Hi all,
As I'm sure other organizations are doing right now, we at Olney Theatre Center are looking at how to move forward with our Gala (currently scheduled for May 16) given the current health crisis. Right now our date just barely falls outside of the 8 week window recently given by the CDC, but of course we know that window can change depending on how things progress. So I'd love to hear from other organizations with spring/summer Galas about how you're approaching this, especially if your Gala is currently scheduled for mid-May or later. I know some organizations have offered virtual Galas, and would love to have a sense of what that entails. Obviously things like a silent auction and even a performance can be done remotely, but such a big part of Galas is creating relationships which is much harder to do in a virtual setting. Also, how do you justify the cost of the ticket when you're not providing a meal and party?
Look forward to hearing the thoughts of others facing the same situation!
Colleen
Circling back to report out on a decision: because we don't really do auction, etc. like many others do, we've opted for a "No Gala Gala". In other words, we've asked the stalwart supporters to turn their table purchases into donations and stay home in their PJ's instead. We'll push out a video from leadership to thank them, but we're not going to take on any expense for dinner, venue, talent, etc. It looks like the amount we save this way is going to about level out with the fundraising we would have done in the last part of the lead-up.
Kate, I loved the language on your website for the "No-Gala" Gala! I shared it with my team.
Full credit to our Events person. He nailed it.