareness of your organization Message your mission or highlight a specific program Meet an unfilled niche in your donor base

4. Work smart Do you have access to the right chair and key volunteers? How strong is your donor base? What is the competition – is the market saturated and is your event unique? How many events do you have? Is it appropriate to your mission? What resources do you have to work with? How much money do you need to raise to make this event worth the effort required for success? Be sure to factor in staff and volunteer time

5. Volunteers – you’ve GOT to love ‘em Carefully recruit volunteers and make sure they understand their roles and responsibilities BEFORE they sign on Don’t make too many key decisions before you involve your volunteers Train volunteers - especially in conveying your mission Make sure everyone understands the budget and how they work within it Use your timeline as a checklist - stay on time and on track Plan for future success - consider a support group and succession planning

6. Reality check You can’t reach your goals without a strategic plan Appropriate pricing is essential Involve volunteers in the budgeting process - buy-in is critical Present a budget report at all committee meetings Under-project income and over-project expenses Keep your expenses at 25% or less

7. Make an offer they can’t refuse Determine motivations for giving Peer to peer solicitations are essential Make sure volunteers are comfortable answering questions about the event and your organization Event satisfaction is key to future success Follow up with a proof of performance visit

8. Revenue Enhancers

9. Live auction Silent auction Sealed bid auction Casino Raffle Mystery gift boxes Dip for diamonds Midway games Putting contest, closest to the pin, etc.

10. It Doesn’t End with Dessert! Send out handwritten thank notes to volunteers and donors Evaluate your event with a wrap-up meeting shortly after the event Have a volunteer appreciation party Promptly send out donor thank letters and IRS receipts with information about how your organization is going to spend the money you raised at the event Hand deliver proof of performance packets to sponsors Add event donors to your mailing lists Mail out a donor/volunteer survey

11. Thank you!