Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Fundraiser; Behind the Scenes

There comes a point in time in all event planner's careers when they are called upon to organize a fundraiser.  Fundraisers are definitely a different animal than your typical party/event.  At the end of the day, there should be a purse of money set to go towards your cause.  Here is a behind the scenes look at the recap from the Myron Family BBQ and Carnival Fundraiser.


Media:

· Paula Lowe – Amazing. Dedicated. Strict! Paula organized all press – We were published in over 20 newspapers and online media when Paula sent out all early Press Releases! Also, all 4 major news stations there and some went LIVE! Paula made sure that Sara was protected. She informed all media that “no questions will be asked about anything personal, except the carnival fundraiser!” She assigned Nems and Emily to answer any questions of the media. Paul made extensive and professional media analysis reports. Paula and her team met with Sara to help with her write her statement. Paula is a pro! I am so impressed with what she did and how she made it all happen. Thank you .

· Nems Scarim – Had trade money with Fisher Broadcasting and DONATED  it to voice a commercial to air on KOMO / KVI several times a day, for 15 days before the event, during drive time!

· Emily Cook – Totally dedicated to this event. Helped everyday with media relations, printing of full color flyers DONATED
  

Recycling:

* Kim Combs – Wow! She helped daily to procure items….and she just had surgery! She emailed daily to ask what the “need” was for the day. We love you Kim and thank you for you “helping spirit.” Kim managed to have all of the recycling bins – delivered- DONATED – and picked up.

Food / BBQ:

* Three Chicks Catering & Café Pacific – We all know that when things happen….we must adapt and adjust to that change. Obviously, we did not have enough time to get competitors for the competition….so we went to “Plan B.” The health department worked with us (amazing) and told us what they would allow us to do. So, Café Pacific and Three Chicks Catering brought their BBQ rigs and fed everyone!

* Sysco – DONATED one case BBQ Pork, one case BBQ chicken, and one case hot dogs. The rest needed to be purchased.

* Three Chicks Catering – DONATED all hot dog buns, all sandwich buns, all condiments & staff

* Kristi Dohring – Costco – DONATED all plates, forks, napkins, hot dog wrappers, etc. Thank you Kristi!

Permits:

* Susan Aaron & Eddy Willingham - Special Occasion Alcohol sales permit - This was an interesting experience J Permits take 45 days to go through all of the proper channels. We didn’t have 45 days to work with. The alcohol permit was approved just a couple days before the event. Eddy and Susan worked their magic and got it done! Thank you for your persistence.

* Nems Scarim – Temporary Food Permit – Honestly, I really cant believe we pilled this off. I had to write a letter of special circumstances and explain why we needed this permit so fast. Rose at the Health Dept. pushed it through and charged us the minimum amount and waived all late charges!

Non –alch Beverage:

* Kristi Dohring – Kristi was relentless to get free stuff! She contacted Costco Fife Biz Center and Marty (biz rep) took $240 Costco gift card out of their marketing budget…..apparently this is really hard to get this much DONATED from Costco. We decided that this would be a great use to purchase the water. The water was on sale for $2.35 a case….so we purchased a whole flat.

* Kim Combs - Mountain Mist – DONATED and delivered – 10 cases!

* Jerry DeLay – Picked up and delivered all water. Thank you!

Beer / Wine Garden:

* Carol Davis – She was on it!....and that same week she retired from a 25 year teaching career! Congrats to you, Carol! Carol coordinated all wine discounts purchasing from her vendors. She took this position and ran with it. Thank you Carol….we are so glad you joined NACE!

* Adrielle Manke – She’s got the hook up! Her family owns The Clover Leaf and The Spar. They got discounted kegs and DONATED wine! Thank you for bartending all night…you were fab!

* Emily Cook – Convinced the Harmon Brewery to DONATE their new beer! Lots of bottles were donated! Thank you Emily for not being afraid to ask for anything!

Eventco / Party Outfitters:

* Eddy Willingham - Hmmmmmm……There really are no words for you Eddy! We could not have done this event without you! Eddy DONATED: Eventco Field, Table covers, mechanical bull, peddle cars, bounce houses, golf cart, tree slide, trapeze trampolines, nacho machine, popcorn machine, snow cones stand, power, water….etc…I could go on and on. Eddy…Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Espresso Cart:

* Suzi Justin – She always comes through for us last minute. She just simply packed up her espresso cart and showed up to DONATE all espresso drinks and Italian sodas. Suzi – you truly are the best! (She also helped me “schmooze” the health inspector on site J)

AAParty:

* Barb Kvapil – You and your crew are top notch. That humongous tent was amazing, all tables , chair, trash cans etc. ALL DONATED! Thank you for all you did for this event….and thank you for all you do for NACE. We love Barb & her crew!

American Party Place:

* Paul – Thank you for the last minute order for a couple tents and a stage. You really came through for us! All DONATED!

Sound:

* Ed Griffin – We can only imagine how HARD it is to provide proper sound for an outside event AND for the bands. You DONATED all of your equipment, time, and staff. You helped out the media and set up of all mics on the podium. Even when you had to adjust to the changes on the day of the event, you just made it happen… like always. You are a true professional. Thank you so much Ed!

Bands:

* David Sobie - Otis and the Raw Dogs! You guys rock!.....no, I mean literally! Thank you for gathering your awesome band and DONATING your time and talent.

