Navigating the unexpected is always a key component of event planning, but the COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for FedExFamilyHouse.
Concerns over attendee safety meant the nonprofit had to cancel its annual in-person gala and transition to a virtual event. Since the gala is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, FedExFamilyHouse needed an experience that still reflected the spirit of the organization and delivered the elegance attendees have come to expect.
As with any unexpected challenge, the most important thing is to adapt and turn the situation around to still ensure success – and the Gala@Home accomplished this goal. Although the event was transitioned to a virtual experience, FedExFamilyHouse still met their fundraising goals, raising more than $880,000. It also left attendees feeling energized and motivated to continue supporting this home-away-from-home for families of patients at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
As the team helped coordinate the switch, we used the familiar navy-and-gold theme to help connect the Gala@Home with previous galas. New messaging encouraged attendees to participate from the comfort of their own homes and included a checklist to help them make the most of the evening. The gala program even shared a special recipe for the Gala@Home signature cocktail, Duck Love.