Twin Cities Gala provides fun, promotes mission

One of the things that gets a lot of buzz around Habitat every spring is our Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala. Right about now is when preparations really ramp up, but we actually start planning for the next year about a week after the previous one!  I started to think about why we would put in so much time and effort for a single event.  Though the execution for a night this big is very complex, the Hard Hat & Black Tie Volunteer Committee believes that the Gala is important to Habitat for three simple reasons:

First, and maybe most important, the Gala gives us the opportunity to tell people who might not be familiar with Habitat about the organization and the need for our work. We believe we have a great mission and a great message- and having a big room filled with lots of people gives us a chance to share it!  We’re optimistic that it can also serve to re-energize existing supporters, and of course, we hope it raises money.

Are we being presumptuous to believe that in one night we can raise awareness of our work if we can clearly communicate the impact we have on the families we serve, build stronger, more loyal supporters, and offer them the opportunity desire to support that work financially? Only five years ago we had about 225 guests in attendance.  Last year we had over 900 people registered!  I think that’s because we’ve made this event something that is both fun and meaningful.

So what’s the buzz really about?  Many people attend fundraising events like Hard Hat & Black Tie because they share a passion for the cause which the event is designed to impact. Some of our guests take part because they are affiliated with one of our local corporate partners. It’s a chance for them to celebrate their company’s commitment to Habitat.  Some people participate simply because they like this type of event.  They think an evening of dinner and dancing for a good cause is just plain fun! Other guests might choose to attend because they have been invited by family, friends, and associates.  They are willing to find out what it is that attracts their friends to Habitat. A few people might not even be that fond of galas, but they come because they want to show their commitment to the organization.  Or maybe it’s a combination of any or all of these things.

Every year, the Committee works hard to ensure an effective outcome and an unforgettable experience. The latter goal sets up the framework for the kind of event that not only attracts new attendees each year, but keeps our loyal guests coming back year after year. Come see for yourself what the buzz is about!

By Kathy Tolo, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity