Nonprofit Galas Indicate Support Is Strong Despite the Recession
October 20, 2009 — It’s nonprofit gala season and initial indications show that organizations are holding their own in terms of fundraising, compared to last year, with some even increasing their ability to attract financial support.
Urban Edge, Boston Children's Theatre, and Perkins School for the Blind each held galas recently, and reported either record attendance or significant levels of funds raised.
Urban Edge Gets $100K Challenge Grant
Urban Edge, a Boston-based community development corporation (CDC), which held its gala Oct. 14 to commemorate its thirty-fifth anniversary, raised $72,000 to date, with additional sponsorships expected to add to the total. The amount raised this month was similar to the amount raised last year.Highlighting the event was the announcement of a $100,000 challenge grant from the State Street Foundation, which will be used in connection with Urban Edge’s Community Campaign and Investor Circle initiatives, launched last year.
Urban Edge President Mossik Hacobian said, “The focus on education and on a new Urban Edge educational initiative attracted support from a new group of people and leaders.”
More than 320 people attended the event, which reflected an increase in paid attendance by residents and neighbors of Urban Edge housing.
“It shows that grassroots fundraising can grow even when corporate sponsorships are flat. The success of the combined Community Campaign and Investor Circle initiatives launched at the event bears out the fundraising value of linking stakeholders now and in the years to come,” said Leroy Stoddard, a member of the organization’s development team.
Earlier this year, Urban Edge received a $50,000 grant from Citi’s Office of Homeownership Preservation, a 25-City Foreclosure Prevention Program to support innovative foreclosure prevention programs. The funds were expected to enable Urban Edge help more than 100 households keep their homes in 2009, up from 78 last year.
Urban Edge is one of the nation’s most productive CDCs and leads the field in the greening of both new construction and renovated housing and community facilities, for a healthier urban environment.
Donations to Boston Children’s Theatre Nearly Doubled
A gala held last month by Boston Children’s Theatre (BCT), honoring long-time board member and past president, Vivian Marlowe Shoolman of Brookline, raised more than $34,000.Last years’ fundraising event, a reception and performance of the political satire group, The Capitol Steps netted $19,800.
Event co-chair Paul Senecal noted, “The event was successful because BCT is becoming better known throughout the community for its quality and commitment to children. The first season under Burgess Clark is just a prelude of great things to come.”
This year’s event, which attracted 123 guests, recognized the achievements of BCT’s new Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark and featured a performance of the Boston Children’s Theatre Show Choir and a silent auction.
A BCT spokesperson said, “The success of the evening also was due to the generous contribution of Nixon Peabody LLP of their office, which provided a dramatic backdrop and view of Boston Harbor.” The Fireplace Restaurant of Brookline catered the event.
Boston’s oldest theater company, Boston Children’s Theatre was founded nearly 60 years ago as a stand-alone, non-profit organization, dedicated to young people and the telling of their stories. Since 1951, Boston Children’s Theatre has provided unique opportunities for inner city and suburban kids to work together and has offered year-round opportunities for young performers and audiences that are accessible, available, and affordable for all youth and families.
Perkins School Raised More than $30,000
More than 150 friends, families, and supporters of Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown from around the world gathered raised more than $30,000 earlier this month at the second annual Taste of Perkins fundraiser, more than doubling last year’s giving for Perkins education programs and services.Guests took part in a blindfolded food and wine tasting event s and sensory “Exploration Station” demonstrations.