Being open to “better” even with a Gala Win
I had the joy of being part of the Boys and Girls Club of Newark Gala this past week. Without a doubt the venue was spectacular – a palace! The food was over-the-top amazing, and people clearly enjoyed seeing friends and celebrating the honorees. And the $200,000 goal was met! It was clear that Ameer Washington, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club is deeply respected and sincerely liked by the donors and friends of the Club. Congrats!
Now we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to ask, “What can we do to make this experience even better?” Here are 10 questions to ask after every gala….
1. Did you stay on time?
It can be next to impossible to move a room full of people having a good time, but it’s important that we do. To pull from the theater…using hand chimes will trigger folks to move to the next space. Also, here’s the perfect time to enlist board to help by leading the way.
2. What was the noise level in the room?
The sound of happy people can be deafening! Enjoy it and leave people wanting more by mixing single speakers with group activities. The mission moment delivered can be calmer and still very effective. Paddle-rasier MC’s can be down right ear shattering.
3. Did the sound system work?
Sound is a key element for your event and not to be the place to save money. Be sure both the equipment and the people running it know what they are doing. Check it from all points around the room – not just in the middle. Could you understand what we being said or was it muddy? With poor sound, guests will begin to drift away to table conversation not hearing acceptance speeches, or those videos you worked so hard on because they gave up when they couldn’t hear.
4. Do people wait for the gala to give?
Have you promoted a culture of giving at your gala? This may seem fine, but as we encourage larger gala gifts, we promote transactions instead of fostering real giving relationships. Remember a donation is support for a cause – a gift represents feelings between people. Blending gala expectations with the MAJOR gift that will bring your giver the most joy will foster giving at both the gala and a major gift. “I gave at the gala” is not helpful in major giving.
5. What is the experience of the paddle raiser? Was the energetic auctioneer rallying bids an effective strategy, or did it overwhelm some guests?
Look honestly into the faces of the guests during the paddle raise. Are they interested? Wincing at the volume and harshness of the hired leader? Smiling after they are called out for the level they gave? Greeted and thanked by tablemates? How do they feel after participating? Trust me – this can be improved!
6. Did the live auctions engage attendees as we hoped?
“But we get big bids!” you say. I challenge you to talk to the bidders and ask if they really wanted the item, or just wanted to play a lead supportive role for the organization they care about. Would they rather just make a true gift? Can you have these conversations ahead of time? Post gala – ask them how they feel about it in a way that let’s them be honest with you. AND LISTEN!
7. Are you asking for feedback in a way that gives you the answer you want?
For one particularly harsh time master ED, his comment post event was, “I talked to several people who were happy we stayed on time.” Right. Bet cha you asked that question in the way that got the answer you were looking for. As we seek feedback we need to really put away our own sacred cows and opinions and listen with an open mind.
8. Are people leaving early?
This is a powerful sign that you need better time management, sound quality and variety. Note who leaves early and asked them what their experience was with a sincere open mind to hearing from them how they felt.
9. How do sponsors feel?
As with the guests – was the energetic auctioneer rallying bids an effective strategy, or did it overwhelm some guests? As one sponsor representative said to me, “It’s my job to attend these things – sometimes 3 a week. You can definitely feel a different energy from event to event. Some we look forward to – some we look forward to being over!” Ferret out their opinions of what could be better.
10. Are you placing the experience of your attendees over your determination to raise the money?
“We need that unrestricted giving, so these galas are just a needed part of our year.” Be willing to evaluate the REAL cost of the gala in staff time, board pressure to give or get, and be open to change.
In a room filled with our most dedicated supporters, it’s easy to assume that everyone is enjoying the event. However, taking the time to dig deeper may reveal that for some, this is just what you attend when you sincerely care about the mission – what your money does for the kids, animals, seniors, planet, whatever….
Certainly, how you connect with the attendees post event caps off their time with you. Be sure to keep asking, “How do we make you feel special?”
Thank YOU for being special, creating special moments and giving your givers good reason to give AND have a good time!
