Fundraising Campaign: Gala Event
Gala collateral (left to right): Print and digital invitations, MailChimp email invitation, Sponsorship levels postcard, Envelope and RSVP card.
Gala event donor recognition banner signage.
Gala event programs on table prior to event start.
THE NEED
The fundraising arm of College of the Mainland, the Foundation (a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization), hosted a fundraising gala event in April 2023 to provide for students’ futures. I would need to help shape and implement fundraising strategies across omnichannel platforms. Marketing material criteria included usage of a hot air balloon, the colors red, yellow and blue, as well as the provided headline content implemented across print and digital invitations, digital ads, sponsorship levels and RSVP cards, email (Mailchimp) designed communication, Powerpoint deck, and program booklets. Event signage would be needed to recognize high-profile donors.
MY APPROACH
Working closely with the Foundation team, target audiences and various details were solidified. My research initiative revealed many gala events lean towards designs of refined black elegance. However, I felt the black cliche approach was not aligned with this project’s criteria of colors, much less a hot air balloon. Venturing into exploratory territory, a new design of elegance portraying rich blue skies and fluid typography surfaced engaging viewers while promoting a bright future for the subject at hand.
THE RESULT
The gala event was deemed very successful raising a record donation amount to provide for students in need.
MY ROLE
Research, design thinking, co-editor, typography, graphic design and layout, project management