Appeal Only events

Photo by Lani Garfield www.PhotosByLani.com

In the last few years, many groups have been opting to forgo the traditional gala format, which typically includes formal dinners, entertainment, live and silent auctions, in favor of more mission-centered events with a paddle raise/appeal as the main (and sometimes only) fundraising element.

​This format offers a lot of freedom in terms of event format and frees up organizational resources to focus on crafting powerful stories that showcase the organization's work and give donors a better understanding of the impact of their support.

What do you need to ensure this type of event works well for you?

1. Similar to a traditional gala, you still need high-quality AV and tech support to ensure your guests can hear and understand your organization's stories.
2. No matter how you change up your event format it’s still best practice to have guests seated during your program.
3. Even without an auction component you are still going to benefit greatly from having a professional benefit auctioneer. A benefit auctioneer is trained to successfully and skillfully conduct an appeal/paddle raise and will work with your organization in advance of your event to build a comprehensive strategy to maximize giving at your event. On the night of your event they are experts at executing your strategy, creating momentum, celebrating donors at every level, knowing when to push or not to push to reach target goals at levels, as well as keeping the appeal moving and well paced.
4. Use an active approach to collecting gifts at the event. Many organizations make the mistake that because there is not an auction component they don’t need to use bid cards and instead opt for using envelopes. Using an active giving approach with bid cards will increase giving at your event. Bid cards/Active giving creates a very specific energy allowing your supporters to visibly show their support and allows all your donors to be seen and recognized for their support as well as being connected to something bigger - all of which are major drives for giving. Utilizing bid cards also allows precommited gifts from donors to be recognized in the room which allows for greater levels of engagement, participation, and momentum.
5. Great stories. Without having to spend organization resources and staff time on procuring items for an auction you can instead focus on crafting powerful stories to proceed your paddle raise/appeal. 
   1. Tell your organization’s “why”. Begin the event with highlighting who you are, what you do, why it matters, and why it matters now. 
   2. Share a few stories of impact from the past year that highlight your successes and leave your audience inspired that they can support you in making a difference in your community.
   3. Lead into your paddle raise/appeal featuring a story of one person who was impacted by your work. The story of one person will be more impactful emotionally than highlighting many stories.
6. Great strategy. 
   1. Make sure you have lead donors at your top levels of giving. This ensures you create momentum and that people in the room are inspired by the generosity of their peers. 
   2. Matches are still performing well - especially at levels that are more accessible to greater levels of donors.
7. Develop an after-event communication plan that includes thanking your donors, communicating the event's impact, and continuing to inspire and engage them in your ongoing work.

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Reach out to explore additional ways to exceed your fundraising goals at your next paddleraise/appeal only event!