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
I just asked this over in the Devo Boards. We have exactly the same Gala date as you.
Our Gala is more about a live performance than an auction, really, so we've discussed a virtual option. But, like you, there are questions about how to justify the cost. We may just move the date.
Hi Kate! I've actually been tracking other organizations with a Gala in spring or summer (to see what they do), and I saw that the Goodman had the same date as us! We are definitely considering a reschedule as well, though part of the hesitancy is that A) we've got Patina Miller as our performer (and she's on all of the branding) so a new date may mean we lose her and B) we're tight on space as it is so there aren't many dates where we'd be able to squeeze it in.
Same. I feel you.
We are trying to postpone it, but don't have a date yet...
Our gala is June 1 - so far enough out that we have not been forced to move it yet, but we are contemplating the best course. Any insights welcome!
Ours was Apr 24th but we have cancelled. We're looking into a virtual event with performance and live auction.
Ours is May 8th. Currently leaning heavily toward a virtual Gala, but no decision made yet. Lord help us all!
Hi Shelley, it sounds like we're going the same route! Would love to possibly swap ideas!
Yup, ours just went virtual! Happy to talk ideas if you'd like!
Welp, we've officially gone virtual! Would love to hear from others who are doing the same and what ideas they've got to continue to make the event special!
That would be great!
Interesting! We'd like to hear more about this. We are working through some details and trying to figure out a solution - this could definitely be an option. Our gala was set for May 2.
Hi Vanessa! We're still in the very early stages of planning so I don't know anything concrete. I did create a new thread here for people to possibly talk through, and I'd be happy talk with you once we have a better sense ourselves of what this will look like!
This is just a thought I had and (just to preface b/c I'm really kind of insane about the source of information these days) is in no way associated with anything being done by any of the Pittsburgh Consortium members that I'm aware of, just my own personal thought that I wanted to share. If places are moving to virtual galas, maybe it is an opportunity to include more people. Typically galas end up being for the very affluent, right? The buy in cost is significant, you have to wear fancy clothes and there's a level of "see and be seen." Well, maybe in this strange time, we get to break down those socio-economic barriers a little. People who love our organizations and can afford tickets or memberships (and maybe auction items and raffles) but don't/can't donate at high levels could be included from their homes. Maybe doing a day long gala so people can join from home whenever, bid on things, see special content live streamed or recorded, maybe host a virtual dance party for families if that fits with an org's motif. I know this is a high level of effort and may not be do-able, but I'm just thinking that, for a $25 donation or something, maybe there is a way to bring people into a donor base that might not have been considered part of it before and create an atmosphere of "we'll be back and better than ever."
Again, these are just thoughts. I have no real ideas as to how to implement, but challenges create opportunity, right? Good luck to everyone, however we all proceed forward.
Hi Katie,
I was actually thinking the same thing in regards to including more people! There is definitely a plus to making it a longer event and more family friendly, and that could help people feel like they are still supporting us while being part of something fun.