NONPROFIT SIG: A Run for Your Money! How to Maximize Your Fundraising Events

A Run for Your Money! How to Maximize Your Fundraising Events

The Gathering Place was the realization of a dream for its founder and CEO Eileen Saffran. Eileen envisioned a place where people touched by cancer could integrate their medical care with services and resources designed to enhance the quality of their lives and offer hope.

Since its 2000 inception, The Gathering Place has served over 40,000 individuals who have made more than 309,000 visits. When you provide services for thousands of individuals and their families—all free of charge, that means you have to continuously raise lots of money to support your mission. For nearly two decades, Eileen and her marketing and development teams have exceeded their goals. One of The Gathering Place’s biggest fundraising events is its annual “Race for the Place,” 5K running race. In 2018 the race netted an amazing $430,000 in donations. From planning, organizing and managing the event, The Gathering Place marketing team does a phenomenal job. They will share their ideas on how to run a great event.

Here is what a nonprofit can expect to learn at the SIG:

• How to build brand awareness for your agency and events
• Strategies for engaging donors
• Communicating effectively with civic and corporate partners
• Mistakes to avoid in event fundraising

Our Speakers:

Mireille Kious, Chief Development Officer, The Gathering Place
Mireille has 14 years of experience serving the Cleveland community working in development, marketing and advocacy for numerous non-profits, including those advocating for social justice. Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, she has fully embraced what it means to be a Clevelander and feels honored to be part of The Gathering Place team. It inspires her to know that funding and advocating for the free programs and services offered at The Gathering Place will provide much healing in the community.

Kris Austin, CMO, The Gathering Place
Kristina has more than 20 years of experience in counseling, community outreach, and marketing. Her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling is a great combination for the work she is doing to help us educate the greater community about the programs and services of The Gathering Place. She is also a part of the clinical program staff and facilitates support groups and retreats.

Fast facts:

• The Gathering Place’s Beachwood location at 23300 Commerce Park has an amazing Zen-like outdoor garden and patio.
• Free parking in front
• Bagels, coffee, orange juice, water provided
• SIGs are a key free benefit for AMA members