Gala Event Raises $40,000 in One Evening
A classical music concert along the shore of Georgian Bay, Ontari, brought in $40,000 for the Township of Tiny Fire Department. Photo courtesy of Le Gout de Vivre.
Township of Tiny, Ontario (pop. 30,000) -- Departments with the motivation to raise a large amount of money in a very short time should talk with leaders of the Township of Tiny Fire Department on the southern shore of Georgian Bay in Ontario. The residents of Cedar Ridge subdivision in Township of Tiny originally came up with the idea of a classical music concert and dinner at the bayside residence of Toronto businessman Andrei Manoukovski, and they targeted the Township of Tiny Fire Department to receive funds from the benefit.
The purchase of a thermal imager was the department's primary objective. For approximately eight weeks, the fire department worked hand in hand with the residents of Cedar Ridge and the Lafontaine Women's Auxiliary (LWA) to plan the event and sell tickets.
LWA Recording Secretary Angele DesRoches was involved in planning the event. “We sold tickets for $150 a couple, and we originally expected about 200 people," she noted. "We had to cap it off at 350... we actually had to turn away 50 to 60 people who wanted to attend."
Guests to the August 2003 event arrived between 5 and 5:30 p.m., to a parking service, with firefighters driving them in golf carts from their vehicles to the Manoukovski home. After signing in, guests participated in a social hour with wine and cheese, followed by brief presentations by organization leaders involved in the event. The Toronto Chamber Orchestra played from 6 to 7 p.m. As the meal was being set up, event coordinators held an auction of items that had been donated by area businesses and residents, including original paintings, a fishing cruise, a weekend trip, a dirt bike, and a DVD/VCR. The evening was completed with a full service meal of beef, salmon, salads, pies, and squares.
Fire Chief Jim Sawkins was part of the team that planned the event. “The weather cooperated, and the Toronto Chamber Orchestra gave a fantastic performance,” he said. “The event was set up on Andrei and Tatiana’s back lawn, overlooking Georgian Bay, and there was a light breeze that night. The food was fantastic, and there was plenty of it… I was somewhat overwhelmed by how fast and professionally it was put together, and how it unfolded that evening,” he said. “It went off without a hitch.”
Near the sign-in table, Rick Browning of M&L Supply worked with Chief Sawkins to demonstrate thermal imaging to people who were interested in learning more about the technology. Chief Sawkins believes that the auction and raffle were more successful because people had been able to see the equipment as they were coming in. Prior to the concert, the department had collected $42,000, and another $10,000 was collected during the event. “The results far exceeded my original expectations,” Chief Sawkins said. “We started with a goal of $20,000 to buy a thermal imager, and we ended up with around $40,000 after expenses.”
Asked to give tips to other departments raising money, Chief Sawkins noted the importance of finding a unique event that appeals to potential donors, pointing out that this was key to quickly drawing the interest of community members. He mentioned the importance of the many leaders and workers who planned and carried out the event. “Just make sure you don’t forget to thank anyone: whether they gave time, materials, or money.”
Funding Tip -- Be sure to spend the time up-front to plan an approach that motivates your audience. Hold regular meetings to establish goals and make assignments, and work as a team to carry out your plan. Fundraising events are a great way to raise money, generate awareness, and involve the community in your campaign. Be sure to include a thermal imaging demonstration, regardless of the approach you choose.