Fun and Philanthropy
I think most people wonder why nonprofits throw events as fundraisers. They may be asking, “why throw the party at all? Just ask for the donation and save all that money!” While it is true that many nonprofits spend money on catering, rooms, decorations and the like, most of us work diligently to find a balance between our party being a fun event to which people look forward and a cheap, perfunctory staid performance for dollars.
It isn’t wrong to want to have fun and support a good cause at the same time! Take the Putnam City Schools Foundation, for instance. We host a golf tournament, a trivia contest, and a gala each year. Next year we hope to add an esports tournament, but more on that later.
We compare pricing on our AV needs, the golf location etcetera, and our volunteer board members use their connections to get in kind donation for our events. This brings our costs down so more of the ticket prices or fees go to the mission.
The Wall of Fame Gala is no exception. I am currently sourcing possible centerpiece options, using items we purchased and combining with low-cost items to make beautiful décor. (Truth be told, this isn’t my forte, so I enlisted ideas from a few very creative women in our building.)
In the end though, we want this induction ceremony and recognition of our staff’s accomplishments to be worthy of the people we honor. We want the event to feel special, even elevated, so that those whom we recognize understand the value we place on their dedication and accomplishments.
Our Wall of Fame is in less than a month, and this year we are inducting Dr. Greg Walton. Learn more about him HERE, but suffice it to say, he has already left a mark on his field, and is a proud graduate of Putnam City High School’s Class of 1980. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased HERE. Please don’t delay; plan to have fun with us while supporting our mission to enhance and enrich the educational opportunities of children and families in Putnam City.
Hope to see you at the Farmers Market!
by Jennifer Seal
June 3, 2021