THE CHALLENGE
Cancellation of in-person events due to the pandemic
Due to the continued spread of COVID-19, City Rescue Mission was unable to host one of their annual fundraising events in person. Events are a major source of their revenue and the primary way they connect with major donors. They needed to find a solution that protected the health of their donors, provided an engaging and connected experience, honored their sponsorship contracts, made their board members proud and ultimately raised revenue to support their mission during a critical period.

THE SOLUTION
Shifting to a virtual event
City Rescue Mission formed a collaborative team with RKD Group and a local production company to develop an engaging virtual event. We worked together to create a top-notch virtual experience that paired engaging speakers and entertainment with sponsor shout-outs and fundraising asks.
To make this virtual event feel personal, City Rescue Mission was intentional about their attendee experience. Attendees received an event-experience box delivered to their home, with a program, pledge card and other mission-branded swag, and had the option to pick up meal kits to serve the night of the event. The 29 volunteers who would have hosted tables at the in-person event instead hosted watch parties for 10 of their friends.
The sponsors received even more engagement than they would have at an in-person event. They were featured in the programs and invitations, on the website, and had special call-outs within the event itself.
