If you are charged with planning and coordinating a fundraising gala, you have a unique opportunity to do something magical. Don’t just go through the motions and plan a ho-hum charity event. Go big and introduce all the upscale touchpoints and aesthetics that matter. And here’s how to roll out the official red carpet and make your fundraising gala a dazzling success.
Book a Posh New York City Venue
Before you take another event planning step in coordinating your fundraising gala, take the time to book tours with all the best New York City venues. There are plenty of brilliant locations in NYC for hosting various events. But this gala is going to be upscale and elevated, meaning you’ll need to find a posh venue with all the right feels, tones, aesthetics, and in-house services to complement a red-carpet affair.
Bring in the Elevated Fare
In addition to rolling out the red carpet, make sure you’re sampling all the delectable hors d’oeuvres and meal selections to ensure they’re up to par for your high-profile guest list. Bring in the professionally dressed waitstaff and custom cocktail bars. Partner with a unique NYC bakery for a dessert station that wows your guests. And every morsel, from the espresso coffee options to the final bite, should be just as magnificent as your event.
Brilliant Lighting and A/V for Your Fundraising Gala
While your NYC venue might have decent lighting and A/V equipment on hand, you’ll want to work with a professional for your fundraising gala’s lighting and sound. Whether you’re setting up an auction or are inviting keynote speakers, having a dedicated team handling the ambiance is key. These pros can ensure that every level of your event’s mood is perfect and portrays an upscale impression.
Announce a VIP Cocktail Hour
There’s the event. Then there’s the pre-event VIP cocktail hour. Create unique guest lists based on your supporters and fundraising efforts, offering VIP experiences that include a private cocktail reception before the doors open to the gala. This will endorse your event as a more upscale and VIP gathering. And the added pre-event is a great value addition for any sponsorship packages you might have in place.
Throw an Action-Packed Fundraising Gala After Party
Every major award show has an after-party. And the after-party can be the extra engagement opportunity your fundraising gala needs to boost charitable results and ensure guests have a brilliant time. When the official party is over, announce and invite guests to keep mingling for a more relaxed, yet still elevated, party.
Invite Celebrities
Take your fundraising gala to the absolute next level by inviting celebrity guests, either as surprise supporters or promotable keynote appearances. Put a megaphone to your fundraising efforts and bring in the celebrity backing your gala needs to really amp up the excitement and results. Look for those celebrity figures who’ve supported causes similar to yours and invite them!
Let EMRG Media Handle Your Fundraising Gala
Yes, all of these upscale extras can elevate your fundraising gala. But it’s also going to require a lot of work, organization, communication, and support. If you want elevated gala results without the hassle, you need to hire the New York event planning pros at EMRG Media. With extensive experience in planning and coordinating some of the city’s biggest fundraisers, our team can manage every detail, from booking the most brilliant venue to arranging celebrity guest appearances.
Keep these insights in mind as you develop your strategy for hosting a fundraising gala this year. And contact EMRG Media if you really want to take it to the next level!
