What an event should accomplish

Some of the most generous events I’ve ever been part of served up bbq on paper plates under a tent on the grass.

No high dollar speaker. No auction. No fancy room. Just a mission that was clear, a vision people could describe when it ended, and the people being served standing in the room with the people being asked to invest.

If your event ends with people walking away talking about the speaker, laughing about the comedian, wishing they'd won the hunting trip — you missed the opportunity.

The goal is people walking out saying that mission is incredible — and telling everyone they know.

If you're a large institution with decades of goodwill already built — your event can be a celebration. People know you.

But if you're a small nonprofit still earning your place — people need to know who you are, what you're doing, and why it matters. Get clear on the vision. Immerse people in the mission. Build a pitch that's bold and achievable.

That's what moves people to give. Not the china and real silverware.