THE PROJECT

Fast forward to 2020. Demand for services through Mary’s Place skyrocketed with job loss connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the ability to raise additional money plummeted. Mary’s Place leadership feared the absence of the excitement and connection of the annual in-person gala would dampen their prospects of raising the necessary money to meet demand.

THE APPROACH

Working hand-in-had with the Mary’s Place Gala chair and team, SHW managed the schedule and deadlines, led regular meetings, helped with copywriting and editing the auction program and descriptions. In addition, we oversaw the filming of Mary’s Place clients for interviews over Microsoft Teams.

What’s a gala without a delicious dinner? SHW engaged five notable Seattle-area restaurants to offer special meals to attendees for delivery. We managed each restaurant, menu selections, individual communications with each donor, restaurant payments, and coordinated a team of volunteers to deliver meals and bags. A portion of each sale went to Mary’s Place, giving attendees an incentive to buy the meals. As an additional enticement, fabulous swag bags were given to the first 250 donors who purchased meals. More than 300 meals were sold!

THE IMPACT