Hearts, Hands & Headlines: Galas and Communication that Inspires Action

When you think about the incredible work your non-profit does, all the people your organization serves, and the overall impact, I bet you can’t help but smile and get those warm fuzzies inside, that feeling of joy and bliss.

Now, let’s talk about those feelings, the warm fuzzies mentioned above. You feel it because you are inspired by your organization's work and the people it helps. All that goodness must be tapped into to inspire action at your upcoming gala or benefit.

Let’s hop in a time capsule headed to the night of your gala. As the auctioneer takes the stage, you are pumped because you have done your homework. You have met with some of the clients your organization serves, listened to them, and shared some of those inspirational stories with your auctioneer. You know the messaging will pull at the heart strings and inspire action, and all those paddles are lifted high in the air. You and everyone in that ballroom gets that feeling of joy and bliss again.

You did it! It was a record-breaking gala! Now what? Pull 3 to 5 of your best photos and share them with your Communications Consultant or marketing team. Draft a post-event press release for your local publications so that you can share those special feelings with their readers.

Once their readers have that special feeling too, a few will head to your donation link to support your work, or contact you to volunteer or learn more, because they want more of that joy and bliss that your work brings, as you have resonated with them. That’s how the Heart, Hands & Headlines begin to inspire action.

The long and short of this piece include these 3 main points:

a) Leverage the good your organization does;

b) Listen to the stories, then spread them to help build hope and inspiration;

c) Let the community and local media know, so your story goes far and wide.

Now, make me proud, let’s go!

Chereese