Comments on: Bracing for the season — and I don’t mean football!

By: Helen Hewitt

Helen Hewitt — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:30:31 +0000

Great points Cynthia!

By: Evelyn Miller

Evelyn Miller — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:35:13 +0000

Amen Cynthia, you said it as no one else I know could have and I applaude you. We need something NEW for our money.

By: amy williams

amy williams — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:21:46 +0000

Great points. And just to point out, the Evening under the Stars the benefits the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra perfectly fits all your criteria: no auctions, a Beautiful and original location (Sherry Lee’s home) the jazz musicians performing before,during, and after dinner…and it ends early! Please come!

By: Sandy Rees

Sandy Rees — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:41:58 +0000

So many nonprofits are run by people who don’t really understand what fundraising and development are all about. Either staff or Board or both think that the best way to raise money is to have an event. As a coach and consultant, I try to discourage events and instead point folks toward fundraising activities that will engage donors and build relationships.

I have a couple of articles on my blog about conducting, evaluating, and retiring events (http://getfullyfundedblog.com/category/special-events/).

Sandy Rees, CFRE
Fundraising Coach
http://www.getfullyfunded.com

By: Lorie Huff

Lorie Huff — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:55:01 +0000

Great tips! Love the idea of creating unique experiences and not just the same event for a different organization! There is SO much to see and learn about Knoxville, surely we can create something unique in each experience.

By: Diana Morgan

Diana Morgan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:57:21 +0000

It isn’t just the invitations, Cynthia. It is the multiple mailings from the same org pleading for financial support.

I support those whose mission I personally believe in. Inevitably, at one or another nonprofit, the staff rejects that concept, sometimes rudely. It makes me uncomfortable even when I am helping others.

By: Bill Lyons

Bill Lyons — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:24:33 +0000

Amen and amen again on the length of the event. Most folks already understand and appreciate the good works and the need. A short, interesting program is much appreciated. I have heard dozens of people say that they just will not go to another event from “Fine Organization X” after being held hostage to endless speeches, films, testimonials, etc. going on for hours.

By: Cynthia Moxley

Cynthia Moxley — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:14:02 +0000

Thanks, everybody. I’m sure I’ll see all of you out on the fund-raising circuit!

By: Ranee Randby

Ranee Randby — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:32:35 +0000

Bravo! As someone who both plans and attends these types of events, this is good advice and will BENEFIT these organizations (pun intended).

By: Gay Lyons

Gay Lyons — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:51:27 +0000

LOL. My pile of invitations looks pretty much like yours. Excellent suggestions!