Facts, Fiction and Fun of Fundraising 2013 Seminar Synopsis
August 28, 2013
W Hotel Scottsdale, AZ
A number of nonprofit organizations development directors, CEO’s, executive directors and other support members gathered on this warm August morning to meet with local businesses looking to help maximize their events in style, feel, taste and inspiration. As guests arrived, they mingled with the vendors to see what is on the cutting edge of fundraising events. Auction & Event Solutions was the organizing group of the event and had a full staff and display of the newest technologies in the fundraising sector. Smartphone and touch screen electronic bidding platforms, speedy guest check in and check out are AES’s specialty. Phone and touch screen electronic bidding platforms and speedy and easy guest check in and check out is there specialty.
Attendees were treated to a wonderful breakfast by the W Hotel and settled in for a fun morning. Robyn Broshears of AES opened the event by welcoming everyone and sharing why we were there, to raise more money for nonprofits and their beneficiaries. Sonoran Studios provided the audio and visual displays making this look and sound like a world class event and the beautiful table settings and decorations provided by Classic Party Rentals of Phoenix.
Next, Julia C. Patrick of Frontdoors News gave a wonderful keynote speech on unlocking your fundraising potential. She also took questions from the floor in regards to the concepts covered and fundraising in general. Robyn and Julia then picked three lucky nonprofits out of a hat to earn the funds raised during the event from registration, sponsor fees, the live auction and centerpiece sales provided by table tops etc. find out here. Above & Beyond Communications selected Fresh Start Women’s Foundation to receive the ticket/sponsorship proceeds: $1,650!
Then it was time for fun, Bobby D. Ehlert BAS (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist) of Call To Auction, a local professional benefit auction and consultation firm, excited and inspired the crowd to bid in a live auction. He sold a special event marketing package donated by Frontdoors News and valued at $5,200.. Bobby D. used his unique wit, charm and auctioneer style to get hands in the air for the auction and shared some information on why it is important to use a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist. The winning bidder’s funds went to Arizona Broadway Theatre: $1,600!
After a quick break, the group split into two groups to hear talks from Kari Yatkowski of Corporate Citizen about enhancing current fundraisers and Alissa Pierson of the ASU Alumni Association about creating new fundraisers for nonprofits. Both talks shared valuable information about raising more dollars for the organizations in attendance. After closing the session, groups were invited to visit with each of the vendors again, including event planner EMP Management, and partners Don Dear Photography & Studio ADT who create high quality, branded photo keepsakes.There was a fun and fundraising buzz in the room as guests mingled sharing ideas for their next event.
The 2013 Fact, Fiction and Fun of Fundraising in its 3rd year proved to be a success for all involved. The nonprofit groups gained some valuable information and tips about raising more money, the vendors met some potential clients and everyone had a ton of FUN!