* Dan Good – The Boys of Greenwood Glen We loved your bluegrass sound! Thank you so much for DONATING your ENTIRE band (including the fiddler) J We all enjoyed meeting all of you and we are so appreciative!

Emcee:

* Adam Tiegs – Not only did you EMCEE the entire event, but you helped with sound, and most importantly you were there from “day 1” of all of the planning. You took a bunch of different jobs and ran with them. Thank you for your complete dedication to NACE. Your efforts are so appreciated!


Lawn Murals:

* Stan Osborn – Congratulations!….you are the only one who made Sara cry!  You have an incredible talent….something so unique and fun. It’s time for people to know you! It’s also time for you to join NACE and ABC, right? The NACE logo = awesome! The BBQ logo = awesome! Cake walk numbers, Parking lot lines….All DONATED However, the mural of Sara’s parents was truly touching. Thanks to Jerry DeLay for providing the ladder for all of us to gaze at these amazing murals. Stan….you’re the man!

Runner:

* Jerry DeLay – “Help, we need ice!”…no problem, “We need ABC flyer printed”….no problem, “Stan needs more paint!”…no problem………I could go on and on. Thank you so much for you and your Scooter J We really appreciate all of your help that day!

The ATM Guy:

* This was so convenient. Who knew? He DONATED the rig for us. Thank you so much ATM guy!

Signs:

* Sherri Murry – She managed ….somehow…to get ALL of the signage DONATED. She had the hook up and came through at the VERY last minute. Sherri makes things happen. We thank you so much for how much you care.

Parking Attendants:

* “Vinnie & Bruno” – Thank you Adam Tiegs for providing your cousins for the parking attendants. They did awesome and it was such a relief to not have to worry about the parking situation. Thank you cousins!

NACE / ABC Booth:

* Monica, Emily , Kim, Victoria and many more – To all who manned the ABC / NACE booth…thank you for making it so classy looking. You all made us look amazing. Special thanks to Monica for the “apples” and “oranges” tables.

Bathrooms:

* The VanVlecks – Royal Restrooms is the only way to go. They were so amazing and people were talking about them all night. Air Conditioned, clean, beautiful portable bathrooms!...Oh yeah…and don’t forget the mints. You guys are top notch. Thank you Adam Tiegs for making this DONATION happen!


Concessions:

* Cassina Cheers – She went above and beyond …immediately stepping up to help, promoting, researching, learning how to use the machines beforehand, and she even took the test and got her food handlers permit for this. Also, this is brilliant…she put an ad on Craig’s List asking for volunteers for this event and 7 showed up to DONATE their time! You ARE a true leader Cassina. Thank you!

Balloons:

* Adam Tiegs – Again…another last minute request that came through! Leah Noland from Balloon Masters DONATED the Balloon Arch and also decided to set balloons out on the street so people could find the field easier. Thank you Leah and also Adam for making this happen!

Website:

* Kerrie Malone – Who would of thought?  Kerrie doesn’t even know anyone, however, she dedicated every day to creating our website, setting up payment systems, graphic art, creating the logo & flyer. She still continues to update the site today. All DONATED. I cannot thank you enough. You made our lives so much EASIER!

Graphics / logo /flyer:

* Chris Shockley – We started this whole idea with Chris. I called and asked if he would help create this concept and he didn’t even hesitate. I had the flyer, graphics, etc. in one day. He knew we needed to get started quickly and he made it happen.

Check – in & Ticket Sales:

* Nancy Skipton, Jill Hassing, Susan Aaron, Nellie Bell & crew – The check-in and ticket sale queens! It was a big job and it seemed flawless. Thank you for taking care of al of the money and check in procedures!

Pony Rides:

* Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm – They gave a us a HUGE discount. Umpquah Bank sponsored $250 for the ponies. They normally charge $600. I watched so many kids in “awe” of the ponies. I even heard one mom say “when I heard there would be pony rides, I knew I had to come and bring my daughter.” Another mom called beforehand just to make sure the ponies would be there. They had a ball. It was very heartwarming. Thank you Lang’s and Umpquah Bank branches


Cake Walk:

* Julia Miller & Carri Martin – Julia had a vision….a vision of a nostalgic cake walk! She took that idea and ran with it. Her and Carri procured approx 25 cakes….and all sold! They were absolutely beautiful including goodies by: Monica, Victoria, Odette, Debi Braulik, and many more. That was an awesome idea. Thank you for making it so classy with all of the décor you brought as well!

If you are looking to plan a fundraiser, please contact Three Chicks Catering and we will be happy to help you with the process.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Independence Day Dessert

Are you looking for a classic dessert for your 4th of July festivities?  How about a good old fashioned Pineapple Upside Down Cake?  Here is what you will need;


One Cast Iron Skillet

One Box Yellow Cake Mix

One Can Pineapple Slices

1/4 cup Butter

2/3 cup Brown Sugar

1 jar Maraschino Cherries

Preheat oven to 350.  Prepare cake batter as directed in a bowl and set to the side.  Melt butter in skillet.  Once it is melted, sprinkle in the brown sugar.  Arrange Pineapple slices in the pan and place cherries in the centers.  Pour cake batter over the top of the fruit.  Place skillet in oven for 35-45 minutes or until baked all the way through.  When done baking, place skillet on cooling rack for about 15 minutes.  Put an upside down cake platter on top of the skillet containing the cake and carefully turn over.  Leave pan on platter for a few minutes while the cake settles onto the platter.  Gently lift the pan... and enjoy!

Friday, July 2, 2010