This spring, numerous organizations that rely on big spring fundraisers – auctions, balls, trivia nights and races – had to cancel, postpone or rethink their event due to COVID-19. These annual events are essential to raising funds for programming & community work, not to mention a great opportunity for donors, staff, volunteers and supporters to celebrate a shared mission. So, organizations were forced to get creative.
We were happy to help our friends at COCA pivot from their original plans for COCAcabana, their annual Spring fundraiser, into a completely virtual experience: “live” music, performances, speakers, auction and more, enjoyed from the comfort of attendees’ homes. More than 1,700 people RSVP’d online, well over double the gala’s usual draw. Patrons logged on for free, but with table purchases and sponsorships from the original event, and virtual donations ranging from $6 to $10,000, COCA netted $565,000 — a $25,000 increase over last year.
As the event’s caterer and key sponsor, we provided custom cocktail kits, as well as a 3-course meal for VIP guests, delivered right to each person’s doorstep. The beauty of hiring an experienced caterer for a Virtual Event is that you can create a completely unique and special experience for your patrons, while resting easy that the strictest safety and sanitation measures are guaranteed. Virginia Howell, the major gifts officer at COCA said, “The Butler’s Pantry staff is amazing and we are so grateful — I have never seen so many social posts on dinners in one night. Thank you all for bringing some joy to so many during this time!”
This event has shown us that virtual events can create the same type of buzz, if not more, and have been proven to generate donations successfully. A total win-win! Planning your own virtual event? Contact us.
Read the full article from The St. Louis Post Dispatch.