hope. opportunity. recovery.
hope. opportunity. recovery.
As much as we miss you, we still aren’t able to plan for our large gatherings quite yet. Therefore, we will be bringing the event to you! Visit www.transitionalresources.org/fall-event-2021 for more details of our exciting virtual experience!
We will provide the program, the inspiration, and all the support you need to host your own small fundraising gathering at your convenience! There will also be ways to participate individually from home.
See below for ideas an tips on how to host your own party, and head over to our Fall Event 2021 page for updates and more information on our experience and to sign up for event support from TR staff!
Q: What kind of party should I host?
A: It’s up to you and the folks you plan to invite! Be sure to consider the current public health guidance for gatherings as well as your guests’ comfort level. You may wish to host a small gathering in-person, or a virtual gathering. Once you’ve made that decision, you know what works for your crew – would they be more into a sit-down dinner? An informal backyard soirée? A lunchtime gathering at work? If you are planning for a virtual event, you can do it any time of day that suits you. We recommend keeping things simple – not only will that make hosting easier on you, it also means more of your support and attention can go toward TR’s mission.
Q: How do I host a “virtual” gathering?
A: A virtual gathering would be held on an online platform where you and your guests can watch the program together and interact. You can use any platform that you feel comfortable with, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Facebook. Just make sure you have access to an account that can host the number of folks you are hoping to invite for approximately 45 minutes or longer, depending on how much time you want to have for your guests to socialize. You will also want to make sure the platform can play video files to the group and has a chat function so you can post relevant links and information to people as well, although you can also send information via email before the party if needed. If you have questions or suggestions of other platforms, please contact us!
Q: Why is there a timeframe for these events?
A: We are putting together a complete kit to help you host a house party or a virtual gathering in place of our annual Evening of Inspiration that normally takes place in the fall. We are asking you to host your party at a time of your convenience between September 23rd and October 7th so we can be sure we have the staff and program resources to support your party, and so your fundraising efforts coincide with the revenue we’d normally generate during this time of year.
Q: I don’t know Transitional Resources’ programs and mission inside and out. Should I still host?
A: Of course! We can help you get up to speed on the basics further along in our toolkit, and we can provide staff support to events as requested. But more importantly, people support organizations like TR because of they share our beliefs and values. Your guests will be much more moved if you can help them understand your own connection to the agency and our work. We can fill in any facts and figures!
Q: But what are we going to DO at this event?
A: TR is putting together a recorded version of the program similar to what we would normally present at our fall fundraising dinner. We will provide registered parties with a copy of the program as well as provide support for showing it in your home via TV, computer or projector, or online via a video conferencing platform. We’ll also provide some other goodies and suggested activities related to our work. And of course, at the end of the party, you and your guests will have an opportunity to make a gift to support our mission. We hope that the party will be a nice chance to connect with your community in support of a good cause.
Q: Who should I invite?
A: Anyone that you think may be interested in learning about and supporting TR’s work. We have learned over the years that everyone is impacted by mental health and homelessness in some way. Consider your friend groups, co-workers, neighbors, and family, as well as existing groups that may enjoy gathering in support of our work – like your book club, your department at work, or members of a shared organization like Rotary Club. You may also want to pair up with another host or group and combine your efforts.
Q: What’s the best way to invite people to my event?
A: We recommend connecting with people personally first, so an individual, warm email is a great first step. We’ll provide some scripts to help you get started. You may wish to use an online invitation platform like Evite, Paperless Post, or Facebook, which sometimes include some easy built-in tools to remind and communicate with your guests in the lead up to the event. Take advantage of social media to spread the word, and ask each guest to bring a friend or two along. If you are co-hosting, you can discuss with your co-host which method works best for your groups and divide the work!
Q: How should my guests and I make our donations?
A: Very good question! At the end of the program, we’ll provide instructions for making the “ask” for support and ask that you reserve a few minutes to let guests do so right there at the party. We have a few options to make that easy:
For an in-person event:
For a virtual event, we can provide you a link that you can drop into your group chat at during your appeal for support.
Q: But how do I ask people to make a financial gift? I hate talking about money!
A: First, always be upfront that you are hosting a fundraising event – no one likes to be surprised with a request for support! We even encourage you to set a fundraising goal for the event, and to include the invitation for support on your agenda. Making your goals clear makes the actual moment much less scary. We will provide materials, scripts, and info that you can lean on. Finally, remind yourself how making a gift to TR makes YOU feel. Hopefully that’s a good feeling – and one that you would want to invite others to share!
Q: Are my guests going to get tax receipts for their donations?
A: For all gifts made directly to Transitional Resources, we always send an acknowledgement and tax receipt. We also strongly encourage hosts to send their own thank you notes to all the attendees of their parties – and we can provide sample notes. If you opt to have guests pay for meals or other costs of the party, those costs are not tax-deductible.
4 to 6 weeks out
3 weeks out
1 to 2 weeks out
The day of