Challenge

 

Although Manna’s largest annual fundraiser, a formal gala, generated significant donations, it also  required a great deal of overhead and planning. Manna was looking for ways to make the most of their donors' generosity by directing a larger portion of its fundraising towards its mission.

 

Solution

 

In 2008, I worked with Manna to develop a pitch for a No-Go Gala.  The idea was to invite people to RSVP for an event that didn’t actually happen (hence the “no-go”) freeing them to spend an evening at home and in turn directing all ticket sales and donations directly to the bottom line.  Using original design and messaging each year, we encouraged people to donate what they would have spent on a fancy fundraising event instead to the work of Manna. In year one, the invitation raised $35,000 and by the 11th year, donations topped  $450,000. The No-Go Gala has become the non-profit’s largest fundraising initiative of the year for 11 years running.